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The second edition of Nairang-e-Tameer, the annual architecture festival of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), began Tuesday, bringing together architects, academicians, artisans and students.<\/p>\n
Organised by the Department of Architecture, the three-day event, being held from Sept. 8 to 10, provides a platform for students and professionals to showcase their work, exchange ideas, build networks and explore the relationship between traditional knowledge and contemporary architectural practice.<\/p>\n
Assistant Professor Mehraan Qureshi, while welcoming participants, described the event as a platform for students and architects to share their work and learn from one another.<\/p>\n
IUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo stressed the need to preserve the character of Kashmiri architecture while addressing contemporary challenges.<\/p>\n
“There is a growing homogenisation of architectural forms,” Romshoo said, calling for greater integration of modernity with traditional practices and stronger focus on disaster resilience.<\/p>\n
He also called for exposing architecture students to emerging technologies so that modern tools can be meaningfully blended with traditional architecture, and stressed the need to make such initiatives more student-centric.<\/p>\n
Dr. Kuldeep, director of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, highlighted ongoing efforts to develop an ethnographic gallery documenting artefacts and cultural materials.<\/p>\n
He stressed the importance of bringing architects, craftsmen and other stakeholders together, particularly in a region where architectural and cultural heritage remain closely interconnected.<\/p>\n
Kuldeep said Jammu and Kashmir currently has only two schools of architecture, at IUST and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, underscoring the need to strengthen opportunities for students and professionals.<\/p>\n
Earlier, Qazi Qammer Iqbal, dean of the School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics, spoke about the significance of the festival’s Persian-derived name, Nairang-e-Tameer. He said the terms Nairang, associated with deception and magic, and Tameer, meaning construction, have particular relevance to architecture and the ways spaces, forms and perceptions are created.<\/p>\n
Dean Outreach Dr. Ruheela Hassan congratulated the organisers and appreciated the theme. Highlighting the wider social role of architecture, she said meaningful work emerges when knowledge meets society and that architects do not merely construct buildings but also “give us hope.”<\/p>\n
Dean Research Dr. Abid Hussain Shalla appreciated the initiative and the Department of Architecture for creating a platform for academic and professional exchange.<\/p>\n
The opening day featured architects’ conclave sessions, with accomplished architects and professionals showcasing their work and sharing insights.<\/p>\n