The course curriculum is set in a way that exposes our students to global-level architectural practice, says Dean

In an interview with Shiksha.com, the Dean of Woxsen University's School of Architecture & Planning Dr Abhijit Shirodkar goes into great detail about the many attributes they seek in student candidates as well as the traits they can instill in students to help them become better people. He goes into great length on the institute's curriculum, methods of instruction, efforts made to prepare students for the workforce, etc.

Dr Shirodkar holds a master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Roorkee and Post-Graduate Diploma in Consumer Laws from Nagpur University. His specialisations include Design, Building Construction/ Technology and Post-Occupancy Evaluation.

Read the complete interview below.

Q: What are the qualities you are looking for in student applicants? What qualities do they need to do well in your course? 

A: Right after a child completes the Secondary School Examination (Class 10), parents and relatives start hounding him/her with career-related questions. Unfortunately, most of them want the child to take up a career desired by the parents. They often fail to understand the students’ inclination or aptitude. At the other end of the spectrum is the herd mentality of the children to follow their friends and peers without understanding the structure and means of choosing a particular course and what it entails.

If we talk about Architecture as a career – I admit it’s a very satisfying career.  What other career prospect offers you to see your creative imagination not only taking shape but being occupied by people as well? 

To be a part of this job-satisfying journey an aspirant needs to have:

1. Imagination: needs to give wings to his thoughts
2. Creativity: needs to think in three dimensions
3. Dedication: needs to be steadfast against odds and failures
4. Initiative: needs to be enthusiastic to try and learn
5. Patience: needs to have fortitude (specially to deal with clients and their whims, as a professional)

Q: How do you ensure that your course curriculum is up to date and meets industry requirements? 

A: The course curriculum is set in a way that exposes our students to global-level architectural practices. It aims to give students a breadth of cultural exposure that shapes a reflective and critical outlook of the discipline with the exposure retained. We have a robust Board of Studies, consisting of Indian and international experts in the field of Architecture that supplements students with contemporary knowledge to meet the requirements of the industry. 

Q: What are the salient features of the teaching methodology adopted by your college? How does this differ from others? 

A: The faculty lineup at Woxsen is a mix of Indian and International Academicians, Industry experts, Architects & Professors of practice. The international adjunct faculty brings global exposure to students thereby preparing them to be the architects of the future with accumulated knowledge at a global level.

One of the standing principles of any constituent Schools at Woxsen University is Applied Learning which is achieved through High-end Studios & labs, market surveys, case studies, study tours, cultural & site visits. We also facilitate industry alignment through lectures, visits, projects, Internships/apprenticeship.

Q: How are you preparing your students to be Industry ready? 

A: We believe in the fact that a student remembers and recalls what he encounters in person than what he is taught in class. Therefore, as mentioned earlier, we at the School of Architecture & Planning make it a point to undertake site/study visits whenever we get an opportunity. This has been one of the highlights of our teaching pedagogy. We inculcate in students the ability to celebrate culture, places and meaning through architectural expression. Subsequently, instill the spirit of entrepreneurship to experiment, innovate and develop environmentally responsible architecture.

The School also interacts regularly with the industry and also professional bodies like the Indian Institute of Architects, the Indian Green Building Council, the Institute of Indian Interior Designers. Apart from this, we have regular guest lectures, seminars/conferences, workshops and webinars on relevant curricular and co-curricular topics.

Q: Is your college receptive to innovation, technology, science & entrepreneurship? How? Could you cite some examples of these?  

A: Woxsen University works on five pillars:

1. Internationalisation
2. Research
3. Corporate Alignment
4. Entrepreneurship
5. ERS (Ethics, Responsibility and Sustainability)

With this, it is amply clear that we inculcate all these aspects in the students. The constituent schools have no ‘fixed boundaries’ and hence there is a lot of collaboration amongst them, resulting in a multitude of multi-disciplinary activities happening on the campus.

Research and publication too have been given equal importance and the students are encouraged to undertake these during their academic journey. Besides these, the students are also encouraged to file design registrations and even patents. If they are more practical oriented, they are even encouraged to help the faculty in their professional pursuits though the medium of the School’s Design Cell.