CEPT Archives Achieves 70,000 Architectural Drawings Milestone in Ahmedabad

In the vibrant city of Ahmedabad, a treasure trove of architectural history has reached a significant milestone. The CEPT Archives, established in 2013, has amassed an impressive collection of over 70,000 original architectural drawings, both in physical and digital forms. This repository, recognized by the National Archives of India, houses materials from renowned architects such as Corbusier, Kahn, Doshi, and Correa, making it one of the largest and most significant architectural archives in South Asia. The collection includes not just drawings but also negatives, books, paintings, models, and other architectural artifacts, providing a comprehensive insight into the evolution of Indian architecture.

Milestone Achievement: 70,000 Architectural Drawings

The CEPT Archives recently celebrated a remarkable achievement by reaching the 70,000-mark for original architectural drawings. This milestone is a testament to the dedication and effort put in by the archivists and the contributions from 51 collections, 36 of which were donated by architects or their representatives. The archives offer a unique glimpse into nearly a century of architectural evolution, showcasing the works of prominent architects and their contributions to the field.

Architectural Treasures

The CEPT Archives is home to an extensive array of architectural treasures, including:

• Original Drawings: Over 70,000 architectural drawings, providing a detailed look at various architectural styles and methodologies.
• Negatives and Photographs: More than 12,000 negatives and photographs, capturing the essence of architectural marvels.
• Books and Paintings: A diverse collection of books and paintings related to architecture, offering a rich source of knowledge and inspiration.
• Models and Drawing Objects: Various models and drawing objects that illustrate the meticulous craft of architecture.

Recognized by the National Archives of India

The CEPT Archives has gained recognition from the National Archives of India, underscoring its importance and credibility. This recognition highlights the archive’s role in preserving and promoting the rich architectural heritage of India. The archival material from the Hema Sankalia Collection was displayed at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York in 2022 as part of the *Project of Independence: Architectures of Decolonization in South Asia, 1947–1985.*

Exhibitions and Global Recognition

The CEPT Archives has not only preserved architectural history but also showcased it on international platforms. Items from the archives were part of an exhibition in the UK in 2024, further cementing its status as a repository of global significance. These exhibitions provide a platform for sharing India’s architectural heritage with the world and fostering a deeper understanding of its evolution.

Insight into Indian Architecture

The collections at the CEPT Archives offer invaluable insights into various periods of Indian architecture. From pre-independence architectural practices to contemporary designs, the archives encompass a wide range of styles and methodologies. Here are some notable examples:

Architecture from the 1930s

One of the oldest design illustrations in the collection is the architectural drawing of Mafatlal Bungalow in Mumbai, dating back to 1935-36. Created by the firm Master, Sathe & Bhuta, this drawing provides a glimpse into pre-independence architectural practices in India, highlighting the styles and methodologies of that era.

Plan Drawn in Gujarati

An interesting document in the archives is the plan of Water World Resort in Mehsana from the Kamal Mangaldas Collection, created in 1995. This plan features technical terms and building components explained in Gujarati, the native language of the workers on the project. This approach helped the workers engage with the design firsthand, improving the efficiency of the construction process.

One with Nature, Shedding Conventions

The plan of Dhyan Kutir in Rishikesh, made on a diary page by architect Didi Contractor in 2014, exemplifies an unconventional approach to architecture. Didi, who learned architecture through hands-on practice, often drew her plans by hand while immersed in the surrounding landscape and topography. This method allowed her to engage deeply with the construction process and create designs that harmonize with their natural environment.

Tools of the Trade

From the Shrikant Sathe Collection, a polar planimeter—a mechanical device used to measure the area of a region by tracing its boundary—offers a peek into the past. This *Made in Germany* instrument illustrates how architects of a bygone era practiced the meticulous craft of drawing and drafting by hand, a stark contrast to today’s computer-aided designs.

Ahmedabad 1990: A Bird’s Eye View

A digitized image from the 5,000-slide-rich Cho Padamsee Collection shows the dried-up Sabarmati riverbed before the riverfront and peripheral development. Such images serve as time capsules for urban planners, contextualizing historic and environmental shifts that have shaped the urban landscape over the years.

Cataloguing and Digitizing Efforts

One of the major ongoing efforts at the CEPT Archives is the cataloguing and digitizing of its vast collections. From early 2024, the archives embarked on a re-cataloguing exercise to ensure that the records are meticulously organized and easily accessible. The digitized records include early curricula, student works, campus photographs, and more, ensuring that the institutional memory of CEPT University is maintained as a living record.

Engaging with the Community

The CEPT Archives handle about 200 online inquiries annually. They also welcome more than 1,000 visitors from different disciplines. Many visitors come from abroad to seek records on Indian architecture, underscoring the archive’s global significance.

This engagement with the community fosters a deeper appreciation and understanding of India’s rich architectural heritage.

In conclusion, the CEPT Archives stands as a beacon of architectural history and heritage in India. Its extensive collections, global recognition, and ongoing efforts to catalog and digitize its materials ensure that the legacy of Indian architecture is preserved and accessible for future generations. For more information on this remarkable achievement, visit the Times of India article.