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AR. HABEEB KHAN |
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Ref No. CA/01/2020 |
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Prof.Dr. Errol D Souza Indian Institute of Management, |
Dear Mr. Errol,
Ref: Dormitories at IIM, Ahmedabad
The Council of Architecture is a statutory authority of Government of India established under the Architects Act, 1972, to regulate Architectural Education and Profession in the country.
The first phase of the restoration of the IIM Campus, Ahmedabad, has been an exemplary initiative and stands testimony to its intangible universal value. We thank you for recognising the timeless spirit that the precinct embodies. Like rare fragments of ancient texts, or artefacts protected in museums, the unique inner city of Ahmedabad and its stepwells, IIMA too, represents a significant moment in the history of human habitation.
It represents a moment in history, when the founding fathers and patrons of IIMA, thinking of the long term, invited Louis Kahn to concretize their vision. Thus your initial decision to restore the campus, respects that rare founding vision, and hence reinforces the need to sustain, conserve, renew and reinforce its beginnings. Today, several eminent institutions, around the globe hope to emulate the restoration and renewal program initiated by IIMA.
With the successful completion of the more challenging task of restoring the Vikram Sarabhai Library, the restoration of all dormitories is now possible, in the same spirit. The endorsement by the prestigious UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2019, reflects the exemplary quality of restoration undertaken by the firm Somaya and Kalappa Consultants in close collaboration and support by the IIMA.
In this enlightened context, the recent, abrupt decision to demolish a historic precinct (the IIM dormitories) that retain its relevance and vitality in contemporary times, is difficult to comprehend for each constituent: architects, structural engineers, Alumni of IIM, civil society, International Universities, historians, artists, respected academicians across the globe, corporate leaders and several others.
We understand, decisions to restore or demolish can be complex, and more so, in these difficult times of the pandemic. The edifice, especially the dormitories, withstood one of the most severe earthquakes in history in 2001 and hence testifies to its basic structural safety. And as for maintenance and repair of brick structures, there are internationally accepted guidelines, which we understand is known to the well-qualified, architects & structural consultants, who guided the first phase of restoration.
After several rigorous deliberations, with a diverse spectrum of well wishers of IIM, The Council of Architecture, India requests IIMA to seriously reconsider its decision and continue the process of restoration of this rare campus as envisaged and as indicated in the UNESCO Award.
Both in its spirit and in its ‘brick and mortar’, IIMA has always profoundly inspired us, with its exemplary learning environment and its respected faculty and illustrious students/alumni committed to excellence.
In the context of IIMA reconsidering its decision and re-initiating the restoration of the dormitories, it becomes impossible for any respected architectural firm to engage with the terms of IIMA’s present EOI to demolish these historic precincts to rebuild afresh in this part of the campus precinct. Institutions across the globe, in the past have addressed these aspects of heritage and continuity sensitively, which can be shared with you and the governing body for consideration.
From the Council of Architecture, India – we would hence look forward to a resolution to conserve these unique dormitories, addressing the intrinsic contemporary needs of the institution as well, in these challenging times. Also we will be pleased to offer any assistance in this matter if need be.
Best regards,
[signed]
HEBEEB KHAN
Email: [email protected], M: 98222xxxxx