Vrinda's story
Vrinda Jariwala is a research associate at the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training.
The NCPTT team (part of the National Park Service, in Louisiana, USA) are researching the removal of crude oil from cultural resources using surface washing agents, which is funded by the Inland Oil Spill Preparedness Project. Before joining the National Park Service, Vrinda studied A.P.D. Technical Building Conservation – a programme run by Historic Environment Scotland at the Engine Shed. This work was funded by the Charles Wallace India Trust. With her interest in the preservation of historic materials, Vrinda has also received the INTACH research grant. Jariwala completed her MA in Architectural Conservation from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi. After she graduated, she taught as an Assistant Professor at her alma mater Sushant School of Art and Architecture.
After working in the field of conservation for five years, CWIT enabled me to pursue further specialisation in building materials. It was an enriching experience both culturally and academically. I particularly enjoyed the hands-on training sessions for materials and scientific investigations in laboratories..
India is one of the few countries where traditional building practices, indigenous knowledge systems, and historic materials are still widely prevalent. This exposure highlighted parallels and differences and that helped Vrinda to grow in the field of conservation science.
The CWIT experience was important as it helped me to push my boundaries and find the courage to realise my dreams. My experience in London has shaped my work in more than one way and made me confident in the work that I practice.
Through this experience, Vrinda learnt about an array of topics in conservations which encompassed philosophies, materials used, technological advances, and challenges. The course and specific modules like stone, mortars & plasters, energy efficiency and climate change created further curiosity in learning ways to employ the historic techniques that are going to be sustainable in the future.
Vrinda Jariwala
Vrinda Jariwala working on crude oil research at the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training
Image: Catherine Cooper