The Restoration Toolbox Internship Programme

The practice of architectural conservation is multifaceted involving the careful preservation, restoration, and management of historic buildings, structures, and sites, which I was honoured enough to experience under ‘The Restoration Toolbox’. We were tasked with documenting, analysing, and condition mapping the Old Delhi Town Hall in Chandni Chowk's streets. As an aspiring student of Master’s in Conservation, this exercise held over 2 months was a helpful insight into the practice. In these two months of internship, I was able to learn several traits, values, and methods that go behind the conservation of a building, namely - Team building, community engagement, ethical
considerations, hands-on work, etc.

TEAM BUILDING
As a team of thinking individuals, we were able to collectively map and complete our work with efficiency, and thorough thought processes. The resources provided by The Restoration Toolbox, and the knowledge imparted to us by the studio team only helped us achieve our goal. Every individual input discussed and laid out for decision-making only added to the value of team building.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The on-site work allowed us to engage with the community involved with the Town Hall, which included MCD officials, guards, laborers, and the vendors situated in the context, who willfully gave us their views and knowledge on the history of the site, helping us shape an archive for the Town Hall. This also enhanced our communication skills.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Our studies at the site and the poor condition in which the structure was abandoned made us question the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of conservation. As an individual, I realized the need for the conservation of a building and the role a conservation architect plays in developing the historic fabric of the region.

HANDS-ON WORK
The on-site experience, the mapping of the Town Hall’s conditions, and its analysis gave me an idea of the intricate details the practice works with. The material manuals provided by the Restoration Toolbox became a guiding hand in understanding the behavior of the material which we were able to witness on site. Other than the soft skills developed during 2 months, I was also able to harness and develop my skills in different software to create detailed drawings, which equipped me in understanding our structure. Overall, the opportunity given by The Restoration Toolbox helped me question my ability and morals and helped me strengthen my goal of becoming a Conservation Architect.