How about having a multifaith crematorium in Mumbai?
Architecture students display model of humanity healing centre near disputed site in Ayodhya and more
LUCKNOW: How about having a multi-faith crematorium in Mumbai where space crunch is an issue and a humanity healing centre near the disputed site in Ayodhya to put an end to the Ram Mandir-Babri masjid controversy?
Students of Faculty of Architecture, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), displayed these creative models at the first three-day open house exhibition that began on Wednesday.
Devanshi Gaur, a final year student, designed the multi-faith crematorium while the humanity healing centre was conceptualised by Shivam Pandey, also a final year student.
“As space is a big problem in cities like Mumbai, I thought of designing a model of multi-faith crematorium,” explained Devanshi.
Likewise, Shivam felt that there should be a place at the site near Ayodhya where people of various faiths can do meditation under one roof, which will promote brotherhood.
In this three-day exhibition, the students exhibited their models on basic design principles, methods, visual judgment and creative process.
They also showed their skills in dealing with space problems faced in day-to-day life.
“With the help of experienced faculty members and series of models, the students investigated the concepts of space and place and explained their characteristics in architecture,” said Vandana Sehgal, principal and dean, Faculty of Architecture.
Founder principal of the college, DC Thapar inaugurated the exhibition. Deans and directors from architecture schools in Lucknow were present to witness the work of the students. Architects from the city were also present.
The event was an opportunity for students to display their portfolios done over the semester. Entries prepared for annual national competitions like National Association of Students of Architecture (NASA) were also put on display.
Projects like Abdul Kalam Memorial at AKTU, retrofitting of Lal Baradari, conservation of Chhattar Manzil complex, which the faculty has undertaken as consultants were also showcased.
The five-year architecture course equips students to have sound skills in critical thinking about the role of exterior placemaking in the built environment and technical knowledge about how to make it feasible.
“The course work also makes the students realise the importance of on-field practical training and has one full year dedicated to that so that they get hands-on experience of what they’ve learnt in the school from an employer’s point of view,” explained a teacher.
Amalgamation of four years of intense training is the thesis, which takes place in fifth and final year and requires the students to work on the project of their preference through the semester.
The work showcased the sound understanding of architectural history, structural design basics, disaster mitigation, landscape design, interior design, ecology, and professional conduct.
The interior design workshop conducted for third year students was an effort to break the monotony of the studio and have some hands- on experience of how crafts can be an integral part of interior spaces.