World Monuments Fund Urges Protection of Iconic Louis Kahn Campus
New York, NY – World Monuments Fund (WMF) calls for the Indian Institute of Management – Ahmedabad (IIM-A) to reevaluate the partial demolition of the visionary building complex designed by architect Louis Kahn. This is in response to plans by IIM-A to dismantle 14 of 18 buildings within the historic campus and replace them with newly constructed dormitories.
“World Monuments Fund’s depth of experience helping hundreds of global heritage places adapt to contemporary challenges demonstrates that thoughtful conservation can meet contemporary needs,” said Bénédicte de Montlaur, President and Chief Executive Officer of World Monuments Fund. “We stand ready to lend our expertise in finding a solution that protects the Kahn campus so that future generations of students and educators may draw inspiration from its groundbreaking design.”
Built between 1968 and 1978, this exemplary grouping of modernist buildings represents a vision for higher learning rooted in enriched student and faculty interactions, while reflecting progressive concepts of sound planning and sustainable use of resources. Its original construction reflects best practices embraced today, including a reliance on locally available materials and methods of passive lighting and cooling. Considered by many to be the very heart of IIM-A’s campus, the Louis Kahn complex represents a pivotal moment in the modern development of Indian higher education and continues to be a touchstone for IIM-A alumni.
Conceived as an ensemble, the Kahn campus must be preserved in its entirety to protect the aesthetic, functional, and symbolic values imbued within. WMF has reached out to IIM-A officials to offer its expertise and counsel on managing the challenges of maintenance and repair of these buildings in the hopes that a viable, long-lasting solution can be reached.
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About World Monuments Fund
World Monuments Fund is the leading independent organization devoted to safeguarding the world’s significant cultural places to enrich lives and build mutual understanding. For more than 55 years, working at more than 700 sites in more than 100 countries, its highly skilled experts have applied proven and effective techniques to the preservation of important architectural and cultural heritage sites around the globe. Through the World Monuments Watch—a biennial, nomination-based program—WMF uses cultural heritage conservation to empower communities and improve human well-being. In partnership with local communities, funders, and governments, WMF seeks to inspire an enduring commitment to stewardship for future generations. Headquartered in New York City, the organization has offices and affiliates worldwide. www.wmf.org
Media Contacts
Chelsea Beroza, Press & Media Relations Officer, World Monuments Fund, cberoza@wmf.org