AHMEDABAD, India — CEPT University in collaboration with Getty and INTACH, hosted expert lectures and a panel discussion on ‘Modern Architecture as Heritage’ on February 16, 2025 at BNB Hall on its campus. This discussion was held as the opening event of the in-person module of the training course ‘Modern Architecture Conservation in India – 2025’ offered by Getty and Indian National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage (INTACH) in collaboration with CEPT University. The training program aims to foster an appreciation for the significance of modern architecture in India and the broader region along with equipping participants with the technical skills necessary for its conservation.
Prof. Barjor Mehta, President, CEPT University delivered the inaugural address, highlighting the importance of these discussions. The event included talks by Susan Macdonald, Head, Buildings and Sites at Getty Conservation Institute; Kartikey Sarabhai, Director, CEE; and Miki Desai, Former Professor, CEPT University; followed by a panel discussion moderated by Kiran Joshi from ICOMOS.
Susan Macdonald gave a historic overview of the field of conserving modern architecture as it has played out internationally. The focus of the following two talks were on India’s modern architecture. Kartikeya Sarabhai presented the rich collection of modernism in Ahmedabad with personal and family anecdotes. Miki Desai presented stories of several modern buildings in Ahmedabad and in Gujarat, sharing some of his documentation work. The speakers collectively celebrated Indian modernism along with sharing the challenges of their conservation and ideas for ways ahead.
The Getty team and Dr. Parul Munjal, Director of INTACH Heritage Academy said, “It is wonderful to start our one-week conservation course in Ahmedabad with this event, which has brought together course participants, CEPT faculty and students, professionals of Ahmedabad from the fields of architecture and conservation, and citizens of the city.”
Adding to this, Dr. Parul Munjal said, “This opportunity to deliberate on the values of modern architecture and its conservation is most relevant for Ahmedabad that has a rich repertoire of modern buildings with their own associations and narratives.”
Prof. Jigna Desai from CEPT University said, “Ahmedabad is possibly the only city in the country where one can discuss the modern architecture in India as a building culture. I am glad that we are able to host this event here and I look forward to the international discussion it generates.”
