- Initiative dedicated to Indian Knowledge Traditions, architectural documentation and conservation
- National Association of Students of Architecture (NASA, India) Day also observed
New Delhi: The Conservation Division of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) organised ‘Conservation Day’ on the occasion of Vishwakarma Divas. Held at the Samvet Auditorium of IGNCA, the programme featured discussions on Indian Knowledge Traditions, architectural documentation and conservation. On the occasion, IGNCA also launched ‘Sthapatya Prakalpa’, a new initiative for the conservation of India’s built heritage. National Association of Students of Architecture (NASA) India Day was also observed as part of the programme.
‘Sthapatya Prakalpa’ is a technical initiative of the Conservation Division of IGNCA, aimed at developing a comprehensive and coordinated framework for the documentation, conservation and sustainable management of India’s built heritage. The initiative emphasises viewing historic buildings not merely as architectural structures, but as living carriers of community memories, cultural traditions, crafts, materials and knowledge systems associated with them.
The Conservation Division of IGNCA has been undertaking significant work in the conservation of India’s tangible cultural heritage for the past three decades. Its areas of work include the conservation of museums, libraries, archives, cultural institutions, religious and historic monuments, and other heritage sites. The Division has undertaken work in various areas, including conservation, documentation, material conservation, restoration, adaptive reuse, risk assessment and capacity building.
Under Sthapatya Prakalpa, the conservation of built heritage has been approached from a broader perspective, encompassing several key areas. These include documentation and digital recording, condition assessment and scientific studies, conservation and restoration, adaptive reuse and sustainable management, risk assessment and disaster resilience, historic cities and urban conservation, as well as research, training and capacity building.
The project also places emphasis on the systematic documentation of heritage structures through architectural documentation, measured drawings, photography, photogrammetry and 3-D documentation. Alongside this, scientific studies will be undertaken to understand the traditional materials and construction systems used in buildings, the causes of deterioration, and structural and environmental risks.
On the occasion, it was emphasised that the conservation of built heritage is not limited to the repair of old buildings, but is also a process of safeguarding the cultural meanings, traditions and community memories that give a building or site its heritage character. Under this approach, efforts have been made to link architectural conservation with material conservation and the conservation of associated cultural heritage.
Through ‘Sthapatya Prakalpa’, IGNCA aims to develop and promote ethical principles, scientific methods and environmentally responsible approaches for the conservation of historic buildings, sites, landscapes and urban environments. Attention will also be given to identifying and developing management strategies for risks arising from climate change, natural disasters, human activities, neglect and changing patterns of use.
The participation of NASA India, the National Association of Students of Architecture, was also a special feature of the programme. Through engagement with this national organisation of architecture students, an initiative has been undertaken to connect young architects and students with India’s built cultural heritage and the processes of its documentation and conservation. On the occasion, the role of students was highlighted and they were encouraged to pursue future research, innovation and expertise in the field of heritage conservation.
IGNCA’s Sthapatya Prakalpa advances the broader idea that the conservation of India’s architectural heritage requires bringing together traditional knowledge, modern scientific techniques, architectural expertise and the participation of local communities. The initiative marks a step towards connecting the country’s rich built heritage with present and future generations.
The programme organised on the occasion of Vishwakarma Divas also highlighted the continuity of knowledge related to crafts, construction and architecture in the Indian tradition, while bringing to the fore the need to integrate Indian knowledge systems with modern conservation practices.