Department of Architecture

A National Conference on Legacy of Islamic Architecture was organised by the Department of Architecture, Z.H.C.E.T, Aligarh Muslim University on 26th February 2023. The Conference witnessed enthusiastic participation of the academicians, Researchers, practitioners and delegates from various Institutions around the country like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala and the Capital of the country in good numbers. The Conference aimed at bringing the views of experts, researchers, academicians and students on the Islamic Architecture. A total number of fifty abstracts were accepted after blind peer review and were published in the Conference proceedings.

The Inaugural Session of the Conference was presided over by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tariq Mansoor where he emphasised upon the Islamic architecture in the different regions of the world like, Middle East, Turkey and Europe, with a special mention of Islamic architecture in Qatar and Spain. He also enlightened on the contribution of Dara Shikoh in the Islamic architecture through several examples like Pari Mahal garden palace in Srinagar. Prof. S.M. Akhtar, Ex-Dean Faculty of Architecture & Ekistics, J.M.I, New Delhi and Prof. Jagbir Singh, Director Amity School of Architecture who were the Guests of Honour also expressed their regards and congratulated the department of architecture for organising the conference on an interesting theme which invited people from various states of the country. The Dean Z.H.C.E.T, Prof. Mohammad Altamush Siddiqui also shared his views regarding the Conference and the achievements of the faculty. Prof. Mohd. Khalid Hassan enlightened everyone with his words explaining about the vision of the conference which aims at providing an excellent platform to the participants for systematic, scientific and methodical discussions and exchange of information for understanding the features, forms and techniques of the Islamic Architecture developed in different parts of the world. The Convener of the program, Prof. Sharmin Khan briefed the gathering about the Islamic architecture with the intention of discovering the real self of the theme, that stands beyond a mere representation of certain notional architectural features and elements and has much more to express. The proceedings of the Conference was released by the honourable dignitaries. The Inaugural session ended with the Vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Mohammad Farhan Fazli, organising secretary of the conference, followed by flower pots presented as token of gratitude to the dignitaries by the guest faculties of the Department, Ar. Mushfiq Humam, Ar. Farida Husain and Ar. Sadaf Faridi.

The technical sessions of the conference on various themes were conducted in the Department of Architecture. The themes for the session included- Ideology conflict -Islamic or Muslim Architecture, Islamic architecture and sustainability, Principles and elements of Islamic Architecture, contemporary Islamic Architecture and Construction techniques in the Islamic architecture. The academicians and students presented their abstracts on the various above-mentioned themes and a healthy discussion took place between the session chairs and the participants.

The Valedictory Ceremony for the Conference witnessed the gracious presence of Prof. Mirza Salim Beg, Chairman NIRF Ranking Committee as the Chief Guest and Prof. I.H. Farooqui, Chairman Department of Civil Engineering as the Guest of Honour. The Academicians, practitioners and researchers were awarded under the category of Best paper Award and the student participants were awarded under the category of Best paper presentation. This was followed by a feedback session from the participants about their experiences in the University and the conference. The participants acknowledged the successful organisation of the conference and their wonderful experience in the University campus. Prof. Sharmin Khan concluded the event by expressing gratitude towards all the participants, delegates, organising committee and the students for successfully conducting the Conference. The event was successfully conducted by tireless efforts of Architect Faraz Farooq, who managed the technical issues together with a team of brilliant students.

The Heritage Cell of the Aligarh Muslim University organized a one-week short-term training programme on "Rejuvenating traditional construction materials and techniques", in collaboration with the Department of Architecture.

In his address, Prof. M.M. Sufyan Beg, Principal, Zakir Husain College of Engineering and Technology (ZHCET) congratulated the organizers and students for organizing the training programme and appreciated the efforts and creativity exhibited by the students. He stressed the role of students as responsible human beings in shaping the future of the country and becoming the flag bearers of the University. He urged them to serve humanity with a good cause.

Prof. Sabeeh Akhtar, Member, Heritage Cell discussed the vision and objective of the cell which aims to restore the legacy of the past and conserve it for future generations. He also threw light on the salient features of the training programme and the achievements of the Heritage Cell.

The convener of Heritage Cell and programme organizer, Prof. Mohammad Farhan Fazli showcased the work of the students through videos, accomplished during the training programme and admired their enthusiasm and interest that led to the successful organization of the training programme.

Architect Farida Husain briefly explained the content of the one-week training programme, giving an overview of the construction techniques, with special emphasis on the construction of arches, lime mortar preparation, carving on the lime panels, calligraphy, sketching, painting and poetry. The creative works of the students were displayed in the construction yard of the department.

The student participants were given prizes for various categories including the best architect of the year, best free-standing architect, best calligraphy, best poetry, best photography, best painting and the best performance in the programme.

A book, written by Prof. Mohammad Farhan Fazli and Prof. Mohd. Khalid Hassan on the heritage boundary wall of the University was also released by the guests including the Principal, ZHCET, Prof MM Sufyan Beg, the Controller of Examination, Mr Mujibullah Zuberi, Officiating Registrar, Mr Aijaz Masood, Finance Officer, Prof Mohammad Mohsin and Dr. Syed Mohammad Noman Tariq. 'An eye of perception', another book authored by Mohd. Ayan, son of Prof. Farhan Fazli was also released on the occasion.

Modern researchers are using various tools and techniques, most of which are now dependent on ICT. The applications of such technology in research has far reaching implications, not only on the ease of data collection and presentation, but also on the framing of the methodology itself. Knowledge and a working understanding of such tools and approaches is essential for a researcher today. In light of the same, the Dept. of Architecture at the Aligarh Muslim University is organising a one week training program on Research Methodology and Innovative Statistical Applications. The training program is being conducted in an online mode, covering topics such as 

Research Design,

Application of Search Engine, 

Literature Review, 

Research Ethics, 

Qualitative and Quantitative

Methods, Analytical Model of Research, Application

of Inferential Statistics, Application of SPSS, etc.

Dept. of Architecture(AMU) is organized a Special Lecture on Project Planning in large scale projects by Taiq Ali Khan

National Online One-Week Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on