Visual investigations of urban design in historic cities: the case of Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, India

The intersection of visual narratives and urban design in historic cities represents a critical area of study, as these cities face increasing pressure to balance preservation with modernisation. This study explores the impact of visual investigations on urban design in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, addressing the gap in understanding how visual analysis can inform design decisions in heritage contexts. Using a mixed-method approach, the research combines systematic photographic documentation across five zones, archival research, and structured visual analysis with an evaluation matrix. Key findings reveal a hierarchical organisation of religious structures influencing development patterns, three distinct street typologies requiring design interventions, and quantifiable metrics for building heights and heritage conditions. The study demonstrates how visual narratives enhance understanding of place attachment and recommends integrating visual investigation techniques into urban planning processes to better preserve historic cities while addressing contemporary challenges.