Chapter 19: Architecture and Planning

Introduction

Since the origin of mankind, a roof over one’s head had been one of the basic needs, the other two being food and clothing. Whether architecture as a profession existed in India may be debated but it was the artisans and craftsmen who built temples, palaces and forts that still exist indicating the love of Indians for such magnificent structures. However, we know that Vastu Shastris (architects) definitely existed who were aware not only of aesthetics but also of stability, balance and strength of the structures they created. The term architecture may mean the buildings themselves. It has also a historical connotation referring either to the building style of a particular culture or to an artistic movement, for example, Greek Architecture or Gothic Architecture.

With the proliferation of urban settlements and conglomerations, the field of architecture has become an important and much sought after profession. The profession basically is an admixture of artistic creativity and engineering skills. Architects are responsible for the planning, designing and supervision of construction of all types of buildings-residential houses and complexes, educational and commercial complexes, hospitals, hotels, houses of worship and many more. The design of buildings involves far more than aesthetics and its appearance. Buildings must also be functional, safe and economical and must suit the requirements of the people who use them.

Architecture also relies on technology and materials science to ensure that the structures withstand heavy loads and stresses. Architects take all these aspects into consideration while designing buildings. The job of architects begins with consultation with their clients to ascertain their wished and needs. He then prepares a set of plans within the limits of those wishes which, upon the approval of the client, is developed into final design and working drawings. The final design shows the exact dimensions of every portion of the proposed building including the location of electrical facilities, windows, doors and all other features of the building. He also makes drawings and models that show how the building will look after it is completed.

At the planning stage he is required to take into consideration, among others, local and state regulations (for example, National Building Code) concerning construction of buildings, climate, soil in which the building is to be constructed, fire regulations, and financial limitations of the client. At the construction stage, he works closely with civil and structural engineers. They also work with many different contractors who actually build the structure. He generally receives a percentage of the construction budget as his fees.

The role of present day architects is not limited only to the construction of buildings. They are now being increasingly called upon to undertake two more tasks – Landscape Architecture and Regional and Urban Planning. Every one enjoys attractively designed residential areas, public parks, university and college campuses, shopping centres, golf courses, and industrial parks. Landscape architects design these areas so that they are not only functional but aesthetic and environmentally appropriate as well. They plan the location of buildings and roads and the arrangement of flowers, shrubs and trees and other features of open space. Natural resource conservation and heritage preservation are other important aspects to which landscape architects apply their knowledge of the environment as well as their design and artistic talents.

The planning, development and management of human settlements is becoming an increasingly complex task. In view of the emerging socio-economic and cultural realities, it is necessary to adopt a new approach to the development of human settlements at all levels. It is not only metropolitan areas and cities but also smaller towns and even villages that need planned development. Urban and regional planners take charge of or assist in planning the location of buildings and public facilities in the development or redevelopment of a city or metropolitan area and other human settlements. In almost all the major cities and towns in India, there are urban development authorities who seek the assistance and advice of urban planners. Then, of course, architects are also involved in the interior designing activities (See Chapter 20-Art and Design).

The regulatory authority of courses in architecture is the Council of Architecture established in accordance with the Architect’s Act 1972 (See Chapter 7-Regulatory Authorities). The Council is empowered to prescribe the minimum standards of education in architecture for granting recognition to the colleges and institutions AICTE works in close cooperation with the Council in this matter, qualified architects are required to register with the Council of Architecture for undertaking practice.

Educational Opportunities

Educational architecture is provided primarily at two levels-polytechnic diploma and first degree leading to the BArch degree. Only a small number of institutions offer postgraduate courses (March), and the School of Planning and Architecture (New Delhi) alone has PhD Course. Many women polytechnics offer Architectural Assistantship course, although in other polytechnics it is open to boys also. As on December 31, 1997, there were 93 engineering colleges and colleges of architecture affiliated to various universities. The total intake capacity is 3,858. The largest concentration of architectural colleges is in Maharashtra (31), followed by Karnataka (12), and Tamil Nadu (11).

The oldest institution in India is Sir JJ College of Architecture (Mumbai) which was established in 1896. The School of Planning and Architecture (New Delhi), a premier institution exclusively devoted to the discipline, established in 1955, has been accorded the status of a deemed university in 1979. It is widely regarded as one of the best centres of excellence in architectural and planning education. It offers first degree, postgraduate degree and doctoral level programmes in architecture and planning (See Annexure 1)

Of the 17 Regional Engineering Colleges only for colleges have introduced BArch courses (See Annexure 2). Among the IITs, only the IIT (Kharagpur) has introduced a B.Tech course in architecture. It also offers a course in Naval Architecture (design of ship) of four-year duration which has nothing to do with architecture discipline as such. There are three institutions which offer the course exclusively to women candidates. Annexure 2 gives an indicative list of institutions offering courses in architecture.

The duration of BArch course is five years followed by a compulsory six month’s training in an architectural firm as part of the curriculum of studies. The entry requirement is a pass in 10+2 examination with Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. In most of the States admission is based on the performance in the Common Entrance Test conducted for all engineering branches. Students are also required to undergo an Aptitude Test for final selection. Government College of Architecture and Sculpture (Mamallapuram-603104), affiliated to B.Sc (Temple Architecture). Eligibility requirement is a Diploma in Temple Architecture.

Instead of studying in colleges of architecture, students can take an alternative route to become an architect. Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), the professional organisation of architects conducts examination in four parts. Students qualifying in all the parts are awarded Associateship (AIIA) which, according to the Architect’s Act 1972, is a recognized qualification to work as professional architects like the B Arch degree holders (See Chapter 31 – Engineering and Technology-Alternative Routes).

As regards planning, only two institutions offer first degree courses in planning viz., the School of Planning and Architecture which offers a four-year course at the first degree level leading to Bachelor of Planning (B Planning) and Guru Ramdas School of Planning (Guru Nanak Dev University) which ahs a B.Tech (Planning) programme of four-year duration. The Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (Hyderabad) is likely to introduce BPlanning course of four-year duration.

At the postgraduate level, eight institutions offer March degree and Master’s degrees in Urban/Town/Regional Planning courses: Anna University (Chennai), Calcutta University (by thesis), Jadavpur University (Calcutta), Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (Hyderabad) (part-time course), Mumbai University (by thesis), Nagpur University (by thesis), Roorkee University, Indian Institute of Technology (Kharagpur) and the School of Planning and Architecture. MArch course deals with a specific area of specialisation, such as Housing, Urban Design, and Architectural Conservation. The courses are open only to BArch degree holders. Sri Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit (Kalady, Kerala) has introduced a unique course, Master of Traditional Architecture (MTArch), which is open to degree holders in architecture and civil engineering.

Courses in Urban/Town/Regional Planning are open to BArch and B Planning degree holders. The nomenclature of the awards are Master of Town Planning (MTP), Master of Urban Regional Planning (MURP), Master of Town and Regional Planning (MTRP), Master of City Planning (MCP), Master of Planning (M Planning Course in Landscape Architecture is offered only by the School of Planning and Architecture leading to the award of Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA). The School has introduced several other courses in planning (See Annexure 1).

The School of Planning in the Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology (Ahmedabad-380009) offers Postgraduate Diploma in Planning (18 months) with specialisation in Urban and Regional Planning, Housing and Environmental Planning. The course is recognized by the AICTE. Guru Ramdas School of Planning offers M.Tech programmes in Urban Planning, and Regional Planning and Housing. (See also Update).

Like the architecture course, there is also an alternative route to acquire postgraduate qualification in planning. The Institution of Town Planners, India conducts an Associateship examination leading to the award of Associate Member of the Institute of Town Planners, India (AMITP), which is indicative of professional excellence in the area (See Chapter 31) – Engineering and Technology – Alternative Routes).

Career Opportunities

Persons interested in architecture should possess several aptitudes and interests found in businessmen and entrepreneurs, creative artists and engineers. After the completion of degree in architecture many job opportunities are available in governments as well as private architectural firms. Architecture graduates can start as architectural assistants or junior designers under the guidance of experienced professionals. After gaining further experience they can aspire to become a junior architects, and in course of time, after gaining sufficient experience and confidence, architects can start independent practice, establishing their own firms. Architects can also take up employment in public works departments of State and Central governments and urban development authorities. Architects are now being called upon to undertake the task of conserving heritage buildings.

Computers have now revolutionized the offices of architects with the advent of computer-aided design software such as 3D Studio Max and Auto CAD, the entire concept of designing and modelling. Familiarity with the CAD is now essential requirement for the architects. Although the subject has not been incorporated formally in the syllabuses of many universities, the present generation of architects must learn the art and science of CAD.

Update

Planning: The following institutions also offer postgraduate courses in Urban/Town/Regional Planning: (1) University of Madras - MA (Urban Engineering). Duration: full-two years; part-time-three years;(2) Anna University-(i) Master of Transport Planning (MTP). Duration: Two years; (ii) ME (Urban Engineering). Duration: Three semesters (3) Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur - Master of Country Planning (MCP). Duration: Three semesters;(4) Sardar Ballabhbhai Regional College of Engineering (Surat) - ME (Town and Regional Planning); (5) University of Roorkee - Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP). Duration: Three-semesters.