Designing for Tomorrow
Sustainability Ini a ves in Architectural Educa on
The Power of Collabora on
Interdisciplinary Approaches in Architectural Educa on
NICMAR University
Enhancing Architectural Learning for Young Learners
Sustainable Structures
Goals Emporg
Sustainablearchitectureembodiestheethosof
environmentalresponsibilityandresilience, aimingtominimizenegativeimpactsonthe planetwhileenhancingthewell-beingofits inhabitants.Associety'sawarenessofclimatechange grows,sodoestheurgencytoadoptsustainable practices,makingarchitectureavitalplayerin achievingambitiousenvironmentalgoals.
Innovativedesignstrategiessuchaspassivesolar heating,greenroofs,andnaturalventilationsystems exemplifyhowarchitecturecanharmonizewithnature, reducingenergyconsumptionandcarbonemissions. Sustainablematerialslikerecycledsteelandlocally sourcedwoodlessenenvironmentalfootprintsand promoteacirculareconomy
Institutes—includingeducationalandresearch facilities—playacrucialroleinadvancingsustainable architecture.Theyserveaslaboratoriesfor experimentation,innovation,andeducation,fostering thedevelopmentofnewtechnologiesandpractices.
Moreover,institutesoftenserveascommunityhubs, showcasingsustainabledesignsandpromotingpublic awareness.
Throughinterdisciplinarycollaboration,institutesbring togetherarchitects,engineers,scientists,andpolicymakers totacklecomplexsustainabilitychallenges.Theirresearch informsindustrystandardsandgovernmentregulations, drivingwidespreadadoptionofsustainablepracticesinthe builtenvironment.
Inthespiritofinnovationandambition,welcometo The Knowledge Review'slatesteditionof"India'sMost InnovativeInstituteswhereArchitectureMeets Ambition-2024."Thiseditioncelebratesthepioneering effortsofinstitutesacrossIndiathatareattheforefrontof sustainablearchitectureandenvironmentalstewardship.
st Aswenavigatethechallengesofthe21 century,these institutesstandasinspirationshowcasinghowarchitecture canbeapowerfultoolforpositivechange.
Throughoutthisedition,wedelveintotheremarkable achievementsandgroundbreakingprojectsofthese institutes,highlightingtheircommitmenttopushingthe boundariesofsustainabledesign.Fromcutting-edge researchinitiativestotransformativecampus developments,eachinstituteexemplifiesadedicationto creatingbuiltenvironmentsthatarenotonly environmentallyresponsiblebutalsosociallyinclusive andeconomicallyviable.
Join us as we shine a spotlight on India's most innovative institutes, where architecture serves as a catalyst for ambition, sustainability, and positive change!
Ed ors Note ‘
- Muskan Kapoor MuskanKapoor
School of Architecture
Nurturing Professionally Ethical Architects
Vellore Institute of Technology
Zenith of Architecture Education
Architecture & Planning, Mumbai
Nurturing Competent Professionals through Human Value-based Education
Designing for Tomorrow
Sustainability Initiatives in Architectural Education
The Power of Collaboration
Interdisciplinary Approaches in Architectural Education
NICMAR University Cover 08
EnhancingArchitectural LearningforYoungLearners
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Publication
Editor-in-Chief
Pooja Bansal
Managing Editor
Muskan Kapoor
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Kabir Sinha
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Rahul Shinde
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Saurabh Gole
Vice President
Swapnali Vasaikar
BDM
Naitiki Ambekar
Technical Specialist
Rajeshwari Avhad
SME-SMO Executive
Sagar Lahigade
Asst. Vice President
Ashwini Pahurkar
Sr. BDE
Vikram Chauhan
Digital Marketing Manager
Renuka Kulkarni
Circulation Manager
Tanaji Fartade
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Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), College of Architecture
India's Most Innovative Institutes Architecture
Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Architecture nurtures the spirit of professional education as a source and a system to shape individuals to become competent professionals. bvuniversity.edu.in
Indubhai Parekh School of Architecture
University, Pune
School of Architecture
Vellore Institute of Technology
Thakur School of Architecture and Planning, Mumbai
nicmar.ac.in
Indubhai Parekh School of Architecture's vision is to provide a learning environment that transforms students into capable adults who can meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.
At NICMAR University, academicians and practicing professionals work together to educate the students, allowing them. to learn and bring a plurality of views and interests.
School of Architecture Vellore Institute of Technology was established to provide quality higher education on par with international standards.
Thakur School of Architecture and Planning, Mumbai is a centre of innovation and one of the nation's few independent architecture schools, dedicated to educating future generations of professionals.
EnhancingArchitecturalLearningforYoungLearners
Architectureisafascinating
fieldthatinvolvestheartand scienceofdesigningand constructingbuildingsandstructures. Toparchitecturalinstitutesproduce skilledandinnovativearchitects equippedwiththetechnicalknowledge andcreativitytodesignestablishments thatarenotonlybeautifulbutalso functionalandsustainable.
Theseinstitutespromoteacultureof innovationandexcellence.It enlightensthestudentsandcultivatesa senseofresponsibilityforthe significanceofpreservingcultural heritagewhiledesigning architecturallyadvancedstructures.
Dr. Anil
Kashyap
NICMARUniversity,Puneisan educationalmarvelthatproduces determined,academicallycompetent studentsreadytofacetheindustryand solveglobalchallengesefficientlyand sustainably.Theinstituteisbuiltonthe ideologyoftreatingchallengesas opportunities.Itcraftsastudent-centric environmentandenhancesthequality ofarchitecturaleducationthrough project-basedlearning,casestudy discussions,andactivitiestoengage thestudentsandkindletheircuriosity.
NICMARUniversity,Punehas establisheditselfasapremium
PresidentandChancellor, NICMARUniversity,Pune DirectorGeneral,NICMAR
“ “ AtNICMAR,weinspireand prepareourstudentstotakean activeroleintheworldas leaders,innovatorsand collaborators.
universityforacademics,researchers, employers,andstudentsbydelivering cutting-edgetransformational knowledge,empoweringstudents,and creatingfutureleaderscontributing towardsasustainablesocietyand community Tolearnmoreabout NICMARUniversity, The Knowledge Review hadaninterviewwithDr. SagarMalsane,(I/C)Deanofthe SchoolofArchitecture,Planning,and RealEstateandDr.PankajaBagul, Head,SchoolofArchitecture, NICMARUniversity.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Elaborateonthejourneyofyour institute.
NICMARasaninstitutewas establishedin1983byconstruction industryleaders(IndianConstruction Association)torespondtothe changingneedsoftheconstruction sector.Sinceitsestablishment, NICMARboastsofexcellentindustry partnershipsasover200companies havevisitedNICMARUniversity, Pune,forstudentinternships, placements,andguestlecturesinthe recentpast.
Withalegacyof40yearsinthe Construction,RealEstate, Infrastructure,andProject(CRIP) sector,NICMARhasspreaditswings tobecome'NICMARUniversity,Pune' enactedbyMaharashtraActNo XXXVIof2022,withtheprimary objectiveofspecializededucationin BuiltEnvironmentdomain.The universityisfocusedonknowledge
Dr. Mrs. Sushma S. Kulkarni ViceChancellor, NICMARUniversity,Pune
“ “
Life-longlearningis essentialtounleashyour truepotential.
creationanddisseminationinthebuilt environmentsectorthroughthe formationoftechnicalschoolssuchas theSchoolofConstruction,Schoolof ProjectManagement,Schoolof Engineering,SchoolofArchitecture, PlanningandRealEstate,Schoolof EnergyandEnvironment,and NICMARBusinessSchool,etc.
Theschoolsoffervariousgraduateand postgraduateprograms.TheSchoolof Architecture,Planning,andRealEstate hoststhefive-yearfull-timeBachelor ofArchitectureprogramandsuccessful master'slevelprogramssuchasMBA inRealEstateandUrbanInfrastructure ManagementandMasterofPlanning.
NICMARUniversity,Pune,has establishedstrongindustry collaborationswithseverallocal partnersandorganizations,including ConstructionTechnologyAlliance Institute(CTAI),IndoUniversal CollaborationforEngineering Education(IUCEE),VisiLean, YelloSKYE,SoftTechEngineers
Limited,AnthillVentures,PMI Organization,TataSteel,Homepecked e-MarketplaceServicesPvt.Ltd, Tracecost,Bentley,BexelIndia Consulting,LarsenandToubro Limited,Mumbai,CalQuanIndia, AurigoSoftwareTechnologiesPrivate Limited,andBangalore–tonamea few Theseareinstrumentalin enhancingstudents'knowledgeand skillsandmakingthemindustry-ready
NICMARUniversity,Pune,has initiatedseveralglobalpartnerships. ThenoteworthyMoUsincludeaPh.D. split-siteprogramwithLoughborough University,UK;academicandresearch partnershipMoUswithTexasA&M University,USA;DanielsCollegeof Business,UniversityofDenver, Colorado,USA;andWentworth InstituteofTechnology,Boston,MA, USAamongothers.
Kindlysharethemissionandvision ofyourinstitute.
Vision:
Ourvisionistobeaglobaluniversity thatpromotessustainability,embraces enterprisingvalues,andproduces industry-readyprofessionalsforthe builtenvironment.
Mission:
• Produceambitious,academically capableprofessionalandfuture leadersinthebuiltenvironment, skilledinsolvingglobal challengesandtransforminglives
• Provideaccesstoeducational programsresponsivetoevolving industryandsocietalneeds throughoutstandinglearning, teaching-learningprocesses, research,andanenterpriseculture.
• Fosterholisticandglobal opportunitiesthatengagestudents supporttheiruniqueneedsand well-beingandhelpthemprepare forfuturesuccess.
• Createavibrantuniversity communityandculturebasedon ourcorevaluesofexcellence, inclusion,andcollaboration.
Whatroledoestechnologyplayin shapingtheeducationandpractices inarchitectureatyourinstitute?
AtNICMARUniversity,Pune, technologyplaysapivotalrolein shapingeducationandpracticeswithin architecture.Integratingcutting-edge technologieshastransformedhow studentsengagewitharchitectural concepts,designprocesses,and practicalapplications.
Digitaldesigntools,suchasComputerAidedDesign(CAD)softwareand BuildingInformationModeling(BIM) anddigitalfabricationhavebecome integralcomponentsofthecurriculum, providingstudentswiththeskillsto createintricateandinnovativedesigns.
VirtualReality(VR)andAugmented Reality(AR)applicationsfurther enhancethelearningexperience, allowingstudentstoimmerse themselvesinvirtualenvironments, explorespatialrelationships,and simulatereal-worldscenarios.
Canyouhighlightsomenotable achievementsorawardsreceivedby yourinstitute?
• NICMARUniversity,Pune, receivedtheprestigiousawardfor "BestUniversitywithIndustryOrientedPrograms"at'The NavabharatEducationSummit heldinMumbaion29thJuly2023 bythehandsofHon'bleShri. MangalPrabhatLodha,Minister ofGovernmentofMaharashtra.
• SWAYAM-NPTELrecognizes NICMARUniversity,asa valuablelocalchapterwitha ratingof"AA"basedon
Dr. Sagar Malsane Ph.D.,(I/C)Dean, SchoolofArchitecture, PlanningandRealEstate, NICMARUniversity,Pune
performanceinNPTEL.
• NICMARUniversity,Pune,has receivedaccreditationfromthe GlobalAccreditationCenter, ProjectManagementInstitute (GAC-PMI)fortheMBAAdvancedConstruction Managementprogramandthe MBA-AdvancedProject Managementprogramforfive years.
Whatstrategicplansdoesyour institutehaveforyourSchoolof architectureanditsfuture developmentandgrowth?
NICMARhasatraditionofexcellence forimpartingeducationinbuilt environment.BachelorofArchitecture programiscontinuingthisbyoffering acutting-edgecurriculumwith innovativeteachingandadvanced digitalfab-labfacilitieswithinastateof-the-artinfrastructure.
Toachievetheseobjectives,firstly,we aimtocontinuallyenhanceour curriculumbyintegratingemerging technologiesandsustainablepractices andfosteringinterdisciplinary collaborations.Wearehavingalarge collectionofphysicalbooksand journalsaswellasadigitallibrarywith e-books,e-journalsubscriptions.We nurturecreativitythroughexplorations inourartstudio,visitstomuseumsand artshows.Wehavealotofguest lecturesandsitevisitstoo.
Wewillbeincreaseopportunitiesfor ourstudentstogainexposureby expandingourpartnershipswith industryleaders.Thiswillprovide studentsreal-worldinsightsand opportunities.OurComputerlabsare continuouslyupdatedwiththelatest softwareusedintheindustry.We continuouslyinvestinginourDigital fablabsandourworkshopsfor studentstogainhandsonknowledge
andachancetoexplorenew techniques.
Additionally,ourinstituteisfocusedon expandingresearchinitiativesand encouragingfacultyandstudentsto contributetoadvancementof knowledge.
Topromotediversityandinclusivity, wearedevelopingoutreachprograms toattractabroaderrangeoftalents.
Throughthesestrategicplans,weaim topositionourinstituteasaleaderin architecturaleducation,fosteringa dynamicandprogressivelearning environmentthatpreparesstudentsfor theevolvingchallengesofthe profession.
Howisthefive-yearcurriculum framed?
Architectureisauniqueblendof creativityandtechnology.So,wehave
Dr. Pankaja G. Bagul
Specialization-ComputationalDesign Head,SchoolofArchitecture, NICMARUniversity,
Pune
triedtoachieveabalanceofbothby creativeuseoftechnologytoachieve Ourfive-yearcurriculumisframedto includeteachingofthetraditional methodsindesignandconstructionas wellasthefuturisticcomputational designtechnologiesusingAI.Students willbeencouragedtothinkcritically anddevelopanalyticalskillsalong withessentialdesigning,technical& softwareskills.Bylearningthebasics intheinitialyear,contemporary practicesinthesecondyearand acquiringprofessionalskillsbythe third,fourthyearourstudentswillbe readyforinternshipsandplacementsin topfirmsassoonastheygraduate.All studentswillbeencouragedtobe independentthinkersandeffective communicators.Theywillbegaining professionalknowledgeandtechnomanagerialcapabilitiesthrough subjectslikeProjectmanagement, constructionmanagementandBIM.
Howwewilldeliveritinadifferent waytodevelopmodernday architects?
Ourstudentswillacquiredigitalskills essentialforcreativedesigningand makingtechnicaldrawings.Theywill respondclimatechange,emphasising environmentalsustainability& responsibledesignpractices.Theywill bespecializinginParametricthinking, Digitaldesign,Advanceconstruction, RealEstate,andInfrastructureprojects, ensuringcomprehensiveprofessional developmentforsuccessinthe industry
What our architecture students say about us
“ “ “ “ “ “
Forme,architectureis theartandscienceof designingand constructingvarious buildforms,and structuresinresponseto complexnecessitiesfor humanlives.Iam enjoyingstudying ArchitectureatNICMAR University,Pune.Itis settinganice synchronizationbetween Dreamandrealityforme.
Diya
1st-yearArchitectureStudent
Tome,itisnosurprise thattheworldneeds architectsandengineers whocanharnessthe poweroftechnologyand shapethefutureof housingprojects.NICMAR University,Puneoffersus theplatformtodojust that.Itempowersusto becomeatech-savvy architectwhocanlead andinnovateinarapidly changingworld.
Devashrit
1st-yearArchitectureStudent
Architectureformeis creatingthedesignof abuildingthatworks functionallyaswellas aestheticallyatan affordableprice.The learningenvironment providedfor Architectureat NICMARUniversity, Puneencouragesme tolearnhowtodesign buildingsinmore detail.
Danish 1st-yearArchitectureStudent
Check should be drawn in favor of
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INDUBHAI PAREKH SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
Nurturing Professionally Ethical Architects
Theimportanceofarchitectureeducationintoday's worldisundeniable.Itequipsstudentswiththe knowledgeandskillstotacklecomplexchallenges, fromenvironmentalsustainabilitytourbanizationand culturalpreservation.Asarchitectscontinuetoshapethe physicalworld,theireducationempowersthemtocreate spacesthatarenotonlyvisuallycaptivatingbutalso functional,sustainable,andconducivetothewell-beingof individualsandcommunitiesalike.
IndubhaiParekhSchoolofArchitecture,oneofthefinest architectureinstitutionsinthecountry,hasaprimarygoal ofcreatingalearningenvironmentthatenablesstudentsto realizetheirpotentialandbecomeindividualswhocan tacklethechallengesofthe21stcentury;atimethatis definedbyanoverloadofinformationinarapidlychanging world.Itscurriculumaimstopreparestudentstobe architectswhoaresociallyaware,environmentally responsible,technologicallyinformed,professionally ethical,and,mostimportantly,criticalthinkerscapableof makingappropriatedecisions.
EmphasizingContextualArchitectureDesign
Theinstitutionfirmlybelievesthatarchitectureshould prioritizecreatingspatialexperiencesandastrongsenseof place.Itconsidershands-onengagementwithbuiltformsto beanessentialaspectofthelearningprocessfor architecture.Byoccupyingandexperiencingarchitecture, onecantrulycomprehenditsqualities,suitability,and relevance.IPSAteachingapproachemphasizescontextual architecturedesign-onethatisrootedintheplace, respondstoavailableresources,andisappropriateforthe peoplewhouseit.Thisapproachleadstoreal-life interventionsitesthatcanbethoroughlydocumentedand revisitedtoencouragedeeperengagement.
MakingArchitectureIntegralPartofEverydayLife
Totheinstitution,architectureisnotsimplyanobjectinan abstractlandscapeoratheoreticalconceptbutrathera tangibleandintegralpartofeverydaylife.
IntheInstitute,sustainabilityisbeingintroducedasan attitudetowardstheenvironmentthroughvarioussubjects likeBuildingMaterialsandConstruction(BMC), EnvironmentalScienceandServices(ESS),RelatedStudy Programs(RSP),DesignStudio(DS),etc.Inthesesubjects, studentsaretaughtmaterialsindetailwiththeconcernof renewable,recyclable,andreusableresources.
Inthesecond-semesterBMCsubject,studentsaretaught theprimarymaterialsearthenconstructionpracticeslike rammedearth,wattleanddaub,adobe,cob,stabilizedearth block,etc.,whichareBiodegradablematerialsand renewablebuildingmaterials.
Inthethird-semesterBMCsubject,studentsaretaught variouselementsandconstructionfromwood.Evento makeawarenessoftheenvironment,treeplantationisalso practicedeveryyearontheschoolcampusandsurrounding. Intheeighth-semesterBMCsubject,studentsaretaught advancedconceptsinstructuralsystemslikespaceframes, geodesics,tensilestructuresanddesignsinthecontextof structural,material,technical,andenvironmentalissues.
“ “
Ourinstitutionhasa primarygoalofcreating alearningenvironment thatenablesstudents torealizetheirpotential andbecomeindividuals whocantacklethe challengesofthe 21stcentury.
India'sMostInnovativeInstituteswhereArchitectureMeetsAmbition-2024
SubjectESSfocusesonthebelowaspects:
• Earthandrelationwiththesolarsystem,phenomenaof seasons,climate,andlocalresponsesofhumansto climatethroughvariousbuiltpracticesacrossvarious culture.
• Understandinglandscapeasmanandnature relationship.
• Landecologyandclimate-typesandrelationwith architecture.
• Climate-responsivepracticesandsustainable approaches.
• Differenttypesofwasteandrecyclingmethodsfor buildingpurposes.
• Conceptofsustainabilityandvariousapproachesto sustainablearchitecture.
• Varioussystemsofrainwaterharvesting.
SubjectRSPfocusesonthebelowaspects:
• Tounderstandtherelationoftraditionalandhistorical practicesandarchitecturalmanifestationinaplace (learningsofthepastknowledgesystem).
• Socialsustainabilityisintroducedthroughan UnderstandingofCollectivelivingandbuilt environment.Collectivelearningandthebeginningof theformalizedspatialorganization.Senseof communityandfundamentalmutualinterdependence manifestedinoutdoorin-betweenspaces.
QuestforaSustainableSociety
InitialDesignStudiosfocusontheinteractiveprocesses betweenhumans,physicalcontext,andnature.Italso attemptstounderstandthecorrelationbetweenmaterial, structure,andtheresultantphysicalorder.Studiosfurther trytounderstandthecomplexinterrelationofindividuals withinacommunity/familyandbetweentheirsurroundings inasocio-culturalcontext.Sametimetriestounderstand variousformsofphysicalmanifestationinhisbuilt environment.Later,DesignStudiosalsoteachthe harmonizedrelationshipbetweensocietyandinstitutions fortheoverallsustainabilityofsociety
Conceptsofsustainabilityareintroducedintheinstitutions’ curriculumwithvarioussubjectsandapproachesto strengthenthedesignideologyintheintegrationof environmental,social,economic,cultural,andtechnical aspects.
PrioritizingHands-onExperimentation
Theinstitutionprioritizesexperientiallearningwitha pedagogythatemphasizesactiveteachingandlearning processes.Itbelievesinengagingtheheart,followedbythe
handsandhead.Itsteachingprocessfocusesonintuition andmeaningfirstbeforeverifyingthroughtheories.Togain atangibleunderstandingofthesubject,IPSAencourages hands-onexperimentationwithprototypesorscaled models.Thesefieldunderstandingsarelaterreinforcedwith theories.IPSA’spedagogyisanintegratedthree-layered teachingmethodthatisessentialtoitsapproach.
Inarchitecturaleducation,studio-basedsubjectsare typicallylearnedthroughmakinganddiscussing,butthe IPSAteachingmethodincludesactivemodesfortheorybasedsubjectsaswell.Itsteachingmethodsinvolvea visualreceivingmode(suchasaudio-visuals, documentaries,demonstrations,sitevisits,etc.),a participatingmode(includingdebates,discussions,seminar presentations,documentation,etc.),andadoingmode (involvingscaledmodels,prototypes,full-scaleworks, etc.).Thesemethodshelptosimulaterealexperiences.At thesametime,theinstitutionalsousescomputer-aidedtools forsimulationandanalysisofbuildingperformance.
NurturingWell-AccomplishedProfessionals
Theinterdisciplinarycollaborationencouragesstudentsto bewell-accomplishedprofessionalswhocanaddress complexreal-worldchallengeswithcreativity, sustainability,andsocialresponsibility.Itenhancestheir abilitytoworkindiverseteamsandequipsthemwiththe necessaryskillandknowledgetodealwithreal-world complexchallengesforthecreationofasustainablebuilt environment.Ithasdifferentprogrammerandassociations withdifferentinstitutesforstudentstounderstandother partsofthebuiltenvironment.
S.J.AsherProjectSeries1&2:IndubhaiParishSchoolof ArchitecturehaveassociatedS.J.AsherProjectserieswith otherdisciplineuniversitiesofRajkotcity Thisprojectis guidedbytheassociatedirectorofIndiaPPPcapacity buildingtrust(ICAP)andretiredRajkotmunicipal corporationcityengineerswithcolorationofarchitectural andengineeringstudentstounderstandreallifecomplex challengesofcitydevelopment.
EnhancingtheUnderstandingofGlobalChallenges
IndubhaiParishSchoolofArchitecturehassigned MemorandumofUnderstandingwitheightEuropean institutesknownastheTechnicalUniversityofSofiaBulgaria,CyprustheUniversityofTechnology-Cyprus, TechnologicalUniversity-Dublin,UniversidadPolitécnica deCartagena-Spain,DarmstadtUniversityofApplied Sciences(H_da)-Germany,RigaTechnicalUniversityLatvia,UniversitéDeTechnologieDeTroyes-France,
UniversitateaTehnicăDinCluj-Napoca-Româniaforfaculty andstudentexchangeprograms.Thisinterdisciplinary collaborationcanintroducestudentstovariousculturaland regionalperspectives,enhancingtheirunderstandingof globalchallengesanddevelopingsensitivitytolocalcontexts whendesigningprojects.IndubhaiParishSchoolof architectureRunsaprogrammecalled‘FORUM,’where studentsinviteguestspeakersandexpertsfromdiversefields togivelecturesandconductworkshops.Inaddition,thereare craftandtheoryelectiveprogrammesrunbyIPSAaspartof thearchitecturalcurriculumwherestudentscanget knowledgeofalliedfields.
IndubhaiParishSchoolofArchitecturehasa16-weekoffice trainingprogrammeforstudents.Studentsneedtoworkin architecturaloffices,oftenworkingwitharchitects.Students aregettingexposuretootherprofessionsandexpertisewhile workingwithurbanplanners,engineers,andotherexperts. Thetrainingprogrammepreparesstudentsforreal-world scenarios,whereteamworkandeffectivecommunicationare crucialforsuccessfulprojectoutcomes.
FosteringCreativity
Creativitycanbefosteredbystrengtheningcriticalthinking andskillstogether.InIndubhaiParishSchoolof Architecturecreativityisfosteredmainlythroughthe subjectcalledBasicsofDesign(BOD),Workshops,and DesignStudios(DS).
Herestudentsareinvolvedthroughfirst-handexperienceto emphasizebodilyengagementwithvariousmaterialsand tools.
Eventhebasicprinciplesofdesign,likeharmony, hierarchy,symmetry,contrast,balance,ideaofscaleand proportion,rhythm,etc.,areintroducedthroughvarious exercises,inwhichstudentsdevelopanunderstanding regardingform,shape,andperceptualmeaning.Design studiosalsoopenupvariouspossibilitiestoanswerthe designchallengesregardingsitesandprograms.Toenhance criticalthinking,readingisessential.So,eachsubjecttries toenhanceitbyintroducingvariousreadingmaterials.
Sustainability Education Initiatives Architectural
in
Everybuildingtellsastory—but
thestoryourcurrentbuilt environmenttellsisoneof unsustainablepracticespushingthe planettoitslimits.Fromresource consumptionduringconstructiontothe ongoingenergydemandsofbuildings, architecturecansignificantlyimpact theenvironment.Inthiscontext, sustainabilityinarchitecturaleducation isnolongeraluxurybutinturn
Designing for Tomorrow
imperativeindividualsshould undertake.Astheworldgrappleswith climatechange,adwindlingresource pool,andecologicaldamage,the responsibilityofarchitectstocreate sustainablespaceshasneverbeen greater.
Thisiswherethecrucialintersectionof sustainabilityandarchitectural educationemerges.It'sfosteringanew generationofarchitectswhoareversed inaestheticsandfunctionalityaswell aspossessadeepunderstandingof sustainabledesignprinciples.Today's classroomsrequiretraditionaldesign theoryincorporatingcourseson renewableenergysystems,energyefficientmaterials,andlife-cycle analysis.Here,Studentslearnabout passivecoolingtechniquesbutalso activelydesignbuildingsthatbreathe withtheenvironment.
Thistransformativeeducationequips futurearchitectstoseamlesslyintegrate sustainabilityintotheirprojects, creatingstructuresthatarenotjust beautifulandfunctional,butalso environmentallyresponsible.
Thiswaywe'renurturingarchitects whocandesignspacesthatminimize environmentalimpact,conserve resources,andpromoteaharmonious relationshipbetweenhumanityandthe planet.Thisshiftholdsthepotentialto redefinethebuiltenvironment,
Let's discuss more!
UnderstandingSustainability Initiatives
Sustainability in Architectural Education:Atitscore,sustainabilityin architecturaleducationinvolves integratingprinciplesof environmental,social,andeconomic sustainabilityintothecurriculum.It includesteachingstudentshowto designaestheticallypleasingstructures andinstillinginthemasenseof responsibilitytowardstheplanetand futuregenerations.
Importance of Sustainability in Architecture:Architecturehasa profoundimpactontheenvironment. Fromenergyconsumptiontowaste generation,everyaspectofthebuilt environmentinfluencessustainability Byincorporatingsustainablepractices intoarchitecturaleducation,wecan empowerfuturearchitectstomitigate theseimpactsandcreatebuildingsthat arenotonlyenvironmentallyfriendly butalsosociallyandeconomically beneficial.
Correlation to Designing for Tomorrow:Designingfortomorrowis aboutenvisioningafuturewhereour builtenvironmentsupportsratherthan underminesthewell-beingofboth peopleandtheplanet.Sustainability
initiativesinarchitecturaleducationare thefoundationuponwhichthisfuture isbuilt.Byequippingstudentswiththe knowledgeandskillstodesign sustainably,weareensuringthatthe buildingsoftomorrowareresilient, resource-efficient,andconducivetoa highqualityoflife.
IntegratingSustainabilityinto ArchitecturalEducation
Curriculum Development:Oneofthe keywaysinwhichsustainabilityis integratedintoarchitecturaleducation isthroughcurriculumdevelopment. Thisinvolvesrevisingexistingcourses toincludetopicssuchasgreenbuilding materials,energy-efficientdesign,and sustainableurbanplanning.Italso entailscreatingnewcourses specificallyfocusedonsustainability
Hands-on Learning:Theoryis important,buthands-onlearningis wherestudentstrulygraspthe principlesofsustainability.Many architecturalprogramsnowinclude studioprojectsthatchallengestudents todesignsustainablebuildingsand communities.Theseprojectsnotonly allowstudentstoapplytheir knowledgeinapracticalsettingbut alsofostercreativityandinnovation.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Sustainabilityisacomplexissuethat requiresamultidisciplinaryapproach. Architecturaleducationisincreasingly incorporatinginterdisciplinary collaborationintoitscurriculum, allowingstudentstoworkwithexperts infieldssuchasengineering, environmentalscience,andsociology Thisnotonlyenrichesthelearning experiencebutalsopreparesstudents totacklereal-worldsustainability challengescollaboratively.
ChallengesandOpportunities
Resistance to Change:Despitethe growingrecognitionoftheimportance
ofsustainability,thereisstillresistance tochangewithinthearchitectural community.Somearchitectsview sustainabilityasaconstraintrather thananopportunity,fearingthatitwill compromisetheirdesignaestheticor increasecosts.Overcomingthis resistancerequiresashiftinmindset andagreateremphasisonthebenefits ofsustainabledesign.
Technological Advancements
:Onthe flipside,technologicaladvancements areopeningupnewpossibilitiesfor sustainabledesign.Fromadvanced buildingmaterialstoinnovativeenergy systems,technologyismakingiteasier andmorecost-effectivetocreate sustainablebuildings.Byincorporating theseadvancementsintoarchitectural education,wecanempowerstudentsto harnessthefullpotentialoftechnology intheirdesigns.
Conclusion
Sustainabilityinitiativesin architecturaleducationareteaching studentshowtodesignbuildingsand simultaneouslyshapingthefutureof ourbuiltenvironment.Byintegrating sustainabilityintothecurriculum, fosteringhands-onlearning,and promotinginterdisciplinary collaboration,weareequippingthe architectsoftomorrowwiththe knowledgeandskillstheyneedto designforasustainablefuture.
Aswelooktothefuture,the importanceofsustainabilityin architecturaleducationwillonly continuetogrow.Withrapid urbanizationandincreasingpressure onournaturalresources,theneedfor sustainabledesignsolutionshasnever beengreater.Bycontinuingtoinnovate andadapt,architecturaleducationcan playacrucialroleinaddressingthese challengesandcreatingamore sustainablebuiltenvironmentfor generationstocome.
School of Architecture
Vellore Institute of Technology
Zenith of Architecture Education
Theoriginsofcontemporary
architectureandarchitectural educationinIndiamaybe tracedbackaround200yearstothe country'scolonization.TheTechnical Schoolscreatedbythecolonial administrationinthe1850spavedthe wayformodernarchitectureeducation. Theyreplacedtheprevioussystemof masterartisanswhopasseddowntheir skillsfromgenerationtogeneration. DifferentfromEurope,where industrializationgraduallymodified oldskillsandknowledgesystems,no attemptwasmadeinIndiatotransform traditionalbuildingtechniques,which wereinsteadpurposefullybypassedby colonialbuilders.
Currently,thecountryisontheverge ofbecomingthehubforarchitecture educationwithitsmanygood-quality educationalinstitutes.
TheSchoolofArchitecture (V-SPARC)inVelloreInstituteof Technologywasinitiatedtoprovidea transformativelearningenvironmentin design-buildinnovation,emphasising interdisciplinaryandcreativelearning tocatalysetherevolutionof architectureeducationinIndia.The aimoftheprogrammeistoelevatethe valueofdesignbyintegrating technology,humanitiesandarts.The intentistocreateacriticallyreflective learningenvironmentthatprepares
industry-readyprofessionalsfor diversecareers.Thearchitecture pedagogystrivestoachievethebest solutionsbyteachingnewskillsfor life-longlearningthatmeetsthe tremendousdemandsofever-changing societalneeds,withaparticular emphasisonexperientiallearning studio,alongwithintenseresearch techniqueswhichprovideasolid intellectualbaseofknowledge, fosteringintellectualcuriosity, environmentalawareness,and communityengagementservices.
BuildingEquitableSociety
Theinstituteisonamissiontobeseen asaninstitutionthatfostersandhelps buildajust,equitableandinclusive societyresolvingeconomicchallenges throughintelligentandresponsible thoughtprocesses.
contributeresponsiblyto thechangingneedsofthe naturalandbuiltenvironment.
V-SPARChasidentifiedthefollowing corevaluesasguidingprinciplesthat actasanintegralpartofitsresearch, teaching,andpracticeforthebuilt environment:
Ÿ IntegrityandEthics
Ÿ StudentCentric
Ÿ RespectforAll
Ÿ RewardingCo-creations
Ÿ CuttingEdgeResearch
Ÿ AnInnovationEcosystem
ASourceofInspiration
Itisalsoaimingtocreateavibrant, self-awareandconfidentstudent communitycapableofindependent thinkingandanalysisandsetting targetsforachievementborneoutof deepself-respect.
V-SPARCSchoolofArchitecture strivestobeaCentreofExcellencein ArchitecturalPlanning,Educationand Researchfocusedtowardsevolving SociallySensitiveIndividuals equippedwithdesign,technology processandrealizationskillsto
DrG.Viswanathan,theChancellor ofVITUniversity,wasbornon December8,1938,inaremotevillage nearVelloreinTamilNadu.DrGV's lifeisasourceofinspirationto aspiringyouth.Heexcelledin academicsrightfromhischildhood. Hispre-universityeducationat VoorheesCollege,Vellore,initiated himtotheworldoutside.
Fromthere,hemovedontoobtainhis Bachelor'sandMasters'sDegreesin EconomicsfromtheprestigiousLoyola College,Chennai.Followingthis,he graduatedinLawfromMadrasLaw College.HecompletedAdvanced ManagementProgramatHarvard BusinessSchoolin2003,nearlyfour decadesafterhisUniversityeducation,
Architects play a vital role in societal development where each architect has to focus in creating humancentric development which can bring effective positive change in the quality of people's lives.
reaffirminghisfervourforbeingan eternalstudent.
th OnMay15 ,2023,Chancellorwas felicitatedwithaLifetime AchievementAwardforhis contributiontointernationaleducation. TheWorldTamilOrganization(UK) presentedtheawardintheHouseof CommonsoftheBritishParliamentin London.
Inaddition,hehasalsobeenbestowed withtheJeevanGauravPuraskar–LifetimeAwardforremainingan inspiringteacherthroughoutandfor Teaching,ResearchandInstitution BuildingbytheNationalTeachers' CongressandMITWorldPeace University,Pune.Theawardceremony tookplaceatthe3rdGlobalNational Teachers'CongressheldatMITWorld PeaceUniversity,Kothrud,Puneinthe monthofJanuary2023.
FlexibleCreditSystem
Theprogramme'smostdistinctand uniquefeatureisafullyflexiblecredit system.Thedepartmenthascommitted facultywhospecialiseinarangeof interrelateddisciplinesandconduct transformativeteachingintheir respectivefieldofinterest.
Architecture is a creative profession, and it is very important to know that the built environment can affect the way everyone lives.
Dr G. Viswanathan
Chancellor, School of Architecture, Vellore Institute of Technology
Theprogrammeoffers uniqueopportunitiesforthestudentsto exploretopicsacrossarangeof nationalprioritysubjectboundaries. Thisincludessubjectslikeenergy conservation,ecologicalarchitecture, protectionandpreservationof architecturalheritage,rural communitiesetc.whichhelpstudents toconsolidatetheirknowledgeby synthesizingideas.
ABrandHardtoReplicate
TheschoolishousedwithinGandhi Block,designedbyAr.SanjayMohe, FoundingpartnerofMindspace, Bengaluru.Recently,thisliving buildingwascertifiedasaPlatinum RatedGreenBuildingbytheIndian GreenBuildingCouncil(IGBC).The open-stylestudiowithastimulating environmenthelpsthestudentsto create,think,buildanddeveloptheir identitiesascreativeandsensitive designers.
Theschoolmaintainsa1:10studentfacultyratiotoensurebettercareand attention.Thedesignstudiohasahigh visualandmaterialcharacter,andall thewallsofthedesignstudioare completelyfilledwithsketches, posters,magazineclips,architects' works,physicalmodels,etc.,
whichactsasabreakthroughfor conceptualizingideas.
Theschoolishousedinaseparate buildingofitsownwithrobust infrastructuralfacilities.Openingaline ofsightintoadjacentspaces(between classes)createsasenseof connectedness,makinglearning communal,visibleandvaluable. Spaciousandinteractivespaces encouragemorecollaborative activities,whichallowittoobserve andcelebratestudents'work.This hybridstudioprovidesanideal environmentforthereviews, discussionsanddiscoursethatareso centraltodesignteachingandlearning. Apartfromseminarhalls,auditorium, computerlabs,library,andgalleria,the otherfacilitiesinclude:
Ÿ DigitalInfrastructure
Ÿ LaserTechnologyinModelmaking
Ÿ 3DPrintingTechnology
Ÿ EnvironmentalLab
Ÿ ExperientialandParticipatory Learning
Ÿ MajorCollaborations
Ÿ ResearchCultureattheGrass-Root Level
Ÿ SpecialInitiativesforAdvanced Learners
Ÿ Students'SupportandProgression
Ÿ ConstructionYard
Establishingauniquepositionforthe schoolwasthebiggestchallengeina worldofincreasinglyglobal competition.Throughitscarefully designedacademiccurriculum, pedagogyandresearchfocus,VSPARCstrivestoenhanceits distinctivenessandsetabenchmarkin academicandresearchendeavours. Withthestakeholders'active participation,theschoolcanmake somedefiniteprogressinovercoming thischallenge.
CompleteEducation
Extracurricularactivitiesareacrucial partoftheeducationalsystem,and theseactivitiesoftencompletethe educationalprocessbycomplementing textbookeducation:
Heritage Connect
Tohaveapublicdiscourseon architecturestudents'work,theschool believesthebestandnovelwayto disseminatetheideasandtalentsof youngmindsistocreateawarenessin studentsandthepublicaboutthe importanceofheritageandfamiliarize themwiththecurrentworkpracticesin
industriestowardssustainable development.
Art Festival
ArtFestivalisanannualevent organizedbytheschool.Itbrings artistsfromacrossthecountryto Velloretopromoteinterestinartforms amongstudents,teachersandthe generalpublicatlarge.Itorganizes workshopswhichencompassseveral genres,includingceramics,sculpture, printmaking,watercolour,andoil painting.
International Conferences
V-SPARChasorganizedtwo InternationalConferences,CIATand VALUE2020helpedallstudentsand facultytoaccessmoreknowledgeand recentdevelopmentsandtrendsinthe fieldofarchitecture.
Express60–isaninterestinggame-like competitionwherethestudents showcasetheirskillsandexpresstheir creativetalents.
ValueAddedProgramsarecredit-based programswherethestudentshave intensetheoreticalandhands-on trainingtoimprovetheirskillsets.
MilestonestoCherishForever
Ÿ InternationalCollaborativedesign studiobringsdiverseperspectives andadeeperunderstandingofrealworldscenarios.
Ÿ ScopusIndexedpublicationatUG level.
Ÿ Alumnistudyinginprominent InstituteofHigherEducationand
Dr A. Madhumathi Director, School of Architecture, Vellore Institute of Technology
placementinTopNotch organizations.
Ÿ Professionalmembershipwiththe AssociationofCollegiateSchools ofArchitecture,USA.
Ÿ Internationalstudentexchange designprogrammeswithNational andInternationalUniversities.
MessagetoFutureArchitects
"Architecture is a creative profession, and it is very important to know that the built environment can affect the way everyone lives. The school truly believes that architecture can influence people's lives in various ways. The construction sector in India influences 22 per cent of India's total CO2 emissions, and a responsible architect has the opportunity to incorporate living materials to reduce or mitigate the negative impacts upon the environment through their design," saysthemanagement.
Theycontinue, "Architects play a vital role in societal development where each architect has to focus in creating human-centric development which can bring effective positive change in the quality of people's lives."
FutureGoals
Inthefuture,theschoolwillstriveto achievegreaterheightsinteachingand learningthroughaworld-class curriculum,deep-rootedinthespirit andessenceofitsheritageandculture, andtorankitselfinitsowncapacityas apremierinstitutionatparwiththe bestschoolsinAsiaPacificregionin thenextfiveyears.
Itwillalsotrytopromoteaworld-class architecturaleducationtoachieve globalrecognitionin10years, accomplishingleadershipin SustainableDesign,Architectural InnovationandEmergent Technologies.
Interdisciplinary Approaches in Architectural Education
Modernarchitectureis
sheddingitssolitarypast. Nolongercontentwith aestheticsalone,architectsnavigatea vastdomainwheredisciplines converge.Thechallengesfacingour builtenvironment—climatechange, resourcescarcity,andmany more—demandamultifaceted response.Introducingthe multidisciplinaryapproach,arising starinarchitecturaleducation.This collaborativepowerhouserecognizes thepoweroffusingdiversefieldsfrom engineeringandsustainabilityto sociologyandurbanplanning.
Todayarchitecturestudentsnotjust sketchingandcreatingmasterpieceson paperbutdelvingintothescienceof materialswithengineers,or brainstormingwithsociologiststo understandthesocialneedsofaspace. Thissynergyfostersagenerationof architectsequippedtotacklecomplex problemswithholisticsolutions, shapingafuturewherebuildingsare notjustbeautifulbuttrulyresponsive totheworldaroundthem.
This article delves into the significance of interdisciplinary approaches in architectural education and their correlation to the power of collaboration!
UnderstandingInterdisciplinary Approaches
Interdisciplinary Education in Architecture:Interdisciplinary approachesinarchitecturaleducation involveintegratingknowledgeand methodologiesfromvariousfields beyondtraditionalarchitecturesuchas engineering,environmentalscience, sociology,andevenpsychology. Itrecognizesthatthedesignand constructionofbuildingsimpactthe physicalenvironmentalongwiththe social,cultural,andpsychological well-beingofindividualsand communities.
Importance of Collaboration: Collaborationliesattheheartof interdisciplinaryapproachesin architecturaleducation.Bybringing togetherexpertsfromdifferent disciplines,studentsgainaholistic understandingofthebuiltenvironment andlearntoconsiderdiverse perspectivesintheirdesignprocess. Thisfostersinnovationandequips futurearchitectswiththeskillsto addresscomplexreal-worldchallenges effectively
Correlation to The Power of Collaboration:Tbisunderscoresthe inherentstrengthofworkingtogether acrossdisciplines.Inarchitectural education,interdisciplinaryapproaches harnessthispowertocultivate creativity,innovation,andproblemsolvingskillsamongstudents.By embracingcollaboration,architectural educationpreparesstudentstonavigate theinterconnectedchallengesofthe builtenvironmentanddrivepositive changethroughtheirdesigns.
ImplementingInterdisciplinary Approaches
Integrated Curriculum:Oneofthekey waysinwhichinterdisciplinary approachesareimplementedin
architecturaleducationisthroughan integratedcurriculum.Thisinvolves designingcoursesthatdrawon knowledgefrommultipledisciplines andencouragenewwaysofcreating andimplementingideas.Forexample, acourseonsustainabledesignmay incorporateprinciplesfrom environmentalscience,economics,and policy-makingtoprovidea comprehensiveunderstandingof sustainabilityissues.
Cross-Disciplinary Studios:Studiosare anintegralpartofarchitectural education,wherestudentshavethe opportunitytoapplytheoretical knowledgetoreal-worlddesign projects.Cross-disciplinarystudios bringtogetherstudentsfromdifferent disciplinestocollaborateondesign challenges.Byworkinginteamswith diverseexpertise,studentslearnto leverageeachother'sstrengthsand developinnovativesolutionsthat addressthemultifacetedaspectsof architecturaldesign.
Research Collaborations:
Interdisciplinaryresearch collaborationsbetweenacademic institutions,industrypartners,and governmentagenciesplayacrucial roleinadvancingarchitectural education.Thesecollaborations facilitateknowledgeexchangeand providestudentswithopportunitiesto engageincutting-edgeresearch projectsthataddresspressingsocietal needs.Byparticipatingin interdisciplinaryresearch,students gainvaluableinsightsintothepractical applicationoftheiracademiclearning.
ChallengesandOpportunities
Overcoming Silos:Oneoftheprimary challengesofinterdisciplinary approachesinarchitecturaleducationis overcomingdisciplinarysilos. Historically,academiahasbeen
organizedintodistinctdisciplines, makingitchallengingtointegrate knowledgeacrossboundaries. Overcomingthesesilosrequiresashift inmindsetandinstitutionalsupportfor interdisciplinarycollaboration.
Embracing Diversity:Embracing diversityisbothachallengeandan opportunityininterdisciplinary approaches.Diversityintermsof disciplinarybackgrounds,cultural perspectives,andlivedexperiences enrichesthelearningenvironmentand fosterscreativity.However,italso requireseducatorstocreateinclusive spaceswhereallvoicesarevaluedand respected.
Conclusion
Interdisciplinaryapproachesin architecturaleducationharnessthe powerofcollaborationtoprepare studentsforthecomplexchallengesof thebuiltenvironment.Byintegrating knowledgefromdiversefieldsby fosteringcollaborationthrough integratedcurricula,cross-disciplinary studios,andresearchcollaborations, architecturaleducationequipsstudents withtheskillsandmindsettodrive positivechangeintheworld.
Lookingahead,theimportanceof interdisciplinaryapproachesin architecturaleducationwillonly continuetogrow Withrapid urbanization,climatechange,and socialinequalityshapingthebuilt environment,architectsmustbe equippedwiththeknowledgeand skillstoaddressthesechallenges holistically.Interdisciplinary approachesprovideapathwaytowards amoresustainable,equitable,and resilientbuiltenvironment,where collaborationacrossdisciplinesisthe keytosuccess.
Thakur School of Architecture & Planning, Mumbai
Nurturing Competent Professionals through Human Value-based Education
Architectureisafieldofstudy,
thatcombinestechniquesand vision,todesignandbuild structures.Leadingarchitectural institutions,produceskilledand inventiveArchitectsthat,upholdthe technicalexpertiseandcreativity,to designfacilities,thatareaesthetically pleasingaswellasfunctionaland sustainable.
Thisfieldalsobooststheeconomyand generatesemploymentopportunities.It isaneducationaldomain,thatdemands bothartisticcreativityandtechnical proficiency Thetoparchitectural institutesworldwideproducehighly skilledandinnovativearchitects,with theknowledgeandcompetenceto designvisuallystunning,functional, andsustainableestablishments.
ThakurSchoolofArchitecture& PlanninginMumbaiisamongstthose educationaltreasures.Theinstitutehas beenattheforefrontofnurturingideal professionalsundertheinnovative directionofMr.KaranV.Singh, CEOofThakurEducationGroup (TEG).
ThakurEducationGroup(TEG)was foundedbyShriV.K.Singhji, ChairmanoftheTrust Thetrust beganwiththefirstschoolin1989and operatesmorethan21institutions,
spreadover4Campuses.Ithasabout 50,000studentsenrolledinvarious programsandlevelsrangingfrom kindergartentoPh.D.programs.
ThisinstitutehasState-of-the-art infrastructurethatmeetsinternational requirements.ThakurSchoolof Architecture&Planningispartofthe ZagdusinghCharitableTrust,that overseesfiveotherinstitutions impartingprofessionalprograms.
ThakurSchoolofArchitecture& Planningisarapidlygrowing institutionofArchitecture,thatholds theISO21001-2018certification.The institutewasestablishedin2014-15in thesuburbsofKandivali,Mumbai,asa self-financedHindiLinguisticMinority InstitutionundertheThakurEducation Group.In2018-19,theinstitute initiatedaB.VocprograminInterior Design,affiliatedwiththeUniversity ofMumbai.
India's Most Innovative Institutes where Architecture Meets Ambition-2024
TheThakurEducationGroupis committedtothenation'sdevelopment byprovidinghigh-qualityeducation standards.Theyoffertheirstudentsa competitiveandchallenging environmenttolearnandexcel.All institutionsaffiliatedwithTEGhavea brilliantrecordofgraduateplacements. Alumniaregainingrecognitionand securingprominentpositions, nationallyandinternationally
CultivatingtheValuesof EnvironmentalConsciousness
ThakurSchoolofArchitecture& Planningbelievesincultivatingthe valuesof 'environmental consciousness' instudentsby introducingthemtotheprofession's nuances.Theinstitutebelievesthatan environment-consciousapproachto designisa ‘smarter’ waytoprovide solutions,thatgobeyondtheagendaof ‘green design’ whiledelvingintothe nuancesof ‘complete solutions.’ The approachrespectstheuniquenessof each‘design situation’ andaimsto providethemostappropriate stakeholder-centric solution
Visionistoemergeasadistinguished institute,thatnurturesSocially Responsible,Creative,Innovative,and Competentprofessionals,through Universal Human Value-based education
Theinstituteisonamissiontoachieve thefollowingobjectives:
• Toemergeasapioneering Institute.
We believe in nurturing the virtues of 'Environment Consciousness' by sensitizing the students towards the delicate nuances of the profession.
• Tofacilitateandnurturevirtuesof Research,Entrepreneurship,and Leadership.
• Todevelopcompetencyinthe applicationofappropriate contemporarytechnologies.
• ToprovideSustainable, Environment-friendly& Affordablesolutionsforthebenefit ofsociety
EnhancingLearningwith TechnologicalIntegration
ThakurSchoolofArchitecture& Planningprioritizesinnovationand digitaltransformation,leveragingthe profession'sperformanceby implementingmoderntechnologies andprovidingadvancedinfrastructure.
Theinstitutedesignstheteaching plansusingthethreepedagogical learningmethods: ExperientialLearning,Participative Learning,andProblem-solving methodologiesusingICTtools. Institutionalcurriculumconductpolicy definesthemodeofconductand pedagogythroughtheteachingplan.
TheICT-enabledtools,suchasonline resourcesforeffectivelyimplementing allstudent-centricapproaches,have improvedacademicdeliveryand studentsarebettersuitedtoindustry requirements.
TheInstitutionalfocusontheadvanced useofsoftware,technologies,and onlinecurriculumconductedthrougha pedagogicalapproachthatextensively usesICT-enabledtoolsandservices hasbeenwellreceivedandappreciated bytheindustry
ThakurSchoolofArchitecture& Planningisactivelyworkingtowards creatingaconduciveenvironmentfor digitization.Theinstitutionhascreated adedicatedstudentportaltoupload
andaccessassignments,journals, lecturenotes,studymaterial,andother academiccontent.Thishasenabled freeaccesstoarepositoryof institutionalknowledgeand informationsourcesforallitsstudents.
Theadvancedlibrarysoftwareenables studentstoaccesse-books,e-journals, periodicals,andreferencematerials throughpassword-protected Institutionalaccess.TheonlineAlumni portalhasnowbeencloselyintegrated andsupportstheirbondingwiththe institute,providingthemwith institutionalcitizenryupdatesand accesstoknowledgeresources.
ThakurSchoolofArchitecture& Planninghasimplementedthe‘Stay SafeOnline'policyandconducts regularawarenessprogramstoteach thevirtuesofprotocolstobefollowed asnetizens.
OvercomingEducationalBarriers
ThakurSchoolofArchitecture& planninghasbeenstrivingtoovercome thefollowingchallenges:
• Theadoptionoflatestnuances frompractice&industry expectations,asaresultofthe technologyrevolutionwiththe existinguniversity'sprescribed courseguidelines.
• Theinstitutehastokeepupwith thebestindustrialpracticestostay aheadofthecurve,bycontinually upgradingandsettingupadvanced labs.
• Identifyingresourcepersonsthat canimparttechnicalskillsandare industry-renowned;israre,thus, locatingandengagingwiththe Instituteischallenging.
TheStrategiestheThakurSchoolof Architecture&Planningusestosolve thechallengesareasfollows:
• Theinstituteexercisesthe flexibilityofelectives,
We are actively working towards creating a conducive environment for digitization.
collegeprojects,andallieddesign courses,havingalmost25percent ofthecoursecontenttodevelopa curriculumatparwiththeindustry andincorporatingthelatest technologicaladvancements.
• TheInstitutehasstreamlinedan optimalresourceutilizationplan byinvolvingindustryfor collaborativenetworkingand immersionprogramswithindustry aswellascontinualupgradation andsettingupofdigitally equippedlabsandinfrastructure.
• Ithasformedcollaborativeties withAdvancedtraining Institutions,IndustryConsortiums, andAssociationstoexchange resourcesandknowledgethrough Instituteindustry-collaborated initiativesofResearch, Consultancy,andtraining.
ThakurSchoolofArchitecture& Planninghasestablishedacademic connectionswithauthorities conductingspecialized
trainingprograms.Itcollaboratedwith certifiedtrainingprogramstoofferthe graduatesofTSAPanadvancedleadin theprofessionaldomainsandcredit benefitswhilepursuingamaster's program.Ithasconductedcertified trainingprogramswithHunnarshala (Bhuj),LaurieBakerCentre(Chennai), IIT(Kharagpur),CEASID(Pune), FootprintsEarth(Ahmedabad),Manav Sanghralaya(Bhopal)toidentifyafew
TheInstitutionhasexploredglobal destinations,includingimmersion programsinParis,Barcelona, Amsterdam,Milan,Rome,Venice, Florence,andDubai.Ithasa MemorandumofUnderstandingwith ETSABinBarcelona,Spain,andhas alreadyhostedacertifiedworkshopat PolitecnicodiMilano,Universityof Milan,Italy
ThakurSchoolofArchitecture& Planninghasalwaysstrivedtofillthe instituteindustrygapbyinvolving professionalsandexpertsfromthe
industrybyactivelyparticipatingin decision-making,whileshapingthe institutionalpedagogy The involvementofarchitectsviz,Ar Yatin Pandya,Ar ArvindKanetkar,Ar ShyamKhandekar,Ar.NitinKillawala, Ar TusharDesai,Ar VijayKale,Ar SanjayPatil,Ar.ShaktiParmarand othershavecontributedasindustry expertsandgivendirectionthrough theirinvolvementandvisitstothe institution.
Theinstitutehassigneda MemorandumofUnderstandingwith theFireSafetyAssociationofIndia (FSAI)topromotecollaborationand exchangebetweenthetwo organizations.Throughthis partnership,theinstituteparticipatesin industryactivitiesandengagements. Additionally,ithaslauncheda 'StudentsChapter'incollaborationwith theIndianGreenBuildingCouncil (IGBC)toengageinvariousindustrycollaboratedactivities,thataimto enrichthecurriculumandpromotethe valuesofenvironment-conscious initiatives.Theinstitutehasrecognized theneedtoproduceenvironmentally consciousprofessionalsinthe specializeddomain&hasbeen accreditedprestigiousmembershipof UnitedNationsAcademicImpact Institution(UNAI).
Theinstituteisassociatedwithmore than85professionalfirmslocated acrossIndiaandoverseasthatoffer internshipsandemployment opportunitiesinarchitecture.The MaharashtraChamberofHousing Industryalsoassiststheinstitutein placingitsgraduatesandinternsin vitalroleswithintherealestatesector.
ARewardingJourney
ThakurSchoolofArchitecture& Planninghasearnedmanyprestigious awards.Afewofthemareasfollows:
• ItwasaccreditedwithNAACA Gradeinitsfirstassessment cycle,2023.
• IthasbeenawardedBest ArchitectureInstitute AttheStar EducationAward2023byESFEin CollaborationwiththeEducation Department,Governmentof Maharashtra.
• IthasbeenawardedtheBest PrivateInstituteinMaharashtra forTeaching&Course Curriculum2023atthe nd22 RashtriyaShikshaGaurav PuraskarCeremonybytheCentre ofEducationGrowth&Research.
• TimesEducationGrouphas awardedThakurSchoolof Architecture&Planning,Mumbai astheBestInstitutefor Architectureforthe5th ConsecutiveYear
ExcellingintheFuture ThakurSchoolofArchitecture& Planningiscurrentlyfocusingon strengtheningitsexistingprogram,to serveasastrongfoundationfor launchingmultiplecertification programsthatalignwithmarket requirements.Ithasidentifiedspecific gapsintheexpectationsoftheindustry andtheinstitute,whichcannotbe addressedwithintheframeworkofthe prescribedcurriculum. Itplansto establishitselfasanautonomous institutionwiththeflexibilitytoinvest entirelyinindustry-readyprograms.
Thereisagrowingdemandfor industryprofessionalsthatcantakeup thechallengesoftheindustrybacked bythoroughmarketknowledge, acquiredproficiency,andcertifiedskill sets.TheInstitutecollaborateswith establishedprofessionalbodies, internationalcertificationauthorities, andinstitutionsofexcellencetocreate short-term,intense,market-ready programsclubbedwithindustry immersions,thatofferitslearners,the opportunityofon-fieldexperience, whiledevelopingcorecompetencies.
Inthefuture,ThakurSchoolof Architecture&Planningplanstosetin apositiontoengagewithdualdegree programs,atparwithInternational StandardsandCollaborationwithtoprankingGlobalUniversities.
