AhMEDABAD: The IIM-Ahmedabad is seeking contributions from alumni and corporates for conservation and restoration of its iconic building designed by legendary American architect Louis Kahn nearly five decades ago.
The institute said parts of the building are in a state of disrepair with time taking its toll and also due to earthquakes, more importantly the 2001 Bhuj temblor. An estimated Rs 130 crore is needed to conserve and restore them. "Our institute has taken a more challenging route of conserving and restoring the building (damaged with time and due to earthquakes) rather than doing a patchwork," said IIM-A Director Ashish Nanda.
He said the Union HRD Ministry has already extended its support by allowing the institute to count fundings made for the purpose under Corporate Social Responsibility head. IIM-A dean for alumni and external relations Rakesh Basant said the leading business school is trying to raise resources to execute the project. "It is a fairly painstaking task, and we are hoping that alumni and corporates would help us undertake this endeavour," he said.
Basant said so far Rs 30 crore has been raised with Tata Consultancy Service contributing Rs 20 crore for the restoration of the institute's library. Some of the students of the 1992 and 1995 batches have contributed another Rs 10 crore to be used for restoration of a dormitory, classroom and tower lawn, he said.
"Moving forward, we want to raise resources for classrooms, dormitories, administrative blocks and faculty complex, and are reaching out to corporates for the same. We are also seeking smaller funds under Rs 1 crore and retail contributions from alumni and corporates," he said.
The IIM-A building was designed by Kahn with the brick structure reflecting a blend of modernity and tradition. It was completed in 1974.