Architecture with identity: Experts at INTACH seminar advocate  preserving Kashmir’s traditional designs

Ziraat Times News Desk 

SRINAGAR: In a compelling dialogue on sustainable design and heritage conservation, the INTACH Kashmir Chapter, in collaboration with the Amar Singh Club, Srinagar, held a seminar titled “Enduring Appeal of Traditional Architecture: Lessons for Modern Construction” today at the Amar Singh Club.

Bringing together leading voices in architecture, conservation and urban planning, the seminar examined how Kashmir’s time-tested building traditions can inform modern construction in ways that are ecologically responsible and culturally grounded.

The event opened with welcome remarks by Saleem Beg, Convener of INTACH J&K Chapter, who stressed the need to draw from traditional architectural practices to shape a development model that does not compromise identity or environmental integrity.

Delivering the keynote address, Qazi Qamar, Head of the School of Architecture at IUST, presented on “Vernacular Traditions of Kashmiri Architecture: Lessons for Contemporary Practice.” He emphasized the efficiency, climate responsiveness, and spatial intelligence of traditional designs, urging for their integration into architectural education and practice.

Iftikhar Hakim, former Chief Town Planner, spoke on the theme of urban planning in historic cities. He called for a rethinking of policies to ensure urban growth respects cultural continuity and heritage landscapes.

Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister and the seminar’s chief guest, underscored the government’s commitment to protecting Kashmir’s architectural legacy. He emphasized that community participation must be central to conservation efforts.

Technical session spotlights innovation and conservation

The technical session showcased a rich array of perspectives from architects and conservationists:

Saima Iqbal, Conservation Architect at INTACH Kashmir, explored alternatives to traditional materials and repair methods, highlighting the enduring relevance of lime-based construction. Mehran Qureshi, Assistant Professor at IUST, analyzed the symbolism and spatial design of traditional Kashmiri homes in his presentation, “Architectonics of a Kashmiri House.”

Umar Farooq, Assistant Professor at IUST, reflected on cultural continuity in his talk titled “Echoes from the Past: The Lasting Lessons of Tradition.” Zoya Khan, Architect, presented case studies on adaptive reuse of historic buildings, including the Jamal Mir Heritage House and Khwaja Manzil Haveli, arguing for conservation as a means of urban revitalization.

Asma Nisar Bhat, Architect, offered insights into her reinterpretation of Kashmiri aesthetics in modern design through her presentation “Carved Echoes.” Hakim Sameer Hamdani, Author and Conservationist, concluded with a poignant reflection on “Home, House & Heritage,” stressing the emotional and civilizational value embedded in domestic architecture.

Also present was Ahsan Pardesi, MLA of Lal Chowk, who spoke about the richness of Kashmiri vernacular architecture.

The seminar concluded with a lively Q&A session, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue, and a vote of thanks by Nasir Hamid Khan, Secretary of the Amar Singh Club.