MAKAUT looks at digital system to restore old heritage buildings

Kolkata: Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University (MAKAUT) is working on developing a digital system for recreating the original structure of old and dilapidated buildings, persevering the heritage value.

The project conceived by the university titled — 'Heritage Site Reconstruction' will involve buildings which are replete with historical value but do not feature in the list of heritage structures under the Archaeological Survey of

India (ASI).

"Perhaps, it will be the first time in the country when a university will reconstruct a digital replica of heritage structures which are old and dilapidated by using emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and other technological interventions. In places like the US and Italy, technology is used for restorating and preserving heritage structures," said MAKAUT Vice-Chancellor Saikat Maitra. The idea evolved when Maitra visited Oxford in August and witnessed the latest technology of

heritage preservation.

It may be mentioned that the V-C and other experts have visited Bishnupur in Bankura where they have come across many heritage structures and shrines that are in dire need of restoration.

It may be also mentioned that the state Heritage Commission has identified around 3,500 buildings in Kolkata as heritage sites among which around 500 are in dire need of urgent renovation.

MAKAUT has already formed a heritage cell in this regard comprising experts from architectural engineering and civil engineering.

"Students eager to take up specialisation in civil engineering will also be roped in under this project. They will be taught how modern technology can be used for development for the purpose of restoration and preservation of heritage structures," a senior administrative official of the university said.

Elaborating on the work pattern of the system, the official said experts involved with the project will at first take a photograph of the building and then a digitally reconstructed replica of the building will

be produced.

The digital replica of the building will be created in such a pattern that it would resemble the structure of the building exactly the way it was constructed for

the first time.

The university is also planning to start a curriculum on this subject from the next academic year — both at the undergraduate as well as post graduate level.

"If we can implement the project successfully, the rich history and heritage of Bengal can be presented before the public across the globe and at the same time ensure conservation of history and heritage of the state," Maitra maintained.