Within a month of putting out an expression of Interest (EoI), inviting plans to demolish dorms designed by American architect Louis Khan and replacing them, the Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad has decided to withdraw the decision, following severe criticism from several stakeholders.
In a letter to the stakeholders, dated January 1, the chairman and members of the board of governors of IIM Ahmedabad said they are sensitive to the feelings and feedback from some stakeholders, who were opposed to the decision to demolish the dorms.
IIM-A’s governing board is headed by Kumar Mangalam Birla.
Soon after the news of the EoI and letter of IIM-A director Errol D’Souza on December 23, Kahn’s children, various stakeholders, alumni and architects wrote to the institute, urging it to reconsider its decision. They were of the opinion that technological know-how is available to restore and conserve the structure, which is part of a legacy.
The dorms, part of the IIM-A building, have suffered damages over the years, especially during 2001 earthquake. The Institute had decided to bring down 14 out of the 18 dorms. One of the dorms – 15 – and Vikram Sarabhai Library have been conserved and the effort to conserve the latter also fetched an international award.
The letter from the chairman and members of the board of governors stated that one of the reasons to take the decision to demolish the dorms was that they were unsafe. It has also mentioned that after one dorm was restored, one independent consultant opined that the dorm was unsafe.
The letter categorically stated that they are aware that they have a legacy to nurture but at the same time, safety of the residents cannot be compromised.
While withdrawing the EOI they said they will deliberate on the feedback that they have got, re-evaluate the options available, and consult conservation and structural experts from all over the world.
