The Restoration Toolbox Internship Programme

As the sun blazed overhead, I embarked on a captivating journey that would redefine my perspective on architecture and heritage conservation. This transformative experience was a seven-week-long summer internship, where I

was fortunate to be part of a dynamic team of five individuals, under the guidance of the visionary architect Vaibhav Jain and the esteemed principal architect Aishwarya Tipnis. Our mission? To breathe new life into the

abandoned Town Hall of Delhi through research and conservation.

Site Visit and Initial Days: Unveiling the Forgotten Gem The journey began with a visit to the Town Hall, an edifice abandoned by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi in 2007. The first two days of the internship

were spent on-site, allowing us to soak in the grandeur of the structure and feel the echoes of its storied past. This was the foundation upon which we would build our research and conservation efforts.

Weeks of Learning: Documenting, Analyzing, and Observing The initial two weeks were dedicated to learning the intricate art of documenting heritage buildings. Under the guidance of Vaibhav Jain and

Aishwarya Tipnis, we were taught how to handle measuring tapes with care, jot down meticulous notes, and capture precise measurements. The heart of our work lay in the rigorous condition analysis of the building. As a team, we

delved into every nook and cranny, recording the conditions of each room, noting water seepage, paint peeling, and cracks. These exercises honed our observation skills and widened our perspective on heritage conservation.

Drafting Plans and Crafting the Inventory Report

With documentation and condition analysis complete, we transitioned to the next phase. Drafting plans of the building became our new canvas, where we learned the intricate art of preserving historical nuances while incorporating

contemporary techniques. Simultaneously, we embarked on crafting the inventory report. This phase was a masterclass in teamwork, color theory, and alignment principles. Working in tandem with my teammates, I

discovered the true essence of collaboration and the magic it brings to architectural endeavors.

The Art of Learning:

Gaining Wisdom from Mentors*Perhaps the most enriching part of the internship was the opportunity to learn from brilliant minds. Architect Vaibhav Jain and Principal Architect Aishwarya Tipnis became our guiding lights, imparting

knowledge that extended far beyond the walls of the Town Hall. Their insights, anecdotes, and real-world experiences painted a vivid picture of the architectural realm, instilling in us a passion for preservation and innovation.

The Culmination:

A Report of Restoration and Conservation*As the weeks unfolded, our dedication and hard work culminated in a comprehensive report. This report, a culmination of our learnings and labor, chronicled the building's history, room-specific issues, and architectural drawings. Solutions to address the building's challenges were meticulously laid out, inspired by the wisdom found within restoration toolbox manuals. This report was not just a compilation of words and images; it was a testament to our growth as individuals and professionals.

The Ultimate Goal:

Empowering Communities for Conservation*The heartbeat of the internship was to empower communities with the knowledge to preserve their heritage. By studying the Town Hall meticulously and absorbing the teachings of restoration manuals, we took a step toward achieving this goal. As I reflect on those transformative seven weeks, I can confidently say that our mission was a resounding success. Through our efforts, we had transformed from interns into advocates of preservation, ready to share our learnings with the world.In conclusion, my summer internship was not just a period of learning; it was an odyssey of growth, collaboration, and immersion into the realm of heritage conservation. The team's dedication, the guidance of architectural luminaries, and the lessons learned from every corner of the Town Hall formed the cornerstone of this unforgettable experience. As I move forward in my journey, I carry with me the lessons, memories, and passion cultivated during those remarkable seven weeks.