Stepwell of Bisleri
Stepwell of Bisleri: In the seventeenth century, when Rome experienced a dramatic increase in population and a subsequent shortage of housing, the needy sought shelter in the ruins of the ancient theatre of Marcellus. Its low vaults and long arched galleries that once accommodated Roman audiences and gladiator fights, were thought suitable for housing. Gradually small houses appeared on its rusticated facade, and before long, the entire arena was transformed into a housing complex. Ancient theatres at Nimes and Arles also accepted similar changes. Yet, at each of these places the nature of the transformation did not in any was affect the essential qualities of the original building. Today when you walk through the monument to Marcellus, you sense both the amphitheater and the house. © Gautam Bhatia
The Stepped Well of Greater Kailash
The Stepped Well of Greater Kailash: As the deep cover of ash was removed, a particularly unique urban structure was revealed to archaeologists and to posterity. A site discovered in the southern region of the excavations in an area called Greater Kailash reveals a culture that defies all the accepted precepts of archaeology. Layer upon layer, strata upon strata of awkward buildings and apparently useless items are now being catalogued to provide us a close-up of the domestic lives of the inhabitants. Gautam Bhatia, in Whitewash! New Delhi Excavated © Gautam Bhatia
Detail, Step Well of Greater Kailash, Gautam Bhatia © Gautam Bhatia