LOUIS I.

KAHN TROPHY 2015

Louis I. Kahn Trophy

2015

National Association of Students of Architecture

58th Annual NASA Convention
Louis I Khan Trophy

LOUIS I. KAHN TROPHY 2015

1. Theme
HERITAGE STRUCTURES WHO HAVE KEPT THEIR VALUES INTACT
WHILE ADAPTING TO THE CHANGE
The existence of historic structures through generations signifies their survival of the test of time.
These could be tangible aspects such as a structure or heritage of archeological importance, or
particular spaces holding a collective memory for the natives which over a long period of time. Within
a region, the story that heritage tells through buildings, streetscape, local culture and traditions gives it
a unique identity and distinguishes that particular community from every other place on earth. Thus
the presence of built heritage reinforces a sense of belonging and invokes a common pride of shared
past.
With change in times, the original purpose of any given heritage site might become redundant, while
at the same time, make way for innovative revised uses for the same sites thus adding on another
layer to its story. However, presently there are scores of such historic sites which remain
undocumented because they are not in the limelight or well known about.
The purpose of this years LIK trophy is also to study the planning principles, the construction
technology/methodology, functional and other unique characteristics of undocumented heritage
buildings which have undergone change and are now being utilized in a manner that enhances its
unique original use values.

2. Aims & Expected Results

The aim of the 2015-16 LKT is to document built heritage architecture that has undergone evolution
from its original purpose to innovative uses thus enriching its significance, specifically in local sociocultural context and NOT commercial context. Students are expected to study structures which have
not been documented and have become important to a region by being an example of living heritage
being used in day to day context.
Introduce students towards appreciation of historical buildings and to physically document
and map changes that these buildings might have undergone
Carry out research to select the structure/ structure/ complexes and its ability to cope up with
the challenges of time
Understand how historic structures, buildings and/ or complexes were conceptually planned
and designed reflecting a certain set of values (functional, technological, material,
constructional etc.) and its adaptation to the change/development as the focus
Understand how the structure has coped up/ responded to the changes
Understand the form character and values of the structure
The entries for the Trophy should showcase:
All aspects relevant to the making and evolution of such historical building type (construction,
use, function, technology, material etc.);
The influences of the tangible and intangible aspects that shaped these structures, buildings
and complexes; and the changes/ modifications the structure has undergone.
To understand as to how the traditional architecture is responding in contemporary times as
an outcome of the process and the product;
The importance of precise documentation as a tool to understand the making and evolution of
such buildings, recording on paper the important features of such examples which are the
result of fusion of tangible and intangible processes
How the traditions have been crucial and have contributed to a balanced discussion on
protection and conservation in the modification of buildings/s

National Association of Students of Architecture

58th Annual NASA Convention
Louis I Khan Trophy