KARACHI: The conservation of Nusserwanjee Building on the campus of the Indus Valley School (IVS) of Art and Architecture has been completed. To mark the occasion, an event was organised on Monday evening at IVS by the Sindh Exploration and Adventure Society (SEAS) Pakistan, which has restored the structure with the support of the US Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation and US Consulate General, Karachi.

The piece of architecture is claimed to be the biggest stone-by-stone relocation project (from Kharadar to IVS) of its kind in the subcontinent, named after the renowned philanthropist Jamshed Nusserwanjee.

Speaking on the occasion, US Consul General in Karachi Mark Stroh said he’s frequently visits IVS — one of the reasons is the beautiful landmark building.

“It’s so good to be here to celebrate the restoration of the historic Nusserwanjee Building completed by SEAS Pakistan supported by the [US] Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation. The fund supports the preservation of all types of cultural heritage, including historic buildings, archaeological sites and other forms of traditional expression. Since 2001, the US has awarded more than $6.4 million for cultural heritage projects in Pakistan. The Nusserwanjee Building is the US Consulate’s third project in Sindh.

“We are so proud that our $140,000 grant for Nusserwanjee Building’s restoration helped conserve, protect and restore this landmark — so representative of Karachi’s pluralistic, religious and cultural roots — to its original form. The credit is truly due to our partners,” said Mr Stroh.

The Consul General added the US mission supports the preservation of heritage sites because they know they mean so much more than just bricks and mortar: they strengthen and inspire communities.

Earlier, addressing the audience Dean and Executive Director of IVS Dr Faiza Mushtaq said IVS has been one of the leading art and design institutes of the country for over 30 years. Nussuerwanjee Building forms an integral part of the school. It houses studios of different departments and IVS Gallery. Three years back, there was wear and tear in the structure. Dr Asma Ibrahim and Dr Kaleemullah Lashari of SEAS took charge of the conservation project and helped secure the grant for restoration work.

Published in Dawn, February 1st, 2022