PRESS RELEASE
Awantipora, Sept 10: The Department of Architecture, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), successfully concluded the second edition of its annual architecture festival, Nairang-e-Tameer 2026, held from September 8–10 on the theme “Traditions in Practice: Celebrating Craft, Culture and Community.” The three-day festival brought together architects, heritage professionals, craftspeople, academicians, students, entrepreneurs and members of the wider community to engage in dialogue on the relationship between architecture, traditional knowledge systems and contemporary practice.
The festival was inaugurated by Vice Chancellor, IUST, Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, in the presence of Dr. Kuldeep, Director, Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, university officers, deans, faculty members, students and invited guests. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Romshoo emphasized the importance of preserving the distinct character of Kashmiri architecture while responding to contemporary challenges through innovation, sustainability and disaster resilience. He also highlighted the need for architecture students to engage with emerging technologies while remaining rooted in traditional knowledge systems.
Over the three days, the festival hosted the Architects’ Conclave: Perspectives in Practice, featuring presentations and discussions by invited architects Biley Menon, IDEA Design, Kochi; Sridevi Changali, Masons Ink Studio; Akshay Heranjal, The Purple Ink Studio; and Saima Iqbal, INTACH, Kashmir Chapter. The sessions provided students and practitioners an opportunity to engage with diverse approaches to architectural practice, heritage conservation, design innovation and community-centred development.
Another highlight was the exhibition Works in Practice: Student Work, Professional Practice and Emerging Ideas, showcasing professional projects, student work, heritage documentation and photography entries from IUST, participating institutions and invited architects. The Entrepreneurship Forum: Practice–Academia Dialogue further facilitated discussions on architectural practice, entrepreneurship, industry-academia engagement and emerging trends in the profession.
The festival also featured competitions, cultural programmes and sporting events, including singing, Scrapescape, Stack Attack, Clue Prints, table tennis, badminton, carrom, chess, basketball and human ludo, providing opportunities for creativity, interaction and collaborative learning.
Hands-on workshops formed an important component of the festival. A COB construction workshop conducted by Mamoon Ahmad of Zyen Materials Collective introduced participants to sustainable earthen building techniques. The Waguv-making workshop, led by Ruksana Bano and Zameer Hussain Bhat, highlighted traditional Kashmiri craft practices, while artist Shahran Dahlani conducted a collaborative mural workshop that transformed a section of the Department of Architecture into an artistic installation reflecting themes of culture, community and identity.
Students and faculty from various institutions of the Valley, including the Institute of Music and Fine Arts, University of Kashmir; SSM College of Engineering; and NIFT Srinagar, participated in the festival. The Department of Architecture acknowledged the valuable contribution of the participating faculty members and students whose enthusiastic participation enriched the festival.
The festival concluded with a valedictory ceremony graced by Prof. Romshoo; Registrar, Prof. Shamim Ahmad Shah; Dean, School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics, Qazi Qamar Iqbal Qari; university officers; faculty members; representatives of participating institutions; and students. Prof. Romshoo distributed prizes and certificates to the winners of various competitions and sporting events and congratulated the participants, organisers and volunteers for the successful conduct of the festival.
The organisers expressed gratitude to the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Boton Furnitures, Antique by Studio X and Rehman Foundation for their generous support.
