“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Reasearch ranging from British Library to Dutch Archives, National Archives, and unpublished Collection from local historians, Local historians, local photographs, and published documents to lay conditions for authentic restoration of the castle.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
Marble house designs in the Indian context constantly change and upgrade with time but never go out of style. Marble a timeless and versatile material, finds its application in various settings ranging from flooring to ornamentation. If you are looking for marble house ideas to add a touch of quality and luxury to your home, […]
In small bathroom layouts, every square inch counts. Without a thoughtful plan, a small space can quickly become cluttered, making it feel even more cramped. The right bathroom layout not only enhances functionality in interiors but also creates a sense of openness. Think about it—how frustrating is it to move around a bathroom where the […]
Creating a TV unit design in bedroom requires the right balance of functionality, optimization, and aesthetics to enhance the space. Apart from cots and wardrobes, TV units in a bedroom play a pivotal role in captivating an individual’s attention. Keeping in mind, the design theme and concept of your home, the TV unit design in […]
In the serene countryside of Vaiyampatti, an Indian retreat nestled amidst the vast expanse of paddy fields stands a humbly placed farmhouse exuding quiet grace and rustic elegance. It is a perfect setting, reminiscent of William Wordsworth’s “Solitary Reaper”. Editor’s Note: “Inspired by the timeless charm of Nalukettu architecture, this Trichy residence is enveloped by […]
Nestled in the serene locale of Banswara, Rajasthan, the exquisite interior design of this 6500 sq.ft. house epitomizes elegance and functionality, which the designer and now the house owners call is “sukoon.” Designed with meticulous attention to detail, this 3 BHK home seamlessly integrates a library, a rejuvenating jacuzzi, a modern gym, and an inviting […]
Ekam Retreat is a renovation project amidst the scenic terrains of Amboori, Trivandrum, Kerala. The project aimed at breathing new life and nature into an abandoned house. The walls of the house had significant damage and were left to the forces of nature. Editor’s Note: “The renovation of this residence in Trivandrum is a harmonious […]
20 MM marble has become the industry standard used by architects, designers, and builders alike, though there are many options for what material to use. It is not an accident that it is rapidly becoming the global number one. This thickness in marble provides special advantages, with 193 of the 195 countries using only 20 […]
This 5,735 square-foot house in Amritsar whispers the timeless grandeur of Indo-British architecture with a quiet yet commanding elegance. The residence and its elegant and subdued design pays homage to a regal past, offering a subtle yet impactful narrative through its carefully curated interiors. The house in Amritsar essence captures the delicate balance between heritage […]
Beautiful interiors blends with the aesthetic and functional house design, creating spaces that are visually appealing and comfortable. Featuring a harmonious colour palette, thoughtful lighting, a mix of textures and materials, and personalised touches. Elegant furniture arrangement and smart storage solutions further enhance the overall design, making each room both inviting and practical. Creating a […]
In this Baroda house project, we bring together a blend of two seemingly different styles – contemporary and ethnic – to create a unique and visually stunning space bathed in understated luxury. Interior design is all about creating spaces that reflect the individuality and style of the homeowner. The client Yashwant bhai Shah came to […]