| Subject | Design Dissertation |
| Session | 2023-24 |
| Year | 5th |
| Date | 21st June, 2023 & 12th July, 2023 |
| Time | 09:00 a.m. |
| Venue | 5th Year studio / Conclave 2 |
| Faculty | Co-ordinator |
| Guest Speaker | 21st June, 2023 Swarnim Waingankar (Graduation year – 2023) Daniyal Jaweed (Graduation year – 2023) 12th July, 2023 Anju Pillai (Graduation year – 2023) Subiksha Rajagopalan (Graduation year – 2023) Angel Jaison (Graduation year – 2023) |
PiCA Thesis Forum is a lecture series where X-PiCAns present the process and outcome of their final-year Design Dissertations. It offers a platform for Design Dissertation discussions and the exchange of ideas between our students, faculty, and alumni.
The Thesis Forum for Sem 9 students provided a platform for students from the previous year’s batch to present their research thesis work to the current batch. This event aimed to share valuable insights, experiences, and guidance to inspire and assist current students in their thesis endeavors. The event was planned for two days. Day 1 of the forum featured presentations from two students and day 2 from three students, each presenting unique approaches and perspectives on conducting architectural research.
Day 1 – June 21, 2023:
The event commenced at 09:00 a.m. on the 2nd Floor Studio. Prof. Ajita Deodhar welcomed Daniyal and Swarnim and asked them to share their research journeys.
Daniyal Jaweed (2018-2023) presented his thesis on “Architecture and Identity – India Pavilion.” He elaborated on the significance of exploring India’s architectural identity through the lens of a pavilion. Daniyal shared his site study, case studies, and the development of the program. The students were inspired by his in-depth approach and the passion he exhibited for his subject.
Swarnim Waingankar (2018-2023) explored the “Interface between aging experience and Leisure Architecture” in her thesis. She explained her choice of topic and the methodologies she employed to address this important aspect of architectural design. Swarnim’s presentation resonated with the listeners, and her insights into how to understand the users and considerations for designing spaces for them were appreciable.
Day 2 – July 12, 2023:
The second day of the PiCA Thesis Forum took place at Conclave – 2, 6th floor, starting at 09:00 a.m. Three more alumni presenters shared their research work, providing the current batch with a diverse range of architectural themes and ideas.
Subiksha Rajagopalan (2018-2023) presented her research on “Exploring the potential of bamboo as a sustainable and flexible construction material – A case of the Warli tribal community.” It primarily focused on the intersection of community, material, and construction techniques. She emphasized the importance of maintaining architectural relevance throughout the research process and conducting user studies to understand the needs and preferences of the community being served.
Angel Jaison (2018-2023) presented her thesis on “Research center for Geosciences in Peninsular India.” Her research centered around building typology and its correlation with geological factors. She stressed the importance of maintaining a research journal, aligning research with personal interests, defining scope and limitations, and providing comprehensive research descriptions, including application, objectives, and an engaging mode of presentation and shared the challenges she faced and the solutions she devised during her thesis journey.
Anju Pillai (2018-2023) focused on “Reimagining the Future of Kainakary Architecture for the Ephemeral Landscapes” in her thesis. Her research was centered on site-specific, place-based studies. She discussed her extensive mapping and detailed study of the macro area of Alapurzha, highlighted her experiences and solutions to challenges encountered during site studies, and emphasized the importance of proper documentation. Anju also distinguished between macro and microsite concerns and their significance in architectural research.
The Q&A session provided an interactive platform for students to seek further clarification and insights from the presenters. Discussions included effective site study techniques, the rationale behind choosing specific materials, and the importance of knowledge sharing among peers.
In conclusion, all the alumni presenters shared their unique research processes, the challenges faced, and the lessons they learned from both successes and failures. Their willingness to be open and candid about their experiences allowed the current batch to gain valuable insights into the world of architectural research and design.
