In a significant stride towards excellence, our Kathmandu Project Office in Nepal recently welcomed Dr. Arun Menon, a distinguished Professor of Structural Engineering from the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras (Chennai, India) for a peer review of the ongoing projects between 26th – 30th November 2023. Dr. Menon holds a PhD in earthquake engineering from University of Pavia, Italy, His research interests are in structural aspects of historical constructions, earthquake behaviour of historical masonry structures and earthquake-resistant structural masonry, and author/co-author in these areas in about 75+ technical articles. Dr. Menon’s extensive experience and expertise in earthquake engineering was extended across various sites in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur, where our dedicated teams have been tirelessly working on diverse projects. His role as an expert peer reviewer brought a wealth of experience and insight, elevating the overall quality of our ongoing endeavours in the field of conservation and seismic strengthening of Cultural Heritage sites in a seismic active zone.
The INTACH team, responsible for overseeing these projects, meticulously briefed Dr. Menon on the details of each intervention carried out on the respective sites. The discussions delved into the intricacies of the structural aspects, ensuring a thorough understanding of the challenges and solutions implemented. The peer review process was not merely a one-way exchange, Dr. Menon actively engaged with our team, asking probing questions and providing valuable feedback on the executed work. This dynamic exchange of ideas and insights serves as a catalyst for continuous improvement and innovation in our approach. Dr. Menon’s interactions went beyond internal teams, extending to engagement with the onsite INTACH team, contractors, traditional craftsperson and government officials from Nepal. This inclusive approach underscores the importance of a collaborative, multi-stakeholder perspective for the success and sustainability of our projects.
Nepal’s architectural landscape is characterised by its unique challenges, particularly with regards to seismic vulnerability. Dr. Menon’s expertise aligns seamlessly with addressing these challenges, as he brings a nuanced understanding of the specific seismic dynamics relevant to the region. Further, his presence facilitated a vibrant exchange of knowledge, bringing together academia, on-the-ground practitioners, and representatives of all diverse strata forming collaborations that are instrumental in fostering a robust ecosystem that supports the growth of expertise and innovation.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Arun Menon for generously sharing his time and expertise during this peer review process. His invaluable insights will undoubtedly play a crucial role in enhancing the success and impact of our projects in Nepal, further reinforcing our commitment to excellence in conservation of cultural heritage sites. As we move forward with this collaborative milestone, we eagerly anticipate implementing the lessons gleaned to elevate the standards of excellence in our ongoing and future projects.
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