Houzz Forum: What's Missing in Indian Design & Architecture Education?
Celebrated architects & designers Nitin Killawala, Rohini Mani, Nuru Karim and Ayaz Basrai speak their mind
Aditi Sharma Maheshwari
12 May 2018
Blogger, dog mom
Bright, creative young men and women flock to Indian architecture schools and then, four or five years later, go out into the world to practise what they have been taught. Are they being taught what they need to be effective, responsible and – this is the bottom line – good architects? The context, practices, technology, methods and materials of planning and building are ever changing and evolving in the field of architecture. It is, therefore, imperative for professionals to stay updated with these changes, and keep up with the rapid changes in the building reality. A big question, however, arises – has education kept up enough? Is our academia well-equipped to keep up with the demands of cities that have grown exponentially faster than expected? Are our young architects being taught how work in and with the real world, to reach for the stars with their feet on the ground?
We pose these questions to four distinguished architects and designers. Here’s their take
We pose these questions to four distinguished architects and designers. Here’s their take
Nitin Killawala,
Architect,
Group Seven Architects, Mumbai
I feel the syllabus of architecture schools today is alien to current practices and the workings of the industry. Many a time, in large cities like Mumbai, the architect’s job is now reduced to do manipulation and misinterpretation of regulations. I strongly feel colleges need to introduce electives on contextual architectural dialogues, new architectural practices and planning. Also, architecture doesn’t mean only making buildings; you can provide courses on transport management, financial planning, on being a developer, and so on, all with an architectural qualification. Another crucial study that needs to be introduced in the curriculum is legal and financial studies with respect to architecture.”
Architect,
Group Seven Architects, Mumbai
I feel the syllabus of architecture schools today is alien to current practices and the workings of the industry. Many a time, in large cities like Mumbai, the architect’s job is now reduced to do manipulation and misinterpretation of regulations. I strongly feel colleges need to introduce electives on contextual architectural dialogues, new architectural practices and planning. Also, architecture doesn’t mean only making buildings; you can provide courses on transport management, financial planning, on being a developer, and so on, all with an architectural qualification. Another crucial study that needs to be introduced in the curriculum is legal and financial studies with respect to architecture.”
Ayaz Basrai,
Architect and designer,
Busride Design Studio, Mumbai & Goa
There is a large perspective gap between what is being practised and what is taught. I think the problem starts with the fact that most of the institutions have curriculums that were drafted in the ’50s and ’60s. The focus at that point was on the technicality of design, as India, at that point, was going through an industrial revolution. But if you look at today’s scenario, design has moved away from being just a support for management –designers are now finding a place in the boardrooms, creating new design policies. In fact, architecture and design is no longer a just a skill but a culture. Institutions have the luxury of four to five years of a captive audience, and one can easily create an ethos where students can look at the world differently. Institutions are still focusing on technical skills, the manual rigour of drafting and making drawings – which is important, but the amount of time and resources spent on it is way more than required, as this is not the expectation of the market today. When you graduate, you are supposed to provide vision and direction to a company or large teams of people. Architecture suffers from Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead syndrome, where the architect thinks of himself as the saviour of the world who needs to work in isolation. So, when students leave the institution, they are unable to work in groups and be collaborative. This issue reinforces itself in the cities – buildings today have very little to do with the surroundings and each structure is fighting to proclaim its own identity. If you create architects with egos, they are going to go out and manifest the same in the cities. If students are taught from a young age to work with planners, designers and even government officials, you can be sure that the cities will be better places to live in. All these life lessons and knowledge need to be imparted in the classrooms. That’s why I personally find a lot of satisfaction in going to NID and teaching.
Architect and designer,
Busride Design Studio, Mumbai & Goa
There is a large perspective gap between what is being practised and what is taught. I think the problem starts with the fact that most of the institutions have curriculums that were drafted in the ’50s and ’60s. The focus at that point was on the technicality of design, as India, at that point, was going through an industrial revolution. But if you look at today’s scenario, design has moved away from being just a support for management –designers are now finding a place in the boardrooms, creating new design policies. In fact, architecture and design is no longer a just a skill but a culture. Institutions have the luxury of four to five years of a captive audience, and one can easily create an ethos where students can look at the world differently. Institutions are still focusing on technical skills, the manual rigour of drafting and making drawings – which is important, but the amount of time and resources spent on it is way more than required, as this is not the expectation of the market today. When you graduate, you are supposed to provide vision and direction to a company or large teams of people. Architecture suffers from Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead syndrome, where the architect thinks of himself as the saviour of the world who needs to work in isolation. So, when students leave the institution, they are unable to work in groups and be collaborative. This issue reinforces itself in the cities – buildings today have very little to do with the surroundings and each structure is fighting to proclaim its own identity. If you create architects with egos, they are going to go out and manifest the same in the cities. If students are taught from a young age to work with planners, designers and even government officials, you can be sure that the cities will be better places to live in. All these life lessons and knowledge need to be imparted in the classrooms. That’s why I personally find a lot of satisfaction in going to NID and teaching.
Rohini Mani,
Architect,
Rohini Mani, Mumbai
Students aren’t taught the skill of visualisation. Their dependency on technology is ever increasing – Google can spew out any kind of information and pictures they need and they have all kinds of software at their disposal. When things are so easily available, your creativity starts going down. I feel there need to be courses or workshops specially dedicated towards helping students think out of the box. The other important skill that should be honed is the art of coordinating with consultants, contractors, clients, and how to put together the information received in the most contextual manner. There should be courses on current methods of construction, building practices, new materials being used and how to assimilate them. Architecture is a very big collaboration – students should be taught how to deal with different clients, problems on sites and how to make proper budgets. Also, more and more practising architects should give lectures in institutions so that students know exactly what’s happening in the industry.
Architect,
Rohini Mani, Mumbai
Students aren’t taught the skill of visualisation. Their dependency on technology is ever increasing – Google can spew out any kind of information and pictures they need and they have all kinds of software at their disposal. When things are so easily available, your creativity starts going down. I feel there need to be courses or workshops specially dedicated towards helping students think out of the box. The other important skill that should be honed is the art of coordinating with consultants, contractors, clients, and how to put together the information received in the most contextual manner. There should be courses on current methods of construction, building practices, new materials being used and how to assimilate them. Architecture is a very big collaboration – students should be taught how to deal with different clients, problems on sites and how to make proper budgets. Also, more and more practising architects should give lectures in institutions so that students know exactly what’s happening in the industry.
Nuru Karim,
Architect,
Nudes, Mumbai
Read, research, write, travel and build – these are the five pillars that potentially shape and mould design education. Most architectural schools in India focus very little on, or rather, allocate a marginal percentage on these foundational pillars in the core curriculum.
In addition, architectural education needs to be student-centric rather than syllabus centric. The education process could nurture a student’s own interests, inspirations, dreams and aspirations. Architectural schools should empower students to write their own briefs for projects and produce a series of explorations and experiments. This would enable them to gain confidence in their own ability, which they could readily harness based on their own self-critique, drive and skills.
Read about Professor BV Doshi, the winner of 2018 Pritzker Prize
Read more:
Houzz Forum: State of Indian Architecture Today and Tomorrow
Tell us:
Do you feel architectural education needs changes? What new courses do you suggest should be introduced? Tell us in Comments below.
Architect,
Nudes, Mumbai
Read, research, write, travel and build – these are the five pillars that potentially shape and mould design education. Most architectural schools in India focus very little on, or rather, allocate a marginal percentage on these foundational pillars in the core curriculum.
In addition, architectural education needs to be student-centric rather than syllabus centric. The education process could nurture a student’s own interests, inspirations, dreams and aspirations. Architectural schools should empower students to write their own briefs for projects and produce a series of explorations and experiments. This would enable them to gain confidence in their own ability, which they could readily harness based on their own self-critique, drive and skills.
Read about Professor BV Doshi, the winner of 2018 Pritzker Prize
Read more:
Houzz Forum: State of Indian Architecture Today and Tomorrow
Tell us:
Do you feel architectural education needs changes? What new courses do you suggest should be introduced? Tell us in Comments below.
What are you working on?
Related Stories
Working with professionals
How to Find an Architect That's Right for You
Make the construction and renovation of your home a pleasant and memorable journey by selecting the right architect
Full Story
Indian Homes
11 Indian Homes That Revolve Around Courtyards
Take inspiration from these homes that make a solid case for courtyards in urban life
Full Story
Decorating Guides
Building Secrets to a Cool, Breezy Home for Hot Indian Summers
Get updated on climate-responsive design strategies for a home that stays naturally cool all year round
Full Story
Working with professionals
What's the Difference Between an Architect and a Civil Engineer?
We clear up the confusion between the professional roles and scope of work of an architect and a civil engineer
Full Story
Architecture
These Indian Homes Know How To Combat Harsh Climate
See how these homes by SPASM, Kumar Moorthy & Associates and JPLUSDARCHITECTS mitigate the ramifications of harsh climate ahead of time
Full Story
Decorating Guides
What Are the Biggest Challenges in Renovating an Old House?
Here are some common problems which may arise during the renovation of an old property
Full Story
Indian Homes
How to Beat the Summer Heat by Keeping the Roof Cool
Here are ways to cope with the high summer temperatures that heat the roof and the top floors of residential buildings
Full Story
Decorating Guides
How to Design a Home That is Not a Burden on the Environment
Incorporate smart details with simple lifestyle changes to create a home that is kind to the planet
Full Story
Architecture
What Is Kerala Architecture?
Let's explore what design elements constitute traditional Kerala house architecture
Full Story
Architecture
Expert Speak: What Are the Best Materials for Home Elevations?
Houzz checks in with an expert about the the most sturdy and adaptable materials for home facades
Full Story
As a 1st semester student of architecture, what would you advise me to look at during my study period apart from what my college curriculum teaches.
The number of architecture colleges have grown multi-fold and the irony is that the percentage of students who take up design seriously is very less. The curriculum has to become more wide so that what we learn in college is useful in the board room of any sector or can be applied in different fields.