Thirteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Abstract

Presently, the architecture program in India is a five year full-time study period with a year of training included. The Council of Architecture, which is an apex body regulating architectural education, insists flexibility of the program and supports a considerable influence of local and regional conditions on architecture. The subjective nature of the design studio assignments provides challenges and opportunities for both students and faculty members, in terms of acquiring requisite skills by the students and necessity to update and upgrade continually with the changing pace at the end of the studio faculty members. In the present-day situation, technology continues to grow at a rapid pace; equipping the students to meet the complex demands of the profession is a challenge. The curriculum structure, focus and value system must facilitate the relationship between general education and specialized study. The article discusses the current scenario of architectural education in India and its present-day interpretation. It prepares an innovative approach making students sensitive and giving them more relevant and value-based education. It could be done by understanding local socio-cultural, economic aspects through the daily routine, occupation, festivals etc. of the concerned people. This approach for conducting a rural design studio not only addresses the lifestyles and dwellings of the people but also to the surrounding local and humanistic challenges pertaining to the rural and regional levels.