Building Blocks

ARCHITECTURAL EDUCA­TION plays a vital role in producing skilled architects, fostering sustainable design practices, preserving cultural heritage, in­tegrating technology, and promoting cre­ative problem-solving. It contributes to the overall development of the built en­vironment and has a significant impact on the quality of life and the aesthetics of our surroundings. Termed as a holistic course, architectural education has a big role in framing the society we live in.

Architectural education equips stu­dents with the knowledge and skills to design buildings and spaces that are not only functional but also visually ap­pealing. It focuses on the principles of design, aesthetics, and human-centric approaches to create environments that enhance the quality of life. Architectural education alone can provide the neces­sary training and expertise to produce competent professionals who can con­tribute to the design and construction industry. It is crucial at this hour as India is witnessing rapid urbanisation and in­frastructure development, leading to an increased demand for skilled architects. With environmental issues becoming critical every day, architectural education plays a vital role in promoting sustain­able design practices. It trains students in areas such as energy-efficient design, use of renewable materials, and integra­tion of green technologies to minimise the impact on the environment.

India is known for its rich architectur­al heritage and historical sites. Architec­tural education helps in fostering an un­derstanding of the cultural significance of heritage structures and promotes their preservation and adaptive reuse. It instils a sense of responsibility among students to conserve and protect architectural trea­sures for future generations. Innovation is key in advancing a society. Architec­tural education keeps students updated with the latest advancements in technol­ogy and tools used in the design and con­struction industry. It familiarises them with computer-aided design software, virtual reality and other emerging tech­nologies, thus enabling them to adopt innovative approaches in their work.

Architectural education encour­ages interdisciplinary collaboration and learning. Students often work on projects with professionals from other fields such as engineering, urban planning, interior design, and landscape architecture. This exposure enhances their ability to work in diverse teams and fosters holistic problem-solving skills. The meticulous curriculum and practical training help students develop essential professional competencies. They learn to analyse complex design problems, conduct research, communicate effectively, manage projects, and adhere to ethical standards. These skills are crucial for successful architectural practice.

Architecture schools teach the art, aesthetics, and science involved in de­signing buildings. But is that it? What is beyond this approachable limit in terms of the journey of an architecture student? What is the role of future archi­tecture schools?

Architecture students experiment during their course in school. They ought to face innovative problems in order to come up with creative solu­tions. Every region of India has beautiful architecture. As a side effect of urbanisa­tion, we are losing the natural realm of a place. The need of the hour is not only to conserve the rich heritage of India but also to take it further. A vernacular ap­proach with advancement in building technology needs to be explored. Better architectural awareness among local people will not only help the society but also the profession itself.

Short-term courses, workshops to explore traditional practices, building material, construction technology, skill development even in the remote regions of India can make a difference to the pro­fession. Architecture students and profes­sionals in India need to mark their pres­ence in the international market with not only innovative and creative ideas but also with the ability to sell their ideas. Architecture schools have a responsibil­ity to not only churn out good designers and thinkers but also individuals with good architectural sense and sound business mind.

The scope and aspirations in the field of architecture are vast and diverse. Architects have the potential to make a significant impact on the environment, address societal challenges, contribute to sustainability, engage in research and innovation, and shape the future of cities and communities. The field offers a com­bination of creative expression, techni­cal expertise, social responsibility, and opportunities for professional growth and personal fulfilment.

Architects often find opportunities to combine multiple fields or specialise in niche areas that align with their inter­ests and expertise. Continuous learning, professional development, and network­ing within the architectural community can further enhance career prospects and open new possibilities.

In School of Planning and Architec­ture, we offer choice-based design stu­dio during the seventh semester, and various other elective courses. Students can choose among hospital design, ho­tel design, large structures and housing design and explore the potential to identify their niche area. The aim is to introduce the complex nature of the dif­ferent building typologies. For instance, in hospital design studio, various aspects of medical architecture are introduced.

The meticulous curriculum and practical training help students develop essential professional competencies. They learn to analyse complex design problems, conduct research, communicate effectively, manage projects, and adhere to ethical standards

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Architecture in India is a dynamic and evolving field, blending traditional wisdom with contemporary design principles. It continues to respond to the country’s evolving needs, technological advancements, sustainability concerns, and cultural diversity. Indian architects are making significant contributions not only within the country but also on the global architectural stage.

The future of architecture in India holds challenges as well as opportunities. India is experiencing rapid urbanisation, with a growing need for infrastructure development. This presents opportuni­ties for architects to design sustainable and efficient buildings, smart cities, transportation systems, and public spaces that can accommodate the needs of the urban population.

With increasing environmental concerns, there is a growing demand for sustainable design practices and green architecture in India. Architects will play a crucial role in integrating sustain­able strategies such as energy-efficient design, renewable materials, water conservation, and waste management into their projects. The government has launched the Smart Cities Mission, aim­ing to develop technologically advanced and sustainable cities across the country. Architects will need to embrace new-age technologies to design smart cities and incorporate advanced systems like IoT (Internet of Things) and AI (artificial intelligence).

India faces a significant challenge in providing affordable housing to its growing population. Architects can de­sign innovative, cost-effective houses catering to different income groups and promote social equity. This includes ex­ploring alternative construction materi­als, technique, and community-orient­ed design approaches. Preserving and conserving India’s rich architectural heritage will continue to be a focus. Ar­chitects will be involved in the restora­tion and adaptive reuse of historic build­ings, monuments, and cultural sites, while ensuring their integration with contemporary needs and functions.

Architects will need to address the impact of climate change in their de­signs. This includes creating climate-re­sponsive buildings that can withstand extreme weather conditions, designing with a focus on natural ventilation, day­lighting, and passive cooling strategies, and integrating resilient infrastructure to minimise the vulnerability of cities to climate-related risks.

The future of architecture in India will involve greater interdisciplinary collaboration. Architects will work closely with engineers, urban planners, environmental consultants, social sci­entists, and other professionals to ad­dress complex challenges and come up with holistic solutions for sustain­able and resilient development. Indian architects have the potential to expand their horizons beyond national borders. With their skills, knowledge, and un­derstanding of diverse cultural con­texts, Indian architects can contribute to international projects, collaborate with global design firms, and partici­pate in cross-cultural design exchanges.

Research and innovation are key to a bright future. Architects will need to engage in research and development to explore new materials, construction techniques, digital tools, and design ap­proaches. This will drive advancements in the field and help address the evolv­ing needs of the built environment. By embracing technology, sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration, architects can shape a future that ad­dresses the country’s unique challenges and aspirations.

About The Author

Anil Dewan

Anil Dewan is Head, Department of Architecture, School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi