Zarna Surendra Shah

Research project

Supervisor

Dr Louise Cooke

Summary of research project:

Historic Construction and Approach to Integrated Conservation Process: A Case of Bhunga Architecture, Kutch, Gujarat

My PhD research project explores the rich tradition of mud architecture in India, focusing specifically on Bhunga architecture in Kutch, Gujarat.

India's architecture is a mosaic of rich cultural diversity, embodying centuries of traditions, histories, and local craftsmanship. The monumental architecture and temples have dominated academic and conservation discourses due to their grandeur and political symbolism. On the other hand, vernacular architecture – built by communities to meet specific needs using local materials and traditional knowledge – remains significantly understudied and inadequately protected. It is viewed as a static, historical phenomenon confined to the past, whereas the tradition is inherently dynamic and inventive, constantly adapting to new circumstances. The traditional documentation focuses on physical attributes overlooking the oral traditions, artisan knowledge, environmental adaptations, and social structures that shape and sustain these buildings. While modern documentation technologies have enhanced precision in architectural recording, they fail to capture the intangible cultural, environmental, and socio-anthropological factors. The thesis bridges the gap in conservation efforts by proposing a holistic and integrated framework for documenting vernacular architecture as a functional, evolving cultural asset.

Through a detailed case study of Bhunga architecture in Kutch, Gujarat, India, a replicable framework is proposed. This is based on the understanding that vernacular structures are profound expressions of how communities organically integrate cultural, anthropological, ecological, and socio-economic factors within their built environment. Using a qualitative and interdisciplinary method, the study combines comprehensive fieldwork, participatory mapping, and in-depth analysis of craftsmanship and materials. This approach aims to go beyond basic architectural records to fully understand how cultural practices, environmental adaptation, and community involvement work together to conserve these "lived spaces."

Furthermore, the understanding gained from this integrated documentation enables the development of practical conservation approaches. This thesis argues that reshaping heritage conservation involves more than just preserving physical structures; it prioritises the preservation of cultural systems that sustain vernacular buildings and also calls for supporting living knowledge systems and invaluable cultural legacies.

Profile

My academic and professional journey in architecture was ignited by a defining moment during the catastrophic Gujarat earthquake of 2001. Witnessing the resilience of traditional Bhunga architecture amidst widespread devastation was both startling and enlightening. While modern buildings crumbled, these traditional structures, crafted from local materials and age-old techniques, stood steadfast. This observation spurred a deep curiosity within me about the inherent strengths of traditional construction methods and the vulnerabilities of contemporary building practices.

This curiosity evolved into a lifelong commitment to exploring and preserving traditional architectural wisdom. I am passionate about understanding how and why indigenous building techniques, often overlooked in the rush towards modernization, can offer superior durability and sustainability. My work aims to reaffirm the value of traditional knowledge in construction, emphasizing that these methods are not just relics of the past but are vital for a sustainable future.

I started my formal education in India, where I earned my Bachelor of Architecture, laying a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of architecture. Seeking to broaden my perspective on design and its applications, I then studied furniture and graphic design at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, USA. After gaining two years of professional experience in the industry, I pursued a Master of Architecture in Urban Conservation from the University of Mumbai. This advanced study enhanced my understanding of heritage preservation and the critical role of traditional methods in modern architecture, insights I have shared during my two-year tenure as a teacher before embarking on my PhD.

At MAATI, the organization I founded, we strive to document both tangible and intangible aspects of heritage architecture. Through workshops, publications, and collaborative projects, we disseminate this knowledge, fostering an appreciation for traditional methods among new generations of architects and conservators. My PhD research at the University of York extends this mission by developing a conservation methodology manual for Bhunga architecture, aiming to standardize and promote sustainable conservation practices across India and beyond.

My commitment to this field is demonstrated by recent achievements, including being named a Student Scholar for the APT 2025 Providence conference (Association for Preservation Technology International), where I will present our work on vernacular architecture. Furthermore, I was recently awarded the INTBAU Grassroots Grant 2025 for the project, 'Heritage Reimagined: Resilient Bamboo Dwelling in Majuli, Assam'; which focuses on community-led, flood- resilient building solutions. In my view, the true essence of sustainable development in architecture lies in blending these time-honored techniques with modern innovations, creating environments that are resilient, culturally rich, and environmentally harmonious. My goal is not only to preserve these techniques but to integrate them into contemporary practice, ensuring they are not forgotten but rather evolved and adapted for future use.

Publications & Awards

Publications

8th June 2024 - "Public Spaces as Cultural and Urban Catalysts: A Comparative Study of La Grand-Place and Oude Markt in Belgium," BLUEPRINT, Vol 2, Issue 5, bimonthly newsletter of the IIA Karnataka Chapter. Co-authored with Sanjukta Das.

• This article explores the vital roles of La Grand-Place in Brussels and Oude Markt in Leuven as urban centers that enhance livability and foster community interaction. The study highlights their architectural significance, social functions, and contributions to urban design, illustrating how these public spaces act as catalysts for cultural and social vitality in their respective cities. The comparative analysis underscores the balance between tradition and contemporary urban needs, showcasing the transformative power of public squares in urban landscapes.

Awards 

• APT 2025 Providence Student Scholar (2025): Selected to present research on vernacular architecture at the prestigious annual conference of the Association for Preservation Technology (APT), Providence, USA.
• INTBAU Grassroots Grant 2025: Awarded by the International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture & Urbanism (INTBAU) for the project, "Heritage Reimagined: Resilient Bamboo Dwelling in Majuli, Assam," which explores community-led, flood-resilient construction methodologies.

Teaching and Impact

1. August 2020 - December 2020 - "Working Drawing, Conservation Studies, History of Architecture, and Aesthetics & Explorations," Assistant Professor, BMS College of Architecture, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

• Taught comprehensive courses on architectural conservation and design aesthetics, enhancing students' practical and theoretical
  knowledge.

2. July 2019 - May 2020 - Led the Design Studio and Basic Design courses, Assistant Professor, DIT University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.

• Managed timetable coordination, played a pivotal role in curriculum development and syllabus moderation as a member of the BOS
  committee.

3. July 2017 - April 2018 - Oversaw the Design Studio and Basic Design for the Architecture and Interior Design department, Assistant Professor, Shantaben Manubhai Patel School of Studies and Research in Architecture & Interior Design (SMAID), Anand, Gujarat.

• Formulated term work and organized impactful workshops for Furniture Design, History of Interior Design.

Outreach and Impact

The MAATI Convention 2025: Drafting a New Guideline Framework for Indian Heritage

• As founder, I spearheaded the MAATI Convention 2025 in Ahmedabad (October 3rd-5th), a major international initiative focused on redefining heritage conservation policy in India.
• The Convention successfully concluded with the foundation for The MAATI Convention - Call for Action, 2025, a document championing an inclusive view of heritage as a "living, dynamic entity" and addressing critical issues such as climate change and community displacement.
• The initiative convened over 40 distinguished professionals, including key delegates from ICOMOS India, ICOMOS-ICICH, and ICOMOS-ICTC, to collaboratively draft a new Guideline Framework for Heritage Conservation in India.

Ongoing - MAATI Initiatives: Spearheads workshops, publications, and public engagement activities through MAATI to promote sustainable conservation practices and educate both the public and professionals about the preservation of India’s architectural heritage.

2014 - 'Design Thinking Workshop', Leader, Ahmedabad.

• Conducted a workshop aimed at young designers, focusing on innovative design processes and encouraging a practical understanding of design thinking.