From SAHC to IN SITU
Have you ever gazed upon a historic building, and pondered the engineering and architectural principles behind its construction?
I encountered this exact scenario while working on a solar-passive residential project in Leh, India. I was intrigued by the historic rammed earth construction techniques used in the region and the native community’s ability to preserve ancient buildings while ensuring the building’s safety and longevity. Unfortunately, my technical knowledge was limited, prompting me to enroll in a master’s program in structural analysis of monuments and historic constructions.
As an architect, I had previously struggled with designing buildings with historic construction materials like masonry, timber, and earthen material and understanding how to create geometric forms while ensuring structural stability. The SAHC Master’s program not only provided me with the technical knowledge necessary to tackle these issues, but it also offered a unique perspective as a civil or structural engineer.

SAHC Christmas Tree
The program exposed me to the scientific principles behind historic and heritage structures, instilling a deeper appreciation for the complex engineering and architectural principles that went into their construction. By the end of the program, I felt more confident in my ability to conceptualize and design new buildings that were both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound, regardless of the materials used, and also learn from the historical constructions from the past.
Despite starting the program coursework at the University of Minho, Guimaraes, Portugal, later than my colleagues due to the pandemic, the SAHC coordinators were incredibly supportive and helped me catch up on missed modules while keeping up with the rigorous coursework. The program’s focus on material science followed by structural analysis and proposing correct strengthening interventions was particularly fascinating to me, as I learned to analyze several construction systems and understand their behavior.
Working on my dissertation at Czech Technical University in Prague, Czechia, in collaboration with the Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics in Prague was a truly eye-opening experience. Under the guidance of experienced scientists and supervisors, I researched the effects of salts on natural stones, observing deterioration and decay patterns observed in historic buildings and the mechanisms behind them. The access to advanced laboratory setup and infrastructure used during my dissertation at ITAM was invaluable to my research, and my Dissertation supervisor provided me with the support necessary to gain a deeper understanding of salt analysis in building materials. This experience has not only enriched my academic knowledge but has also helped me adopt a research-based approach in my freelance architectural practice.

Working at ITAM Prague during my SAHC Dissertation
As a recent graduate of the SAHC Master’s program, I was fortunate to secure an onsite job during my last SAHC student’s technical site visit and I have had the opportunity to work as a technical restorer with leading experts in the field of cultural heritage preservation, IN SITU Conservation of Cultural Goods Lda, Portugal.
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Currently working with IN SITU, I’ve had the chance to collaborate with a team of experienced restorers, restoring the historical cloisters at the Batalha Monastery. My Dissertation on stone degradation has proven invaluable in understanding the damage mechanisms affecting the existing limestone masonry and proposing effective interventions for existing masonry construction.

Working with IN SITU during work on Cloister restoration works at Batalha Monastery

Working with IN SITU during work on Cloister restoration works at Batalha Monastery
The SAHC program has provided me with a new perspective and confidence in my approach toward both building design and preservation. Through this program, I’ve had the chance to collaborate with experts in the field and fellow students who have been a source of inspiration and motivation throughout.

SAHC Students (batch 2022-2023) during a technical site visit at Batalha Monastery
My experience as a technical restorer and SAHC alumni emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in achieving the goal of preserving our heritage.
I highly recommend the SAHC Master’s program to anyone interested in positively impacting cultural heritage and addressing related issues. I’m excited to continue my journey in preserving our heritage and using the knowledge gained through the SAHC program to make a difference.