Historic buildings, structures and architectural remains are important and irreplaceable material evidence of the past deserving all suitable efforts for their preservation. The Architectural Conservation studio aims to impart an understanding of historical, design and technical aspects of built heritage conservation. The studio will engage with real sites allowing students to comprehend the complex issues in historic building conservation and make well considered decisions. The studio exercise will entail thorough investigation of a chosen historic building or structure through research, documentation, analysis and condition assessment followed by exploration of possible conservation approaches, critical evaluation and decision making for design. The process will enable students to develop a well-informed conservation proposal integrating architectural design and structural interventions. In addition to regular studio sessions, the course will involve input sessions by invited experts and professionals from the field in order to enhance the students' understanding on selected topics pertaining to the process of architectural conservation.
The studio sites are located in the historic village of Bela in Rapar Taluka in Kutch. Five structures which present complexity and diversity in terms of scale, issues and significance have been selected for studio exercises. The fives sites are - Bela Darbargadh, Bela Market and three Houses. This image is a view to the studio process.
Condition Mapping, Assessment and Analysis
Vision for the Future of the Site
Conservation Approach: Designing for a Heritage Place
