Awantipora: The Department of Architecture, IUST organized a one-day workshop focusing on the design of a “Low-Cost, Energy-Efficient, and Seismically-Safe Prototype House for Kashmir.” This initiative, supported by the CIED-IUST Foundation, was aimed to develop affordable housing solutions in the region.
The inaugural session was presided over by Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Malik, Dean School of Architecture and Planning, and was attended among others by Prof. Ayaz Hassan Moon, Dean Research, Dr Parvez Ahmad Mir, Director CIED, Head Department of Architecture, Dr Mehran Qureshi, other faculty members and students.
On this occasion a panel discussion was also held, featuring experts including Mr. Maroof Ahmad Shah (Deputy Director, Sheep Husbandry), Dr. Sameer Hamadani (Design Director, INTACH – J&K Chapter), Ms. Saima Iqbal (Conservation Architect, INTACH – J&K Chapter), Mr. Taha Mughal (Architect and Charles Wallace scholar, University of Cambridge), and Mr. Umar Farooq (Architect and Fullbright Scholar, Georgia Tech University), who deliberated and offered insights into the future of sustainable housing.
Emphasizing the importance of vernacular construction systems and materials, Mr. Mehran Qureshi, Head Department of Architecture and Coordinator of the program underscored the significance of innovative use of endemic resources to achieve affordability and sustainability. Also, Dr. Shujaat Hussain Buch, from Department of Civil Engineering, talked about research on energy-efficient structural models tailored for the region, touching upon essential indices and parameters for thermal comfort in local residences. The program was moderated by Mr Qazi Qamar.

KR Desk