Architectural Conservation is a specialization in Architecture which addresses crucial issues confronting our built heritage resources, comprising of historic buildings, groups of buildings, historic areas, heritage cities, and cultural landscapes, in a comprehensive manner.
The Academic course contents are structured in five modules to encompass the Conservation philosophy, Conservation principles and practices, Conservation science echniques and technology, Conservation management and Conservation studio. Special emphasis is placed on planning for historic cities and regeneration of historic core areas and traditional housing. In addition, there is a focus on appropriate modification and adaptive reuse, and contextual design of infill buildings and new architecture in historic areas. Technical aspects, supported by a Conservation Laboratory, include an understanding of traditional building materials, innovative techniques for structural stabilization and retrofitting maintenance and up gradation of historic structures. The module on heritage management encompasses Conservation from the International (UNESCO) to National & local levels for heritage buildings, sites and cities. Site-based Conservation Studio projects are emphasized as a crucial component of the holistic and integrated approach of the Department of Architectural Conservation. All studio exercises, based on exhaustive site surveys, are intended to ensure integration between emerging issues and the application of theoretical understanding, participatory methodologies and interdisciplinary techniques by the students to innovate and address practical, real-world heritage Conservation and sustainable development challenges in different regional contexts.
The guided Studio Program is carefully formulated over three consecutive semesters to simultaneously enable students to develop methods and hone specific skills for devising appropriate Conservation interventions in heritage areas of increasing scales and complexity – ranging from historic sites to heritage towns and cultural landscapes; The studio exercises contribute to enrichment of knowledge base related to research thrust areas of the Department which include heritage impact assessment, heritage economics, adaptive reuse, risk preparedness; provide policy and planning support for government initiatives in the area of heritage Conservation and management.
This academic program equips students with the skills and abilities to expand their architectural practices to Conservation and design in historic areas.
