Conference Themes:

1 Relevance of Architecture Curriculum to Practice and Research

The curriculum, being the academic core of the field, needs to consciously evolve. The curricula should reflect the changing nature of architecture practice as well as be research-driven. Architectural practice is undergoing major transformations and Architects are now working in a more collaborative and research driven interdisciplinary environment. The curriculum development needs to be addressed through insights into practice and academics through intensive trans-disciplinary research.

The Architecture curricula across countries and cultures have woven many aspects of society, reflecting its changing nature and including sustainability as a thrust area. These in turn have been important guidelines in transacting the curriculum.

This session of the conference focuses on new and innovative ways of thinking about architecture curriculum that are better suited to the challenges of the future. This session invites papers on various approaches to curriculum development in architecture and innovative ways of pedagogical response suited to changing practice trends and importance of research to the architecture program. Researchers may address any of the following, but not restricted to, suggested areas-

a) Research in developing a futuristic curriculum for Architecture

b) Impact of Curricular Trends in Architectural Practice.

c) Influence of Culture on Architecture Curricula.

d) Cross-Border trends in developing a common global curriculum for Architecture Education.

e) Pedagogical response and preparedness of institutions post-pandemic.

f) Resilient Education Systems

g) Needs and aspirations of the changing student community.

h) Emerging areas of learning relevant for Architects to lead changes post-pandemic

i) Response and preparedness of faculty either through self-initiative or institution

j) The applications in practice by way of policies, design interventions etc

k) The practice of architecture as an extension of learnings through education and research

2 Role of Regulatory Bodies

Regulatory bodies are crucial to architecture education, as they set the standards for education and monitor the adherence to the same. They also have the authority to issue accreditation policies and norms for the institutes to follow. In India, the Council of Architecture is the apex body, which, over the years, has upheld its standards to compete globally. Many nations may have similar bodies for the profession and education in Architecture. The role that these regulatory bodies can play, especially in view of India’s G20 Presidency, is an important aspect to be considered. Architecture can transcend political barriers and work towards building sustainable infrastructure for the future, through the collaborative efforts of these bodies.

This theme will explore the existing practices of governing bodies, their response to the advent of new practices and knowledge areas and systems. Researchers may address any of the following, but not restricted to, suggested areas-

a) The Role and Impact of the Regulatory Bodies for Architecture in their countries

b) The Role and Impact of the Regulatory Bodies for Architecture in their region

c) Eligibility criteria and the entrance exams conducted for admissions to Architecture programs.

d) Accreditation systems, policies, and practices to achieve global competency

e) Prescribed norms and standards for institutions

f) Regulatory bodies- a collaborative effort towards a sustainable future across countries

3 Emerging Technologies in Architecture

Technology at all levels, including IT, Construction and software is rapidly evolving, with new techniques and tools being developed every passing moment. This theme is conceived to provide a platform for discussing the high pace of technological transformations in architecture by the professionals and architecture institutions

The session looks beyond addressing to changing technologies in construction of buildings but also deals with the evolution in the design, modeling, processing of Building information modeling (BIM) and the advanced drafting softwares. The conference also anticipates discussions on the influence of state-of-the-art technology, Artificial intelligence(AI), Augmented reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in the architecture curriculum, pedagogy and practice and the use of futurustic technology like drones, 3-D printing, twinning etc in construction. Researchers may address any of the following, but not restricted to, suggested areas-

a) Multi- Disciplinary Pedagogical approaches using emerging technologies.

b) Impact of emerging technologies on the practice of Architecture

c) Innovative teaching methodologies concerning IT tools such as Artificial intelligence (AI), Augmented reality (AR) and Virtual reality (VR).

d) Dissemination of learning materials through various interactive techniques like gamification etc.

e) Modeling curriculum in the wake of innovative building materials and new processes brought in by the technology revolution.

4 Contemporary Concerns in Architecture

This theme addresses Sustainable Development Goals and Net Zero Targets for a sustainable future. Issues such as energy efficiency in buildings, sustainable approaches, and universal design including equitable design towards inclusiveness can be explored in this idea. In addition any other relevant SDG’s can be explored, for e.g. social justice, poverty and hunger, gender equality, clean water and sanitation etc. This theme provides a platform to address the role of Architects and Architecture beyond construction. Researchers may address any of the following, but not restricted to, suggested areas-

a. Approaches towards achieving Net Zero targets

b. Achieving comfort through built environment vis-à-vis climate change

c. Participatory approaches to sustainability, environment and climate change

d. Interpreting SDG no 11 -Sustainable cities and Communities

e. Inclusiveness, access to opportunities, community building, social justice and participatory governance

f. Architecture curriculum towards preparedness of professionals for the emerging challenges (can address any of the SDG’s)

g. World food equity through Architecture

5 Innovative initiatives

Architecture education has paved the way for architects to wear multiple hats and effortlessly conduct multiple tasks. This characteristic has enabled many architects to branch out into other disciplines. Architecture education concentrates upon innovation and making a concept viable and presentable; as a result, architects have become crucial members of start-ups, as team leaders, collaborators, and facilitators, and have entered associated and disparate fields.

This conference session is interested in hearing papers, suggestions, and presentations about the skills architects develop during education that enables them to explore and succeed in a variety of disciplines.Themes explore multi-disciplinary research, innovative approaches and ideas linking various disciplines to the built environment. Researchers may address any of the following, but not restricted to, suggested areas-

a) Theories and papers throwing light on any other theme or multiple themes not covered in above mentioned themes

b) Any new knowledge areas deemed essential for the practice of architecture

c) Papers addressing a combination of any two sub-themes

6 NEP and its implications on Architectural education

Reformations in the National Education Policy (NEP) will result in transformations in the teaching-learning process at all stages of education. The policy has the potential to make landmark changes to the way architecture is taught in the country. The students entering higher education will be equipped with knowledge, and understanding of areas of architectural concern like sustainable development, Indian or traditional knowledge systems, regional cultures, languages, etc. This will have a profound impact on the way architectural knowledge will be deciphered. With the focus being shifted more towards practical studies and hand-on learning rather than just on-paper theories, the policy is also expected to substantially strengthen the linkage between architecture schools and the construction industry. This theme addresses the implications of NEP on the education of architects and, therefore, the profession, education institutes, and teachers. Researchers may address any of the following, but not restricted to, suggested areas-

a) Impact on the profession

b) Restructuring of resources

c) Changes in teachers’ mindset and teaching approach

Conference Proceedings-

The abstracts of the papers will be published by the Council of Architecture. Papers will be selected through a double-blind review process and will be classified for Full Paper / Poster Presentation during the conference. Selected papers will be collated into an indexed publication of international repute. The details of the same will be shared shortly.