CONTEXT 183 : MARCH 2025 47 New member profile Saranya Dharshini My passion for architecture and conservation was shaped by childhood experiences in my grandparents’ historic home and the towering, timeworn temples of Tamil Nadu, India. The intricate carvings and centuriesold rituals captivated me, weaving early memories with the textures and stories of old buildings. Growing up in Mumbai, I was constantly surrounded by a rich variety of architectural styles, from the elegant art-deco facades to the towering Victorian gothic spires and humble traditional coastal dwellings. This diverse environment deepened my understanding that buildings are more than just structures; they are living records of the past, shaped by time, people and culture. This fascination led me to study architecture at the University of Mumbai, where I first encountered the delicate balance between design, history and progress. Later, at the University of Bath, I specialised in conservation, refining my understanding of how heritage could be preserved while remaining relevant. My early career was shaped by invaluable mentorships with Abha Narain Lambah and Vikas Dilawari, both pioneers in Indian conservation. Working alongside them, I explored 14th-century hill forts, historic Mughal gardens and Dravidian temples, and helped breathe new life into a crumbling opera house. Each site introduced me to the intricacies of traditional crafts, the importance of community engagement and the challenge of adapting international conservation principles to local contexts. Over the past 14 years my work has taken me across diverse landscapes, from Unesco world heritage sites and nomination dossiers to adaptive reuse projects, urban conservation, museums, palaces and railway stations, balancing conservation rigour with hands-on experience. Consulting for organisations such as the Indian Culture and Heritage Trust, the World Monuments Fund and ICOMOS has allowed me to engage with global heritage challenges. Currently, at Arup, I lead multidisciplinary teams on projects ranging from the restoration of the tearooms at Huddersfield Station and the Port of Dover lighthouses to the conservation management plan for Hull City Hall. My work also extends to interventions in heritage contexts such as York Station and Horkstow Bridge, and advisory roles for town deal projects, including Hartlepool Wesleyan Church. One of my more unusual site experiences has been surveying Blackpool Tower at 350 feet. For me, conservation is not just about preserving the past; it
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