A workshop on Mysuru heritage and urbanism held on Saturday highlighted the growing pressures historic cities face from fast urbanisation, encroachment, and climate change. The event was organised by the School of Architecture and Planning, University of Mysore, along with Institute of Town Planners India (ITPI) Karnataka Regional Chapter and Mysuru Regional Centre. Titled 'From Royal Vision to Modern Urbanism: Heritage of Mysuru', conservation architect Pankaj Modi stressed the need for conservation approaches that respect both heritage and evolving urban settings. He warned, "without recognising the cultural landscapes and living traditions that shape the historic centres, conservation efforts risk becoming superficial, leaving cities vulnerable to irreversible loss." Mr. Modi noted that conservation in India often focuses only on palaces, temples or landmark buildings, ignoring "deeper cultural landscapes shaped by natural resources, topography, ecology, rituals, trades and community practices." He cited examples like Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Madurai, Jodhpur, Srirangapatana, Shravanabelagola, and Hampi. He explained that each city evolves uniquely through political, economic, and religious influences combined with the natural environment and community responses. "Heritage cannot be reduced to palaces, temples, or impressive facades alone," he said. Describing cities as living entities, Mr. Modi urged that conservation should consider all layers of a city, not just structures. He pointed to Chamundi Hills in Mysuru and Anjanadri Hills in Hampi as cases where ecological and cultural context is also vital. Mysuru City Corporation Commissioner Shaikh Tanveer Asif said buildings reflect the culture of a place and praised India's deep-rooted sustainability in architecture. He added that cities like Mysuru and Jaipur reflect local materials and climate but cautioned that modern glass architecture does not fit local character. Mr. Asif also celebrated Mysuru’s recognition as India’s cleanest city in 2016 Swachh Survekshan. He said it was due to the city’s natural character, wide roads and greenery, not just administration. He urged architecture students to rethink urban spaces to blend Mysuru’s cultural character with modern needs. The workshop included participation from University of Mysore Registrar M.K. Savitha, ITPI New Delhi council member S.B. Honnur, and ITPI Mysuru centre convenor Prof. D.B. Shankar.