Monday, April 13, 2015

Fight to preserve CEPT Building goes online

The fight to preserve the building at Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology University has gone online. Former faculty member and known architect Neelkanth Chhaya has launched an online petition urging Chairman Sanjay Lalbhai and President Bimal Patel to "stop changes to CEPT buildings and maintain architectural, historical and cultural value".

The petition, which has been posted on www.change.org, was signed by more than 250 people by Monday evening. It states that the buildings on CEPT campus are important examples of post-independence architecture of India. "The campus as a whole is a very interesting exercise in site planning, climatic adaptation and landscaping. The significance of this work of architecture cannot be overestimated, and one can arguably claim that the campus and the buildings should be considered among the most important works of architecture in the latter part of the 20th century, not only in India but also at an international level," the petition states.

It adds, "The Campus has been the location of many important events in the history of education for architecture, planning, construction technology and interior design. It is a vitally important site in Ahmedabad's cultural history..... Citizens of Ahmedabad have recognized the campus as a place that has unique qualities. In a sense, the campus now can no longer be considered to be in the private domain." The petition carries four main demands.

* Consult the architect of the campus, B V Doshi, whenever designs are being prepared for alterations or additions.

* Appoint a committee (including Prof Doshi and at least one independent reputed outside architect) that will ensure that new works on the campus are designed and built in a proper manner. The committee must also publicly announce the norms to be followed for such work.

* CEPT University should pursue larger new works by conducting architectural competitions, but must clearly set down the criteria and manner of appointing master planners and architects for all works.

* All of the proceedings of the committee should be open to public scrutiny.

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