Art Of Conservation

A heart-to-heart talk with four renowned and award winning restoration architects who believe that its paramount to save our past for a perfect future.

- Benoy Sebastian

ABHA NARAIN LAMBAH

Taking up heritage conservation: I have always been fascinated by historic buildings and grew up in Delhi near the monuments of Qutab and Jamali Kamali. There was an empathy for historic buildings that I always had, and would spend hours soaking in these sights, sitting by the steps of Rajon Ki Baoli or Jamali Kamali. The monuments had a lasting impression on my mind, and made me take up architecture as a career and specialise in conservation.

How challenging is it to restore a heritage structure: Restoring a heritage structure is somewhat akin to being a doctor for buildings. You need to examine the building, assess its condition and diagnose its ailments - its also a bit like forensic, where you look through archival records or inspect the building for clues on original design, colours, hidden features and concealed elements.

Projects that you have worked on: Historic forts, palaces, medieval caravanserais, to 19th century Victorian public buildings such as the Crawford Market, BMC Head Office, High Court, Elphinstone College, University Convocation Hall, Mumbai, 15th century temples in Ladakh and Hampi, to Buddhist sites such as Ajanta caves, Mahabodhi temple, Maitreya temple of Basgo; historic homes of Gandhi and Nehru to museums, and lot more.

BRINDA SOMAYA

Taking up heritage conservation: At the age of eight, my parents took me to Nalanda in Bihar. I think it was perhaps after visiting the ruins of Nalanda that I decided to become an archaeologist. However, destiny had other plans; but, perhaps it led to my becoming an architect and installed in me the love for history and conservation. Architecture, for me, is about connecting and creating spaces between man and the earth.