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Mangaluru : With their distinctive architecture and enduring family histories, traditional Mangalorean Catholic houses are among the city’s most recognisable heritage landmarks. Capturing their architectural beauty and rich history, the Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) released a commemorative book, Album of the Porches: A Photographic Documentation of Mangalorean Catholic Houses at Mount Pleasant, a historic Catholic heritage home, on Saturday, July 25 at 5:00 p.m.

The 242-page book was released by George Albuquerque Pai, Managing Partner of A. Albuquerque & Sons, and Dr. Mona Mendonca, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of History at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University).

Introducing the project, INTACH Mangaluru Chapter Convener and architect Subhas Chandra Basu said the book documents a unique architectural tradition that has long distinguished Mangaluru’s Catholic community. He observed that while many of these homes have been preserved for generations, changing lifestyles have left several underutilised. “Conservation need not always mean preserving them as residences alone. Sensitive adaptive reuse as cafés, galleries or cultural spaces can also help ensure their survival,” he said.

The project was led by architect Sharvani Bhat, who coordinated the documentation, and architect-photographer Murali Abbemane. Together they documented 27 heritage homes across Mangaluru, recording their architecture, history and associated memories.

Commending the initiative, George Albuquerque Pai described the book as a valuable contribution to preserving the community’s heritage. “Maintaining these houses is both physically and financially demanding, but I hope they will continue to be preserved as an important part of Mangaluru’s cultural legacy for future generations,” he said.

Dr. Mona Mendonca spoke about the challenges of documenting heritage buildings. “Gaining access to these homes can itself be difficult. Such projects demand patience, commitment and genuine enthusiasm. It is heartening to see young professionals undertaking documentation of this nature,” she observed.

Project supporters journalist Vincent D’Souza, Nayana Fernandes and Sabrina Britto-Hougaard were felicitated during the programme. Sharvani Bhat and Murali Abbemane also shared their experiences of documenting the houses and interacting with their residents.

The programme concluded with a discussion on promoting heritage conservation through public awareness, government incentives, community participation and adaptive reuse.

Published by Art Kanara Trust, Album of the Porches: A Photographic Documentation of Mangalorean Catholic Houses is a rare collectors’ item priced at Rs. 1,350 and currently offered at a special price of Rs. 1,000. Copies are available at the INTACH Mangaluru Chapter office at the Kodialguthu Centre for Art and Culture, G.G. Road, Ballalbagh. Contact: artkanaratrust@gmail.com