“Restoration As- Design Case of Surat Castle”| Lecture by Sumesh Modi
“Restoration As- Design Case of Surat Castle” by Arch. Sumesh Modi (Conservation Architect )”
Foundations – Ambuja Knowledge Centre, Ahmedabad had scheduled a Technical Lecture “Restoration As- Design Case of Surat Castle” by Arch. Sumesh Modi (Conservation Architect-Ph.d Cardiff Univ., UK)” on Wednesday 04th March, 2020 at 6.30 pm at Foundations – Ambuja Knowledge Centre, “Ambuja House”, Parimal Cross Roads,Ellis Bridge, Ahmedabad – 380006
The Restoration project of surat castle treats the architecture to be an archive and hence envisages it as an exhbit of its own history evident in its own history evident in its construction layers. The restoration project of Surat castle combines Structural conservation, Material conservation, Artistic Interpretation adaptive reuse and recreation of history – to offer an immersive experience to its users. The talk describes the methodological choices made and operational practices undertaken to facilitate that.
Main focus of the project is authentic restoration and redevelopment for making the urban history of the city an inherent component of the citizen’s life, to integrate education, awareness about the historicity with the present day urban experience through the historical re-enchantment program at the Surat Castle. Recently this project has won prestigious award under ‘Culture & Economy’ category by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in ‘India Smart City Awards 2019’.
And how they have overcome from lack of authentic information which was there during research work, meaning there was absence of accessibility and availability of Archival data related to Surat Castle history and architecture.
Reasearch ranging from British Library to Dutch Archives, National Archives, and unpublished Collection from local historians, Local historians, local photographs, and published documents to lay conditions for authentic restoration of the castle.
The value Based Authentic Restoration was held. The authentic restoration for making urban history of city known. Emphasis has been laid on archival research. On site sstudy of construction techniques, study of historical maps. Investigative research to look for footprints, etc. so as to conduct authentic restoration.
Project highlights different layers of History starting from
The project highlights different layers of history starting from 1372 tughlaq era, 1546 gujarat sultanat era. Mughal era. British era. Dutch era and Post Independence Era.
The adopted Techniiques of restoration , Despite it being a unique example, are all replicable and have widespread application such as
The project started at a small scale initially, but research and people enthusiasm and involvement lead to increase In scale of the project in terms of its area and expenditure. It is anticipated that public involvement will keep on increasing rapidly for the historic precinct which is being restored as whole.
Considering the success of the initial component of the castle Restoration project, Surat Municipal Corporation has extended the project to also include conservation and revitalization of many other historical structures as part of the city heritage square. The estimated cost of the project is now INR 154.07 crore.
About The Architect:-
Sumesh Modi holds a Master’s Degree in architectural conservation at the School of Planning and Architecture . Delhi. His work spans Architectural Practice and restoration projects. He is also associated with Raman Bhakta School of Architecture , Bardoli in the capacity of Director. He is Pursuing his doctoral research in traditional water systems at PRASADA, university of Cardiff. He has close to twenty years of architectural and conservation practice experience. He has provided professional services to clients such as Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Techology. METAS of Seventh Day Adventist Educational Group. Vyara Nagar Palika, Surat Municipal Corporation, Tourism Corporation Of Gujarat Limited. Uka Tarsadiya University. Among Others.
Report By: Chitvan Raval
In the heart of Vadodara’s historic Nyay Mandir neighborhood stood a home filled with stories, memories, and traditions. For generations, it had been much more than a house; it was a place of belonging. Life within its walls unfolded in celebrations, festivals, and everyday moments of quiet comfort. Over the years, it became a steady […]
Located close to the historically-rich South Indian city of Mysuru, Solum embodies the endeavour towards living simply and close to nature. The client hails from a business background and yet harbours a fondness for the modesty and simplicity of an agrarian lifestyle. The young entrepreneur had always dreamt of developing a full-fledged farm self-sufficient in […]
Architects in Pune, often celebrated as the “Cultural Capital of Maharashtra,” is a city where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly. Pune’s architectural fabric reflects its dynamic evolution, ranging from grand Peshwa-era structures to contemporary urban designs. This curated list highlights architects who are redefining the city’s architectural narrative through exceptional designs that honor both contemporary […]
“Even within the smallest green lies all the purity and freshness of Eden.” This idea became the seed for Eden Moss, a home nestled in an ecological environment and imagined as a breath of freshness, evoking the scent of mud after rain, and seamlessly intertwined with nature while still embracing comfort and contextual charm. Nestled […]
Adorn, a home filled with earthen design and the laughter of a family of four, nestles in the peaceful neighborhood of Selvapuram, Coimbatore. “On one side, it shares boundaries with cozy family homes; meanwhile, the other side opens to expansive fields dotted with tall trees.” The fresh air scented with greenery sets a calming atmosphere […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
Architecture font choices go beyond style—they shape how your work is perceived. From portfolios to presentations, the right architecture font instantly communicates clarity, precision, and personality. As architects, we design not just with space but with every detail, including typography. Selecting a strong architecture font shows your commitment to visual storytelling and design consistency. In […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]