Preparing Architectural Education for Atmanirbhar Bharat

Abstract

India is urbanizing at a rapid rate. This rapid urbanization is essential for the growth of economic opportunities but the built-environment is facing crucial challenges. Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan coupled with the creative spirits of good architects will help to realize the true potential of urbanization for a sustainable and prosperous future for India. Architecture education and practice should transform and develop to accommodate the needs of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Institutions in India should have reciprocal arrangements with other countries and thus expand the opportunities of the student to gain a broader experience in an increasingly globalized profession. Architecture education should also be internationally validated with direct evidence of student learning. There should be a paradigm shift in the design of Education towards developing professionals with the ability to understand and use local knowledge, traditional knowledge, and emerging technologies while being cognizant of critical issues such a climate change. Architectural practice requires becoming financially competitive and technologically challenging to keep up with the international standards of design and delivery.