Course on Modern Architecture Conservation in India

The post-Independence period from the 1950s to 1980s was an era of finding an identity for the new nations in South Asia. Liberated from the constraints of the colonial period, new nations started to investigate their traditional roots alongside modernity as the architectural expression.

While Le Corbusier, Louis I. Kahn, Achyut Kanvinde, Joseph Allen Stein, Charles Correa, Ranjit Sabikhi, Anant Raje, Raj Rewal and BV Doshi, were instrumental for this search in India, this phenomenon was as evident in other parts of South Asia.

In the decades between the post-Independence period and the present day, appreciation for the legacy of this period has grown, but many of the buildings are still threatened by demolition, insensitive alterations, or neglect. These places have aged, and some exhibit signs of deterioration and functional obsolescence. Maintaining and upgrading them requires specialized skills and technical knowledge.

Over the last few decades, an extensive body of knowledge has been developed and successful conservation projects that can serve as models have been carried out. However, the conservation of modern architecture remains an area of practice that is unfamiliar to many practitioners.

To bridge this gap, Getty and Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) have partnered to develop a training course in India to meet the region’s growing needs, delivered first in January-February of 2025 to 23 professionals from India and surrounding countries. For 2026, Getty, INTACH, and CEPT Professional Programs (CPP) are partnering to produce the second iteration of the course.

Getty has been consistently working on this area through its Conserving Modern Architecture Initiative, which works internationally to advance the practice of identifying, conserving, and sustaining the built environment that characterize this era through research, publications, field projects, and training programs.

INTACH is India’s largest non-profit membership organization dedicated to conservation and preservation of India’s natural, cultural, living, tangible and intangible heritage. The training, research and capacity building programs of INTACH are conducted through the INTACH Heritage Academy.

CEPT Professional Programs (CPP), the executive education arm of CEPT University, bridges the gap between academic insights, professional practice, policymaking, and implementation. Through specialized certificate programs and customized training, CPP enables individuals and organizations to build competencies and stay abreast of emerging trends. Over the past decade, CEPT University has trained more than 10,000 professionals across diverse sectors of the built environment.

This hybrid course introduces participants to a broad range of issues related to the conservation of modern architecture, with an emphasis on case studies to offer practical and technical skills. The course is addressed to mid-career professionals in the field of architecture, design, engineering, architectural conservation, and site management working or living in South Asian countries.

The course seeks to foster an appreciation for the significance of modern architecture both in India and the broader region. It aims to develop an understanding of the wide range of challenges in protecting and conserving modern architecture within the framework of conservation practice and philosophy.

During the course there will be a focus on technical challenges and conservation approaches related to modern architecture and modern materials such as reinforced concrete. By facilitating access to relevant and reliable resources, the course aims to support ongoing learning on modern architecture conservation principles and practices. Additionally, it endeavors to enrich professional networks by encouraging active engagement with colleagues from various parts of the country and the region, thereby fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

By the end of the course, participants are able to:

• Articulate and identify the broad range of challenges in protecting and conserving modern architecture within the framework of heritage conservation practice and philosophy
• Use a value-based approach for the conservation of modern architecture
• Address the technical aspects of conserving modern architecture and modern materials such as reinforced concrete
• Identify the role of advocacy, its strategic objectives, and its application to conserving modern architecture in India and the subcontinent

Participation in both the online and in-person component is required for all accepted participants.

• Online component: August 27–October 29, 2026, exact dates and meeting times to be confirmed.
• In-person component: November 29–December 4, 2026, at CEPT University in Ahmedabad, India

The course is highly interactive, and participants are expected to participate actively in all sessions.

During the online learning component all participants must have access to a computer and the internet for the course duration and participate in the six online meetings (one pre-course meeting and five module live sessions) spread over the ten weeks. To attend the in-person component, participants must be in Ahmedabad for one week.

The 2026 Course on Modern Architecture Conservation in India (MACI26) will be delivered in a blended format consisting of five modules of online teaching spread over ten weeks (August 27–October 29, 2026) and one week in-person in Ahmedabad (November 29 –December 4, 2026).

The course is intended to cover a broad range of topics concerning issues in the conservation and management of modern architecture in India and throughout South Asia, from methodological approaches to material and technical concerns. Instructors for the course are noted national and international experts in the field of architecture conservation and related fields.

Topics

• Introduction to Modern Architecture in India and its Conservation
• Identification, Protection, and Adaptation of Modern Architecture
• Values-Based Conservation
• Modern Structures and Materials, including Concrete Conservation

Following the online component, participants convene for one week of in-person study. Using Ahmedabad as our classroom, participants will expand and apply their learnings from the online component through discussions, lectures, site visits, and a group field project.

The course is designed for up to 25 participants. It is open to professionals who work with or are interested in modern heritage conservation, such as architects, planners, engineers, conservator-restorers, policymakers, site managers, advocates, and related occupations.

In the selection process, preference will be given to applicants currently living or working in South Asian countries. International applicants are subject to applicable Government of India regulations and required statutory clearances.

The course will be conducted in English. Candidates must have good technical knowledge and command of the English language.

INR 25,000 + 18% GST Tuition is INR 25,000 + 18% GST, this includes a non-refundable course deposit (INR 10,000) and the remaining course fee (INR 19,500).

Tuition covers course materials, lodging for the in-person session, course-related transportation, breakfasts and lunches during course days, and one dinner in Ahmedabad.

Participants are responsible for their round-trip travel costs to Ahmedabad and incidental expenses associated with the course.

Participants based outside of India may need to obtain visas or visa waivers to enter India for the in-person component. Successful applicants are responsible for their visa applications to travel to India and the associated expenses.

A certificate of course completion will be awarded only to participants with more than 75% of course attendance.

Steps to apply:

1. Review the read-only application form (PDF) and gather needed information and documents. Your application must be completed in one session.
2. Input required information into online application form.
3. Upload Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the online application form.
4. Submit the online application form.

• April 6, 2026: Deadline for submission of online application with CV
• April 28, 2026: Notification of selection
• June 2, 2026: Non-refundable deposit due
• July 14, 2026: Final tuition due

Registration and administrative inquiries should be sent to all three contacts: cp2.iha@gmail.com, Conserving Modern Architecture Initiative training, admn.iha@gmail.com