Change in B Arch course

The bachelor of architecture (B.Arch) course will be revamped over the next few months, with the Mumbai University’s ad hoc Board of Studies for Architecture working on new course content, structure and modules.

The bachelor of architecture (B.Arch) course will be revamped over the next few months, with the Mumbai University’s ad hoc Board of Studies for Architecture working on new course content, structure and modules.

Around 5,000 students are currently enrolled in the B.Arch programme across the varsity.

Instead of six months of professional practice, which students undertook in their fifth year, the board of studies is now looking to make it a one-year long internship. One proposal is that students will undertake this year-long training under a practising architect in their fourth year and then return to college for the fifth year.

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The overhaul comes after a 2008 proposal by the Architecture Council of India, which had recommended changes in the format.

The B.Arch course has been caught in turmoil because it is unclear to what extent the Council can determine the course vis-à-vis the All India Council of Technical Education.

A previous board of studies recommendation on the revamped syllabus submitted a few years ago did not get passed in the Mumbai University’s Academic Council.

The needs of the industry have overtaken what is being taught in colleges. “The old notion of a generalist is not good enough,” said Akhtar Chauhan, principal of Rizvi College of Architecture. “Through the new course we hope to bring in radical reform and generate more competent, efficient and creative graduates.”