Conservation projects pose a unique set of challenges in restoration, preservation and repurposing of historic buildings for a low-carbon future. 

Saranya Dharshini, our next pathbreaker, Conservation Architect at Arup (UK), is part of an international team of conservation professionals engaged in diverse heritage projects dedicated to the vision of sustainable development.

Saranya talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from the Interview Portal about a wide range of experiences working on heritage projects such as Bath Abbey’s Footprint project on a groundbreaking initiative that utilizes renewable energy from Bath’s renowned hot springs, as well as the conservation of Srirangam Temple, which received a UNESCO award.

For students, embracing new technologies cannot come at the cost of ignoring our history, instead focus on solutions that enable our past to thrive along with our future !

Saranya, Your background?

Hi ! I am Saranya Dharshini, a Heritage specialist at Arup UKIMEA

Growing up in Mumbai, I had the opportunity of being immersed in a remarkably diverse and multicultural environment. In my formal education, I studied English, Marathi and Hindi, while, informally, I picked up Tamil at home. History was a prominent part of both my formal and informal learning experiences, while my passion for art and design was kindled by my parents.

My mother, a retired school headmistress, and my father, an offset printing specialist, were influential in shaping my interests. Since my mother is a retired civil servant, as a child I accompanied her to the BMC headquarters in Fort, Mumbai, on numerous occasions. The imposing gargoyles, high domes and grand staircases left a lasting impression on me. 

Beyond the urban architectural wonders of Mumbai, my ancestral home in Tamil Nadu significantly contributed to my early fascination with traditional architecture, culture and history. This house, now owned by my parents, is surrounded by historic temples and water tanks. It is within these surroundings that my passion for architecture has its roots.

My primary areas of focus in high school were physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics. I enjoyed these subjects and harboured a desire to pursue a path that would blend my interests in design, science and possibly history. I cultivated an interest in reading, as escapism, from a young age and wrote stories inspired by historic events and places, with space travel being a recurring theme. Although I never published my stories, I believe this experience helped prepare me for writing research articles.

It wasn’t until the 12th grade that I recognized how the unique combination of design, science and history could be channelized into the study of architecture. Fashion design and Aeronautical Engineering were other areas of interest that I discussed with family members and friends, as I narrowed down my undergraduate major.

What did you do for graduation/post graduation?

I undertook Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Mumbai, and then did a Masters in Conservation of Historic Buildings from the University of Bath, UK

Can you talk about some of the influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional, and unique career?

In my architectural studies, I developed a deep passion for conserving historic buildings. Beyond traditional coursework, I actively participated in extracurricular activities, taking part in architectural design competitions focused on historic cities. These experiences not only sharpened my skills in heritage conservation but also provided engaging platforms for learning from peers. Through these competitions, I seized the chance to diversify my skill set by gaining proficiency in architectural software not covered in my curriculum. 

In my fourth year of the five-year Bachelor of Architecture program, I delved into conservation through an elective course. This was not an easy task as most students preferred to study software as an elective subject. Undeterred by the absence of a conservation elective, I took matters into my own hands. Armed with determination, I created a signup sheet to gauge interest and with the help of my fellow classmates, I successfully persuaded the college to organize an elective course in architectural conservation. This pivotal decision proved immensely beneficial as it laid the groundwork for my exploration of conservation theories, laying a robust foundation before delving into the practical intricacies of the profession.

When I first embarked on my journey in the field of conservation, there was a prevailing notion that it was a niche, underpaid profession with minimal opportunities. Hailing from a family of doctors, engineers and teachers, I found myself navigating an unfamiliar career path. This prompted me to take a pause and regroup, and I decided to dedicate two years to thoroughly delve into the diverse aspects of the architecture profession before committing to a particular specialization. The crucial moment that confirmed my choice of specialization occurred during my tenure as a graduate architect, specifically while engaged in a retrofit project. 

As part of the final year curriculum, I chose to intern with conservation architect Vikas Dilawari in Mumbai. This experience catapulted me into the heart of real-world conservation projects, where I actively engaged in client-facing roles. This hands-on journey not only enriched my skills but also marked the inception of my career in this evolving domain.

Subsequently, I pursued my master’s degree in the conservation of historic buildings at the University of Bath with scholarships from both the university and the JN Tata endowment. Being an alum of the university and having the privilege of being a JN Tata scholar has proven instrumental in advancing my career.

Since Bath is a UNESCO world heritage city, studying there felt like living and working in a live conservation lab. This historic city is a major tourist attraction celebrated for its picturesque beauty, Georgian architecture, heritage sites such as the Roman Bath spa and Bath Abbey, and its proximity to Stonehenge.

I volunteered at Bath Abbey when the Footprint project was underway. This groundbreaking initiative utilizes renewable energy from Bath’s renowned hot springs to power the abbey’s underfloor heating system. Subsequently, this experience proved invaluable for my master’s dissertation, which focused on the restoration of historic lighting, with the abbey serving as one of the case studies. Bath offers a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience of the opportunities and challenges of living in a historic city and to immerse oneself in museums, historic homes and other cultural institutions.

How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career? Tell us about your career path

After completing my degree at Bath, I returned to India to work on historic buildings back home. My first project as a heritage consultant was the conservation of Srirangam Temple, which received an UNESCO award. For the next five years I worked at an architectural conservation firm based in Mumbai where I had the opportunity to work on sites across India. One of my early projects at Abha Narain Lambah Associates involved the restoration of the Royal Bombay Opera House. It was a great learning experience that sparked my interest in historic interiors. My most memorable project was preparing the UNESCO nomination dossier for the Mughal Gardens of Kashmir, during which I was based in Srinagar for a month, documenting historic pavilions in the snow. During my six-year tenure, there have been several other projects that challenged and contributed to my conservation architecture career, including Crawford Market and the Gateway of India.

From 2015 to 2017, I was a visiting faculty at University of Mumbai teaching humanities and conservation studies.  From the beginning of my career, I have engaged with ICOMOS and UNESCO to develop my skills and learn from global peers. As the former national representative for emerging professionals at ICOMOS India, I had the chance to collaborate and work with conservation experts on saving heritage buildings that are at risk and creating a mentorship program aimed at fostering a progressive and supportive environment for emerging professionals in the field of heritage and culture.

Skilling up also included research and securing scholarships on topics that I’m passionate about. I have authored numerous published articles and books, funded through research grants and fellowships. Additionally, I have delivered research papers at international conferences in Australia, Cambodia, Germany, India, Ireland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. 

How did you get your first break?

In contrast to others, my venture into the realm of conservation was not a sudden epiphany but a carefully orchestrated progression. It began with my decision to study architecture and choose conservation as an elective during undergraduate studies. This journey unfolded as I pursued an internship at a conservation practice and eventually acquired specialisation in conservation of historic buildings as a master’s degree. In hindsight, my first exposure to the world of conservation can be traced back to my summers spent alongside my tatha (grandfather), assisting in repair works at our ancestral home with the guidance of traditional craftspeople. This early hands-on experience significantly influenced my passion for people-centred conservation and a deep interest in traditional practices.

What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?

Given that it is a specialised field, there is a need for skilled craftspeople, artisans and masons, requiring robust funding. However, in the field of heritage, there is lack of sufficient funding for conservation projects, resulting in prolonged project realisation timelines. 

Raising awareness about heritage is part of my daily conversations with clients, friends, family members and non-heritage colleagues to overcome the misconception that heritage projects hinder development.

It is essential to underscore the idea that the greenest buildings are those that already exist. I am currently engaged in conservation projects aimed at repurposing historic buildings for a low-carbon future. 

Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?

In 2022, I joined Arup, a global multidisciplinary design firm dedicated to sustainable development. I am part of an international team of conservation professionals engaged in diverse heritage projects. At Arup, you collaborate with highly skilled individuals who share your drive to create a positive impact on the world.

I have the opportunity to gain a 360-degree view of the built environment sector, where heritage plays a crucial role in various aspects, whether it be advising, researching, or designing for the conservation of historic buildings. 

Based in the UK, some of my projects include Dover Lighthouses, York Station and Hull City Hall. Here I have the opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary team of experts including structural engineers, metallurgists, archaeologists and environmentalists. 

Each project I’ve worked on has been unique, presenting its own set of challenges in figuring out design solutions for listed buildings, addressing climate change issues, and aspiring to achieve net-zero goals. Working on a new build in the historic context of the York railway station has been both a challenging and satisfying project. The historic recording of Blackpool Tower was an exhilarating task, as I underwent training for working at heights. The prospect of climbing towers and crawling under crofts adds an exciting dimension to my work, making me eagerly anticipate each day at work. 

Building on my teaching background, I deliver an annual lecture at the University of Manchester focused on heritage management, which reflects on my experience in global conservation projects and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

What’s a typical day like?

A typical workday entails managing five projects at a time, going to site, engaging in discussions with both clients and team members, and resolving design details that span from preserving historical joinery connections to addressing accessibility challenges, and more.

What skills are needed for your role? How did you acquire the skills?

As an architect, your skill set should encompass sketching (as long as you can convey your ideas with a pencil and paper, even stick figures are sufficient!), proficiency in software tools such as AutoCAD, the Adobe Suite, Microsoft Office, and familiarity with various 3D modelling software.

With the advent of AI, there are other tools such as Matterport, Lidar, GIS, Mind Journey and Dall E that aid in conservation projects.

How does your work benefit society?

Heritage is an integral component of our identity, and the conservation of historic buildings serves society by preserving cultural heritage, promoting education, stimulating the economy, contributing to environmental sustainability and fostering social cohesion.

Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!

My work encompasses a broad spectrum of conservation activities, spanning on-site conservation, research, policy making and advocacy. 

One of my notable projects, which earned the UNESCO Asia Pacific Cultural Conservation Award, centred around the Srirangam temple. During this initiative, I collaborated with traditional knowledge bearers and skilled craftspeople, blending their expertise with my global conservation experience.

Last year, I completed a fellowship focusing on water heritage, specifically examining the kulams in the Thamirabarani region. The study underscores the significance of Southern India’s cultural landscapes related to water heritage sites and highlights the crucial role that integrating traditional water management knowledge can play in enhancing climate resilience amid ongoing debates on climate change. My efforts are directed towards listing and conserving these sites to ensure they receive the recognition and protection they deserve.

Additionally, in my capacity as the coordinator for the ICOMOS Heritage and Gender Joint Task Team, a historic resolution on Gender Diversity was successfully passed in Sydney on September 8, 2023. This was a proud moment. The resolution emphasises the integral role of gender diversity and empowerment in the ICOMOS Triennial Action Plan, with a specific focus on achieving gender equity in membership and leadership positions, as well as promoting research on heritage practices and management systems related to gender.

Your advice to students based on your experience?

Embrace curiosity, ask questions, learn from your peers and maintain a constant eagerness to learn. Till date, I undergo raining and upskilling to acquire new conservation skills and stay abreast of the latest developments in the heritage field. Utilize the vast resources available online to research various career options and connect with experts directly. When contemplating studying abroad, explore scholarship opportunities. Not only do they assist with expenses, but they also facilitate in forging friendships with scholars around the world. 

If you’re considering pursuing architecture, remain open to diversification as there are numerous specialisations to explore. Undertake internships during your academic studies, as they serve as a bridge to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts. Lastly, maintain a healthy work-life balance, even when you’re a student.

Future Plans?

Probably write a novel or design clothes influenced by the historic places that I have worked on. However, at the moment, my plan is to work more with local communities and continue championing the cause of sustainable heritage conservation, one historic building at a time.

To know more about my work:

https://www.livingwatersmuseum.org/kulams-traditional-water-system-of-southern-tamil-nadu https://sprf.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/WSF-2021_Compilation_For-Web.pdf https://bluepapers.nl/index.php/bp/article/view/55 https://journals.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/index.php/icomoshefte/article/view/84624 https://www.icomos.org/en/focus/un-sustainable-development-goals/125686-gender-diversity-icomos-2023-resolution-sdgwg