Architectural convention calls for retaining cultural identity

Leading architects, academicians from different parts of the globe today called for understanding architecture with reference to history of a place and retaining its cultural identity.

"Kolkata can celebrate its great architecture by retaining the rich cultural beauty of its buildings rather than propping up the highest building which is foolish," George Ferguson, founder member of Rockefeller 100 Resilient Cities said at 'Connecting Histories', a two day architectural convention by CREDAI Bengal and Indian Institute of Architects.

"New architecture presents new aspects for great buildings," Ferguson, former president of Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), said adding besides maginificent landmarks one should also think about little known structures dotting obscure places which define the unique characterstics of a city.
 

"I call this people's architecture. Very simple places can connect people," Ferguson, who founded the Academy of Urbanism, said.

Leila Araghian, the chief architect of iconic Tabiat Bridge in Tehran - a pedestrian bridge creating public space, said creating good quality environment for human beings remained the "uppermost job" of any architect, city planner, structural enginners.

Noted academician and historian Sugata Bose called for interdisciplinary study - encompassing history, culture, poverty, development and said he was against pulling down old heritage structures.

"We should look east in search of artistic, architectural collaboration," Bose said adding the government was committed to re-invent Kolkata as a global city.

Chairperson of Indian Institute of Architecture, Gita Balkrishnan said the objective of the meet is to deliberate how to blend the old with new.

West Bengal Minister for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Firhad Hakim inaugurating the programme said "keeping our heritage we look forward for development."

A total 400 participants from within and outside country were attending the meet.