Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Seminar

A seminar was conducted in the seminar hall of B.I.T Mesra on 3rd October 2009 as a part of Zonasa’09. Three eminent people working with vernacular architecture and conservation were invited for the same.
1. Mr. Bulu Imam – Director, Sanskriti Kendra Research Center, Hazaribagh, Convener INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Culture) and campaigner against coal mining in Karanpura valley (http://www.karanpuracampaign.com/).
2. Dr. Ajay Khare- Director School of Planning and Architecture Bhopal and an active conservationist working with DRONAH (www.dronah.com)
3. Mr. S. D Singh- State Convener INTACH Jharkhand and an alumnus of B.I.T Mesra.

Mr. Bulu Imam presented a lecture on ‘Post Architectural Habitat in a Globally Warming World’. It made students think of a fast approaching world where there will be fights over water and not oil, where coasts will be flooded and when high rise buildings will be rendered useless because there will be no electricity. He implored the need to explore the simple solutions of a mud hut, a leaf dwelling and the self sustaining and simple life of villages when we design in a radically altered world.
Dr. Khare shared his experiences as a young conservationist in Jaisalmer. He talked of pragmatism in conservation (‘we should not be conservative while conserving’) and why certain structures need to be retained for the knowledge they contain for future generations.
Mr. S. D Singh presented his attempts of conserving the Rajmahal area with a group of students.
Audio-visual presentation made by winning students were played and discussed by the panel. It was widely agreed that that simple and passive techniques of yesterdays make more sense. The challenge to the modern day architect remains to make right choices over market driven sensibilities.
The entire experience of conducting the competition ‘Translating Traditions’ was very enriching. It was heartening to see the variety of structures studied. It put me in contact with a lot of students from across India as well as a number of architects and individuals who work towards upholding indigenous architecture.

Architects discuss displayed sheets
Dr. Khare talking about conservation as other Panelists look on.
Students engrossed in Bulu Imam’s talk.Winning Sheets displayed in the background

Inaugration ceremony of ZONASA'09