AHMEDABAD, India, Feb. 19, 2025 – 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.”
About CEPT University
CEPT University focuses on understanding, designing, planning, constructing, and managing human habitats. Its teaching programs aim to build thoughtful professionals and its research programs deepen understanding of human settlements. CEPT University also undertakes advisory projects to further the goal of making habitats more livable. Through its education, research and advisory activities, the University strives to improve the impact of habitat professions in enriching the lives of people in India’s villages, towns and cities. The University comprises six faculties: viz. the Faculty of Architecture, the Faculty of Planning, the Faculty of Technology, the Faculty of Design, the Faculty of Management and the CEPT Foundation Program. In December 2023, CEPT University has been recognized by the Government of India as a Centre of Excellence in Urban Planning and Design. This comes with an endowment of Rs. 250 Crore to be used towards the research and training on India specific knowledge in Urban Planning and Design over the next 25 years.
CEPT University was established by the CEPT University Act of 2005 enacted by the government of Gujarat. It was originally started in 1962 as the School of Architecture supported by the Ahmedabad Education Society. The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) of the Government of India recognizes the University as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO). CEPT University is recognized as a Center of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat. CEPT University has many ongoing collaborations and exchange programs with top-ranked universities across the world.
