Events & Workshops

The Department of Architecture and Planning marked its 67th Foundation Day with a thought-provoking event on the theme, "Reimagining the Architectural Education and Profession", coordinated by Prof. Ram Sateesh Pasupuleti and his team, exploring the dynamic evolution of architecture and planning in response to emerging challenges and opportunities in the field. The event was graced by distinguished guests, Dean SRIC - Prof. Akshay Dvivedi, Associate Dean (Corporate Interaction) - Prof. Sai Ramudu Meka, Visiting Professor from the University of Alberta - Prof. Sandeep Agrawal and former faculty Dr. Pushp Lata, who shared valuable insights into the profession's evolution and the significance of innovation in architectural education. Engaging discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions followed, where faculty, industry experts, and students deliberated on transformative ideas for shaping the profession's future. The day's highlight was an Exhibition showcasing the exceptional creativity and forward-thinking projects of UG, PG, and PhD students, followed by the cultural event. The exhibits reflected the department's commitment to fostering talent and pushing the boundaries of design thinking. This celebration not only honored the department's rich legacy but also set the stage for a future grounded in collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

The department recently hosted an enriching origami workshop, delving into the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. The term "origami" combines two Japanese words: oru, meaning "to fold," and kami, meaning "paper." Students had the privilege of meeting Mr. Himanshu Agrawal, a world-renowned origami artist who has been practicing since 1989. With five records for large-scale origami installations, his sculptures have graced art shows and events worldwide. The workshop was highly informative, as students learned to craft everything from interactive toys to intricate 2D and 3D models, including complex geometric forms that come to life when air is blown into the folds. Students learned the ability to transform a single square sheet of paper into stunning sculptures, experiencing the magic of origami firsthand.

The Department of Architecture and Planning organized an enriching training session titled "Advanced Machinery Operations for Prototyping and Fabrication" during October 19-20, 2024 at the Fabrication Lab, with 85 attendees that included students, faculty and staff across 7 departments.

The rigorous technical sessions that followed informative orientation sessions, all spread across two days, concentrated on empowering architecture fraternity in the campus, by facilitating mastering of modern tools and equipment.

The sessions offered in-depth understanding of the theoretical principles behind cutting-edge technologies such as 3D printing, CNC machining, and laser cutting, coupled with exposure to hand and power tools. The major take-aways were the awareness towards new paradigms of architectural pedagogy and practice; and, the hands-on training of these tools and equipment.

The participants had the valuable opportunity to learn and work with Mr. Nripendra Kumar, an experienced Technical Resource person with nearly a decade of experience in the field. The in-house team - Prof. Mahua Mukherjee; Prof. Smriti Saraswat; Prof. Navjit Gaurav; Ar. Atul Jha; Ar. Abhishek Verma; Sh. Rakesh Raushan; and, Sh. Varun Singh, also contributed to diverse sessions and discussions. During the sessions, the participants gained operational skills in FDM 3D printing, CNC and thermocol cutting, and laser cutting machines. The session emphasized model-making processes, allowing the participants to gain practical knowledge and firsthand experience in utilizing these advanced tools for architectural prototyping and fabrication. This training session provided a unique, hands-on learning experience, equipping the participants with essential skills to elevate their creative and technical capabilities.

We had the incredible opportunity to have a guest lecture by our esteemed alumnus, Mr. Badrinath Kaleru, founder of Studio Ardete. With a firm belief in the transformative power of design, he provided a captivating glimpse into the future of architecture. The two-hour session explored the evolving landscape of the profession, emphasizing the importance of understanding the intricate relationship between architecture, site, community, and context. Mr. Kaleru discussed the need for a human-centric approach to design, incorporating emotions and experiences into the built environment. He also highlighted the significance of agility in design, adapting to site constraints and potential challenges. The lecture explained the role of technology and innovation in shaping the future of architecture, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and resilient design practices. The interactive session that followed provided students with the opportunity to engage with Mr. Kaleru and gain further insights. His passion and expertise were truly inspiring, leaving the audience eager to explore the possibilities of the future of architecture.