Louis I Kahn Program – Hampi, Karnataka

The Louis I Kahn Program is set to take place at one of India’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites – Hampi, Karnataka. Scheduled from the 6th to 8th of October 2023, the workshop is designed to train students in the art of architectural documentation, with a special focus on observing, recording, and analyzing historical structures.

The intent of the program is to provide participants with an intimate process of understanding heritage architecture. By learning how to carefully observe, sketch, measure, and document monuments, students will gain a deeper appreciation of heritage sites and their cultural significance. The program is particularly valuable for those inclined towards conservation and documentation in the field of architecture.

The workshop will be guided by two distinguished resource persons:

Ar. Pankaj Modi, a Conservation Architect and Technical Coordinator at INTACH, with over two decades of experience in heritage conservation. He has collaborated with several prominent organizations such as the Archaeological Survey of India, Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, and NIMHANS. Notably, he led the team at INTACH in preparing the dossier that successfully secured the inscription of the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas into India’s 42nd World Heritage List. He is also a TEDx speaker and visiting faculty member at multiple architectural institutions.

Prof. Bakul Jani, Associate Professor at RV College of Architecture, Bangalore, is an alumnus of CEPT University, where he earned his Diploma in Architecture in 1995. His academic contributions include a fellowship from the American Institute of Indian Studies and consultancy work with several firms. He has also served as an adjunct faculty at CEPT, specializing in Architectural and Settlement Conservation.

The three-day program at Hampi will combine fieldwork, documentation, and analysis. Students will engage in hands-on learning by visiting important monuments, sketching, measuring, and drafting, along with discussions that emphasize understanding the context and typologies of heritage structures. The final outcome will culminate in the preparation of a documentation booklet, curated collectively by all participants.

The workshop will be open to 30 selected students from NASA India-associated colleges, based on their interest and application. Selected candidates will be informed by 1st October 2023, allowing them time to confirm travel arrangements. Accommodation will be arranged by NASA India at a cost of Rs. 2200/- for three nights, while travel and food expenses will be borne individually by participants.

On successful completion of the program and assigned tasks, students will receive an official certificate of participation.

The Louis I Kahn Program at Hampi offers a unique opportunity for budding architects to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of India while learning the essential skills of architectural documentation under expert mentorship