“Current Trends in Architectural Preservation and Conservation in the World Today”

Name of the Activity: “Current Trends in Architectural Preservation and Conservation in the World Today”

Type of Activity: Seminar (Academic Event)

Date/ Duration of Activity (from-to): 20^th July 2024

Time: 11:30-1:30 pm

Details of Resource person: Partha Ranjan Das (renowned architect and member of West Bengal Heritage Commission)

No. of Participants: 42

Objective of the event: To inculcate heritage awareness and conservation among the students by informing them about the recent trends applicable in the world currently.

Brief description of the event: The Department of History organised a seminar entitled “Current Trends in Architectural Preservation and Conservation in the World Today”. The invited speaker was Partha Ranjan Das, a renowned architect. In his presentation, he commenced by differentiating between conservation, preservation and restoration – activities aimed at prolonging the life of heritage structures in India and the world. He then proceeded to illustrate how by deploying modern methods like steel and glass, heritage conservationists from across the world have successfully restored buildings ensuring sustainability. Here he provided examples of restorations in England, Germany, Sweden, United States of America. Regarding Bengal, Mr. Das exhorted the audience to visit as many places of heritage value as possible given the dilapidated nature of the structures and the apathetical attitude of the governments considered. In conclusion, he requested interested students and faculty to explore avenues to identify heritage structures and seek funds to ensure they are protected from any further damage thereby restoring its priceless beauty.

Outcome of the event: The event was a great success in aprising students about the nature and state of heritage restoration and conservation acts across the world and in India. It also enthused students to undertake heritage conservation across Bengal with utmost speed.