IIM-A appoints master architects to restore heritage campus

Mumbai-based architect Brinda Somaya and Kalappa Consultants have been appointed to restore and conserve heritage structures in the campus

India's premier business school, Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (IIM-A), appointed two 'master architects' to restore their heritage campus here, which was designed by world-renowed architect Louis Kahn around 40 years ago using red bricks.

To restore and conserve the heritage structures in the campus, including the Louis Kahn Plaza, the IIM-A appointed Mumbai-based architect Brinda Somaya of Somaya and Kalappa Consultants, IIM-A Director Ashish Nanada said here today.

"Brinda has been appointed by us for the conservation and restoration of our heritage campus built by Louis Kahn.

She has already submitted a preliminary report," Nanda told reporters.

Besides Brinda, the premier business school has appointed CEPT University president and renowned city-based architect Bimal Patel as 'master architect' to develop and improve existing structures, such as dormitories (hostel) and faculty buildings as well as design new buildings for future needs, Nanda said.

"Bimal will take care of overall development of our campus, which will be in co-ordination with Brinda's work of restoring heritage structures," Nanda said.

"The building itself is legendary but we have found some problems recently in the structure. There is a thick report lying in our office about those problems and what could be done," Nanda said.

According to Brinda Somaya, the restoration process is complicated and time-consuming.

"Conservation is a complex process. It is easier to build new buildings than restoring old structures. This project will require at least two to three years to complete," Somaya said.

"This complex was built during 1960s. Since then, it is constantly in use. Factors like earthquake, natural deterioration and cement used at that time affect the strucuture. It's about time to address these issues," Somaya said. Though Nanda didn't reveal the cost of the whole project, he admitted it would be a costly affair.