The Calcutta Heritage Collective (CHC), in collaboration with the School of Architecture at CEPT University, Ahmedabad, recently unveiled the Sovabazar Urban Conservation Exhibition at the Kolkata Centre for Creativity. The exhibition brought together conservation architects, developers, property owners, and concerned citizens to reimagine one of North Kolkata’s most culturally rich neighbourhoods.
The showcase marked the culmination of a semester-long Conservation and Regeneration studio at CEPT University, led by some of the institution’s most esteemed faculty. As part of the studio, students traveled to Sovabazar — home to the sculptural traditions of Kumartuli, colonial-era mansions, and historic canals — and developed nuanced proposals that balance heritage preservation with urban modernization. Their designs spanned adaptive reuse, sensitive restoration, public realm enhancements, and policy toolkits, shifting the conversation from monument-centric conservation to a holistic vision for the city’s future.
The exhibition opened with a formal inauguration, followed by panel discussions featuring eminent conservationists: Vikas Dilawari from Mumbai, renowned for over three decades of experience and 19 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Preservation; Gurmeet Sangha Rai from Delhi, Founding Director of CRCI and The Lime Centre, and recipient of multiple UNESCO awards; and Sonal Mithal from Ahmedabad, an academic bridging policy, practice, and education in heritage studies. They were joined by Kolkata-based industrialists Hemant Bangur and Darshan Dudhoria, who provided on-ground perspectives.
Facilitated by Ayan Sen and Sonal Mithal, the panel explored themes such as ‘Conservation as a tool for a sustainable urban future’ and ‘Architectural alchemy – turning heritage into opportunity’. The discussion highlighted how urban conservation can be a dynamic process — not only preserving the past but also shaping resilient futures for historic cities like Kolkata.
The seminar adopted a “before-and-after” approach, presenting Sovabazar’s current challenges — crumbling colonial mansions, fragile canals, and endangered Kumartuli traditions — before unveiling student-led proposals that reimagine these spaces as vibrant, adaptive, and sustainable. Visitors could engage with detailed documentation, measured drawings, urban analyses, visual renderings, and innovative proposals for adaptive reuse, community spaces, streetscape improvements, and conservation toolkits, demonstrating both academic rigor and creative imagination.
CHC also announced the launch of its Volunteer & Association Program, inviting citizens to directly participate in preserving Kolkata’s built heritage. The initiative encourages contributions ranging from documentation and research to awareness campaigns and hands-on restoration work. A poster unveiled at the event symbolized this call-to-action for collective civic engagement.
Mukul Agarwal, Founder Trustee of CHC, said, “The Sovabazar exhibition is not just an academic showcase; it is a call to action. Preserving a city’s built heritage is the road to a sustainable future, and Kolkata deserves this as a collective effort. We hope conservation inspires the future, where the city’s timeless past finds new life.”
Vikas Dilawari added, “Metropolitan cities like Kolkata and Mumbai were architectural gems in the 19th century. Today, many heritage structures are unloved or mismanaged. This seminar allows us to discuss challenges in conserving these landmarks and chart a way forward for sustainable growth. CHC’s efforts are commendable.”
Sonal Mithal highlighted the evolving nature of architectural conservation in India, emphasizing the integration of innovation, aesthetics, ecological economics, and responsible intervention. She noted that the Sovabazar exhibition exemplifies radical, experimental architecture that bridges pedagogy and practice.
Gurmeet S. Rai praised the collaboration between CHC and CEPT University, noting the fresh perspectives students brought to heritage documentation and conservation, demonstrating how historic spaces can gain new meaning within communities.
Ayan Sen reflected, “This exhibition showcased graduate architecture students’ work with a focus on conservation, revitalizing the Sovabazar sector. Through thoughtful proposals and panel discussions, we’ve highlighted the potential of heritage-led urban regeneration.”
The event also saw the presence of Apurva Salarpuria, Chairman of CREDAI, as Guest of Honour, and CHC’s Cause Ambassador, renowned percussionist Bickram Ghosh, along with acclaimed actor-dancer Jaya Seal Ghosh.
The Sovabazar Urban Conservation Exhibition stands as a testament to what collaboration between academia, practitioners, and the community can achieve — bridging the past with the present and ensuring Kolkata’s cultural fabric remains resilient, vibrant, and relevant for generations to come.