Aligarh: The Department of Architecture at Zakir Hussain College of Engineering and Technology of Aligarh Muslim University, organised a one-day International Conference on Saturday, centred on the theme "Legacy of Traditional Architecture."

Distinguished keynote speaker Prof Kheir Al-Kodmany from the University of Illinois at Chicago, set the tone for the conference. In the inaugural session, Mohammad Imran, Registrar of AMU, highlighted the significance of sustainable architectural practices amidst contemporary challenges. Guests of honour included Prof Kheir Al-Kodmany and Dr Arun Kapoor.

Spearheaded by Prof Sharmin Khan as Chairperson and Convenor, with Prof Mohd Khalid Hassan and Prof Mohammad Farhan Fazli as Co-Conveners, the conference aimed to explore the enduring relevance of traditional architectural methods and techniques in contemporary contexts.

The event also celebrated the winners of a poster-making contest, and competition, recognising the talent of students like Mujjassim Ahmad Bhati, Al Hamd, and Mohd Hassan Warid.

More than 40 papers were presented, covering diverse topics such as passive design techniques, energy efficiency, historic preservation strategies, cultural narratives, and renewable energy resources. Sessions were conducted in hybrid mode and chaired by professionals, including Prof Kheir, Prof Javed Mallick, and Prof Peng Du.

During the valedictory session, Prof Vibha Sharma emphasised the conference's significance in preserving cultural and historic identities, emphasising the interdisciplinary nature of architecture. Dr Salma Shaheen commended the department's efforts and awarded certificates and mementoes to outstanding paper presenters.

Noteworthy recipients included Sheetal Varshney, Arshaan Masood, Mohd Suhaib Zamir, Abhishek Bhardwaj, Uma Arya, Farida Husain, R Shanthi Priya, Mahek Khan, Afreen Fatima, and Ilma Nafees.

Prof Mohd Khalid Hassan concluded the event with a vote of thanks.