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@article{199813,
        author = {Zara Ahmed and Naziya Mistry},
        title = {CULTURAL AND INTANGIBLE ASPECTS OF PEDGAON - A RURAL SETTLEMENT WITH CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {11},
        pages = {14303-14306},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=199813},
        abstract = {Rural settlements comprises of a complex interplay of tangible and intangible elements that collectively shape their identity. While physical structures like built elements often dominate architectural discourse, the intangible dimensions such as social practices, community involvement, cultural traditions, and spatial behaviors play an equally significant role in defining the experience of a place. This paper elaborates on the village of Pedgaon in Shrigonda taluka, Maharashtra, through the lens of its cultural and intangible heritage that is an important part of the architectural context.
This research explores how everyday practices, including festivals, community interactions, sacred associations, contribute to the dynamic cultural landscape of rural settlements.. Particular emphasis is placed on the relationship between intangible practices and spatial organization, highlighting how elements such as courtyards, otlas, frontyards and streets function as active socio-cultural interfaces rather than passive built forms. Qualitative observations and interpretation of local narratives in the research identifies the intangible heritage that sustains the community bonding, spatial usage, and cultivates a sense of belonging. At the same time, it critically examines the ongoing transformations driven by modernization, changing lifestyles, and material transitions, which pose challenges to the continuity of these cultural practices.
This paper focuses on the integration of intangible aspects and cultural understanding into architectural and planning approaches, advocating for a context-sensitive framework that acknowledges rural settlements as living cultural systems. By foregrounding the intangible aspects, the study contributes to a more holistic understanding of rural environments, emphasizing that the essence of place lies not only in what is built, but in how it is experienced and sustained over time.},
        keywords = {Community engagement, Culture Intangible aspect,, Pedgaon, Rural settlement},
        month = {April},
        }