For Selina Abraham, the University School of Architecture and Planning (USAP) of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), has been the perfect choice. “I have always wanted to study architecture and after coming here, I have grown as a learner and a budding professional,” says the fourth-year student of the bachelor’s programme in architecture (BArch).
The institute strives to maintain a synergy between theories, concepts and applications while addressing contemporary challenges in architectural areas such as urban design, planning and conservation, says Abraham.
Also emphasised is the understanding of critical issues pertaining to the environment, sustainability and evolution of new technologies. The school takes up current issues of urban development in order to expose students to the context of present-day living.
“Among other contemporary professional courses, architecture is special as it offers creative opportunities along with tough challenges and a wide range of diversification right after graduation. Students get a lot of exposure from practical knowledge to conceptual thinking,” says Suptendu P Biswas, associate professor, architecture.
Programmes: USAP offers the BArch programme. It is designed to meet the guidelines of the Council of Architecture (CoA) for a BArch degree that conforms to the eligibility criteria for registration with the CoA as an architect. The school is in the process of developing postgraduate and PhD programmes along with active consultancy and research.
USP: The faculty includes some of the best names in the academia. There are 12 core faculty and around 40 visiting professionals for about 240 students. Visiting faculty members also contribute quality knowledge and insights from the industry and profession. It has a multi-disciplinary approach towards teaching and research. Above all, the school’s location in the heart of the city is a big plus.
Faculty: The team comprises top experts from the fields of architecture, urban design, conservation, planning, energy science, industrial design and project management.
USP: The faculty includes some of the best names in the academia. There are 12 core faculty and around 40 visiting professionals for about 240 students. Visiting faculty members also contribute quality knowledge and insights from the industry and profession. It has a multi-disciplinary approach towards teaching and research. Above all, the school’s location in the heart of the city is a big plus.
Faculty: The team comprises top experts from the fields of architecture, urban design, conservation, planning, energy science, industrial design and project management.
IT quotient: There is a 45 capacity computer lab for academic and co-curricular activities and competitions
Infrastructure: The campus is shared with two other institutions in Kashmere Gate. There is an old university auditorium building in the campus and other shared seminar and conference spaces. Besides large open spaces, including the main entry field, the school has some student facilities such as food stalls and canteens. The architecture library is a part of the central library and has about 5000 volumes and journals. It has independent architecture studios as well. Students can also share the academic, non-academic facilities and expertise of other schools of the university. A new 18.75acre campus is going to be set up at Surajmal Vihar. An institute of design is also in the immediate pipeline.
Clubs and activities: USAP has introduced Courtyard as a forum for discussion and exchange of views on relevant and contemporary issues. In this forum, the institute plans to hold workshops, seminars, symposia, exhibitions and allied activities across the year. Students take part in the annual and zonal conventions of NASA (National Association of Students of Architecture). Anugunj is GGSIPU’s own cultural festival. The school’s dance group, Mirage, has been participating in a number of competitions for the last one year.
Factfile
When the erstwhile TVB School of Habitat studies had to close down, GGSIPU established the School of Architecture and Planning as one of the university's own schools in 2008
Wishlist
Students wish for further improvement in infrastructure and want to have a fest of their own at USAP