IV Year
| Tour Destination | Bangalore - Srirangapatna - Melukote - Mysore |
| Tour Dates | 30th May - 7th June, 2022 |
| Faculty Team | Prof. Rupali Vaidya, Prof. Ajita Deodhar, Prof. Tushara Kaliyath, Prof. Avinash Sabhagani |
A study tour was arranged for the fourth year in the month of June, on request of the students as they could not go for any study tours in the last two years due to the Pandemic. The tour was co-ordinated by Pintail Tours and Travels and we started our tour journey on the 30th of May. We reached our first halt at Bangalore on the evening of 1st June. The iternary for the next 3 days was planned such that the students to could study the diverse Architecture styles in Bangalore city and at the same time have leisure visits around the city. The students were divided into 8 groups and were allotted a building each to be studied, over the entire tour. This study was conducted through parameters like History of the building, the Architecture style, planning, Facades, etc. to be compiled as a presentation on Tracing papers. The presentation session for the same would take place subsequently after dinner at the hotel.
On the 2nd of June we visited the Bangalore International Center. The structure is a public building with many events taking place most of which are walk ins. The building is an example of contemporary brutalism Architecture. The students were taken on a guided tour around the building by a personnel of the center. The students indulged in activities like sketching, photography, interacting with the locals and importantly experiencing the interesting spaces created in the premises.
On the way back from the Bangalore International Center, we visited the Bangalore science museum. This was kind of a leisure activity and we all thoroughly enjoyed the science exhibits from varied fields of science. In the evening we visited the historic Lal baug garden which gave us an opportunity to study the landscape patterns along with having a leisure walk around.
The evening in the hotel was a sumptuous dinner spread followed with work presentations by the students. After discussions we all enjoyed a game of housie. This was generally the routine we followed at the end of days throughout the study tour.
The next day was a visit to Vidhan Sauda (Parliament house) of Bangalore. This momentous structure stands in the center of the city And thanks to the police Marshal officer we got a guided tour around the structure including the Lower house. The next important building we visited was the IIM Bangalore. It was indeed an inspiring example of Brutalism, the campus designed by B.V. Doshi, The students spent quite some time studying the massive campus. We were fortunate to have a lecture on housing arranged at the office of CnT Archietcts while we were in the town. The lecture served as a window towards the start of the Architectural Design studio on Housing to be held in the upcoming semester.
We then left for Mysuru and visited temples in Srirangapatna, where students had the opportunity of studying the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In Mysuru we paid a visit to the Wadiyaar College of architecture. In addition to appreciating the Architetcure and the wonderful campus of the college, there was a healthy interaction between the students of PiCA and WCFA. It was interesting to have an exchange of ideas and understand the work culture of the students in the college.
We next visited the Mysuru Palace (Amba Vilas Palace) and the students studied the same as an example of the Indo Saracenic style of Architecture. This was also a shopping halt at the Palace souvenir shop. As we were deprived of shopping in Bangalore due to evening rains, students were given ample time in Mysuru to do the same. On the way back to Bangalore to board the retun train to Mumbai, we visited temples in Melukote and had the luxury of the ‘Paddu’ lunch, before heading to the Bangalore Railway station on the 7th of June.
III Year
| Location | Ahmedabad – Bhuj Study Tour |
| Year | 2022-23 |
| Date | 9th November, 2022 to 17th November, 2022 |
| Tour Coordinator | White Pigeon Tours |
| Faculty | Prof. Sarojini Lohot, Prof. Sumitra Kadam, Prof.Jayesh Patil, Prof Jui Kshirsagar |
The Design studio in the Third year deals with the designing of Urban Institutional buildings. Also the Building Technology studio deals with the study of advanced R.C.C. construction.. This year tour destination decided was to visit Ahemdabad and Bhuj where Ahemdabad Shares the Rich heritage of medevial past with important Pre modern and Contemporary Buildings. The students could study both heritage and modern structures. The design studio site was selected in ahemdabad so students can understand the background w.r.t. culture tradition & Architecture of the city past to modern
The students of Third year were on a study tour to Ahmedabad Bhuj, & Kutch during 9th November to 17th November, 2022.
In Ahemdabad the students visited the preeminent Design Institutes like NID, CEPT,& Also visited Structures like Sangath, Hussain Doshi Gufa, Millowner association Bldg & Sabarmati Ashram. In the evening they visited the LAW GARDEN To Explore The Market and enjoy the food.
The students explored the magnificent White Desert of Kutch and the best example of Art, Crafts and Craftsmanship decorated with bright &; rich colors at Kutch Mela. LLDC Museum & Hiralaxmi Memorial Craft Park.
We have arranged a 1-1/2 day workshop at Hunnarshala for the students to learn the sustainable construction Techniques
YouTube Link : https://youtube.com/shorts/A-msRznwKPM?feature=share
Day 1 – Structures in Ahmedabad – NID, Sangath & CEPT
National Institute of Design
The first building visited on Day 1 after reaching Ahmedabad was National Institute of Design. As it was a guided tour, students were able to see the entire campus of the Design institute. Everyone was able to witness the institute’s students working on their design and displayed work in the studios. The massing of the building, the punctures in the form of courtyards, the interconnecting external staircases, the roof elements and skylights were major highlights of the buildings which students discussed with the faculties
Sangath
After visiting National Institute of Design, the journey headed towards Studio of Architect B.
V. Doshi – Sangath. Similar to NID, this was also a guided tour and students were explained about the entire building right from its ideation to its current functions. The vaults, skylights and climate responsive form were majorly discussed by the students. The office studio had models and sheets displayed of various projects done by Ar. B. V. Doshi and this enabled students to also get an idea about other projects done by him.
Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT)
The third and the last destination of the day was visit to CEPT University. One of the faculty member is an alumnus of CEPT University and she took the guided tour through the campus. The multifunctional central ground and flexible campus planning was a major observation by students. The new additions- library building and workshop areas were explained in detail to the students by the in-charge persons of that particular building. The students liked the overall vibe of the campus and enjoyed exploring different aspects of it.
Day 2
We started with the heritage walk At 7.00 a.m. in morning .after having breakfast at 9.30 in hotel we proceed towards the adalaj step well. In the afternoon we visited Mill owners association and Hussain joshi Gufa.
Heritage Walk
Started at swami Narayan Mandir and we ended at Jama Majid, in between we saw calio dome pol house, also saw the indication arrows on street which indicated the drainage line slope. etc,
Adalaj Stepwell : At Adalaj
Is An Best Example of Architecture, is intricately carved and is five stories deep. The best experience the student noted was reduction in temperature inside the outside almost 6 to 7 degrees less. They studied the structure and did sketches for the details.
Mill Owners Association
Hussain Doshi Gufa
The best example of earth berm structure, the temperature difference was observed by the students, they studied the roof material, the skylight for natural light to get inside. the students did sketching and enjoyed the evening time.
Day 3 – Structures in Ahmedabad – Modhera, Patan, Siddhpur
Day 3 in Ahmedabad was given to travel to Modhera, Patan and Siddhpur.
Modhera Sun Temple
Modhera Sun Temple was a guided tour where students were able to see the entire Temple and its surrounding with the step well. Students have explored the design, carvings and cultural aspect on site. Though due to lack of time on site, students could not sketch, still they have taken good photographs with a proper understanding of how the structure has been designed.
Patan ni Vaav
Patan Vaav is the place where students explored different textile patterns on the architectural monument. The could get much time and sketching exercise was thoroughly enjoyed by them during this session.
Siddhpur
The day ended at Siddhpur where students have studied structures, roads and surroundings. The tour of this settlement was a really interesting element as the structures were colourful and they enjoyed studying the same in detail.
Day 4 – Ahmedabad
Architectural Design Site Visit
As per schedule, students have successfully completed detailed study of their study for AD Sem VI site and site context. The area was divided into 6 groups, guided by 4 faculties, the groups visited the site and later dispersed for their respective areas for sketching and mapping
Sabarmati Aashram
After the site visits, students have visited Gandhi Aashram near Sabarmati River. Detailed façade and roofing along with rain water harvesting system was studied and sketched here on site.
Shopping at Law Garden
At the end of day 4, the students were taken to Law Garden, a market street, for shopping. Variety of fabrics were explored during this time.
DAY 5
We visited Parag Mahal, Aaina Mahal and in the afternoon we went to White Run, And Kutch Run Mela it was a 2 hour drive at whit run the students enjoyed and played, in the evening they enjoyed shopping. Where they explored various Crafts and Craftsmanship decorated with bright & rich colors at Kutch Mela
Parag Mahal
DAY 6
we visited Lldc Museum & Hiralaxmi Memorial Craft Park.
In the afternoon we visited Hunnarshala Workshop. Where the introduction and activities carried out by hunnarshala where explain.
Leaving & Learning Design Centre Shrujan
Day 6 – Workshop at Hunnarshala, Bhuj
The hunnarshal workshop was arranged for students to understand the earth construction, understand the soil and physical anaylsis of the soil. hands on session were conducted by experience artisians. The students learnt different construction techniques.
The first day was introduction to the work carried out by hunnarshal, and different techniques developed by them, the students were able to see different structures constructed using various material on site all were explained to them.
Day 7 – Workshop at Hunnarshala, Bhuj
The workshop at Hunnarshala specifically aimed at giving a hands-on experience to students about traditional sustainable construction techniques. Five major tasks where done by students throughout the day and the details of them are as follows:
Task I: Identifying and understanding the soil type based on its texture, aroma and consistency with water.
Task II: Making of a compressed brick withthe help of a machine. The brick was to be used for construction after it is completely sun-dried.
Task III: Making of rammed earth walls which included mixing of all materials(clay, cement, sand and water) in right proportion, pouring the material in the formwork and compressing the poured material to gain the required strength.
Task IV: Making of brick by hand using mould. The process included mixing the material, pouring it in mould, removing the mould and leaving it for sun-drying.
Task V: Applying the wattle & daub construction method for windows.
Mahabali Puram
Visitor Centre
Matri Mandir
Shore Temple
Third year study tour is organised with the intension of study and document institutional buildings and their role in the shaping of society. This year the students visited Auroville, Pondicherry and Chennai. In Auroville they visited many buildings like Matri Mandir, Visitors Center, Savitri Bhavan which are all examples of institutional buildings. In addition they documented two institutional buildings - SAWCHU and Unity Pavilion in Auroville. The drawings of these were made as part of the college project upon returning back to the college. In Pondicherry they visited the French town. A walk around this area was organised and guided by a member of INTACH organisation. They also visited many building typical of the architecture of French town. Additionally they also visited some buildings of Architecural importance around Chennai like Mahabalipuram temple (Panch Rahta and Shore Temple), Dakshin Chitra, Aurobindo Hand Made Paper Factory.
Sequence of Events:
Day 1 (1st November, 2019) & Day 2 (2nd November, 2019) – Train Journey to Pondicherry
Our journey to southern region of India started from Chhtrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.
Day 3 (3rd November, 2019)
On this day they reached Chennai railway station at early morning 4 a.m. From there they moved towards Pondicherry by bus. During this journey they took a break at Mahabali Puram and visit the beach. In Chennai - Pondicherry journey they visited the Aurobindo shanti place and museum. They reached at hotel Bon Sejour around 12.30 p.m. After lunch they visited the Auroville international zone, Visitor Center and pavilions in International zone.
Day 4 (4th November, 2019)
On this day the documentation of the SAWCHU Pavilion and Unity Pavilion. A brief discussion was organised with Ar. Sonali Phadnis who was the Architect who had designed the SAWCHU Pavilion. She gave a lecture on the idea behind the formation of Auroville and SAWCHU Pavilion.
Day 5 (5th November, 2019)
The documentation process continued till the afternoon. After lunch they visited the Matri Mandir which is main structure of auroville.
Day 6 (6th November, 2019)
After spending the entire two days for documentation the students visited different important buildings in pondicherry. They started their day with a heritage walk in French town in Pondicherry which was guided by Ar. Ashok from INTACH. He informed them about the planning of city, its history and architecture.
After lunch they visited the Shree Aurobindo paper making factory and learnt about the paper making process.
Day 7 (7th November, 2019)
On the way back from Pondicherry to Chennai, the students visited Mahabali Puram Temple, Pancha Ratha Temple and Dakshin chitra.
Day 8 (8th November, 2019)
On this day a guided walk was organised to visit many important colonial buildings in Chennai. After visiting this places the students began their return journey from the Chennai railway station.
II Year
| Tour Destination | Kalpathy, Palakkad – Kochi – Trivandrum - Kanyakumari |
| Tour Dates | 08th November, 2022 to 17th November, 2022 |
| Faculty team |
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| YouTube Link | https://youtu.be/dgGdan0SzDw |
On 8th November 2022, a group of 68 excited second year students and four faculty members left for the state of Kerala for the study tour. This was their first ever study tour as they didn’t go for any in their first year of architecture.
On the way to Kalpathy, the first structure visited was “Varikkasseri Mana”. It is one of the oldest traditional aristocratic Namboothiri family houses in Kerala. Built in Kerala architectural style on a plot of land measuring approximately 4 acres, the building is located at Manissery, a village in Ottapalam in Palakkad. It is a popular shooting location for Malayalam films.
The next halt was at Palakkad as the students were asked to document the heritage village of Kalpathy. It is located at the bank of river Nila. The group reached Palakkad at the evening of 9th November 2022 and the stay was for 3 days. Kalpathy is the first heritage village of Kerala and roots back to the 14th century. The residents of the village are Tamilian Brahmins. The villagers have contributed in the field of literature, tradition, music and other arts. It is also known to be the hub of Carnatic music.
The architecture of Kalpathy comprises of houses in a linear pattern. They share common walls. The houses have the rice flour kolam (artful drawing that is religious and ritualistic). The streets wake up to Venkatesha Suprabhattam, recitation of Vedic mantras, and Shiva Stotrams. The highlight of the village is the famous Ratholsavam – the chariot festival. The heavily decorated temple chariots (Raths) are rolled through the village streets is the major attraction of the car festival. Sree Vishvanathaswamy temple is the main center of the festival while the three satellite temples in the village of new Kalpathy, old Kalpathy, and Chattapuram also take part in it.
On 12th November, 2022 the group left for Kochi. On the way we visited Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours. It is situated in Thrissur on the way to Kochi. It was established on 10th October 1925. It is the tallest church in India and third tallest in Asia. The style of architecture is Gothic. The students were mesmerized by the scale of the structure and studied the pointed Arches.
After visiting the church, the next stop was Sri Vadakkunnathan Temple. It is classical example of the architectural style of Kerala. Mural paintings depicting various scenes from Mahabharata can be seen on the walls of the temple. It is situated at the elevated hillock in the center or Thrissur city. There is a massive stone wall enclosing an area of around 9 acres. Inside the wall, the four gopurams face cardinal directions. The entrance into the inner temple is through a passage through the corridor. The inner temple is separated from the outer temple by a broad circular granite wall. The students learned how the traditional architecture becomes the reflection of religious activities.
In the evening the student reached Fort Kochi at 5 pm. Fort Kochi takes its name from the Fort Manuel of Cochin, the first European fort on Indian soil, controlled by the Portuguese East Indies. This is part of a handful of water-bound islands and islets toward the south-west of the mainland Kochi, and collectively known as Old Cochin or West Cochin. The students were shown how the Chinese fishing nets work. Then the students explored the area and the culture.
On 13th November, 2022, the students visited the Paradesi Synagogue. It is located in Mattancherry Jew town, a suburb of the city of Kochi, Kerala, India. It was built in 1568 AD. by Samuel Castiel, David Belila, and Joseph Levi. Today it is the only functioning synagogue in Kochi. After the synagogue, the students gave a visit to Mattancherry Palace. It is also known as the Dutch palace. It is famous for its long and spacious halls with a central courtyard. It is also the home of deity of the royal family known as Pazhayannur Bhagavathy. It is a double storied structure and has a large collection of murals. They depict the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. The students witnessed life-size portraits of kings of Kochi since 1864, sheathed swords, daggers, axes, etc.
On the way to Trivandrum, the group visited Krishnapuram palace. It is a palace and a museum located in Kayamkulam, near Alappuzha district. It was built in 18th Century by Anizham Varma. The architecture is of Kerala style and consists of gabled roof, narrow corridors and dormer windows. It contains the exhibits that belong to the Palace and its former occupants – the Maharaja Varma. It has 16 ‘Kettus’or blocks and ‘Nadumuttam’ or open areas in the center or courtyards. It is surrounded by verandahs all around to protect it from the damage due to rain. The roof is covered with Mangalore tiles. The students then returned back to hotel.
On 14th November, 2022, the students visited the Laurie Baker Center for habitat studies. It was created by the friends of Ar. Laurie Baker to propagate his philosophy of the concept of sustainable development through research, extension, training, documentation, dissemination and networking. The students visited all the structures and sketched the essence of the architecture on the display. The students also listened to the valuable guidance of the chief administrative officer of Laurie Baker Center, Mr. V.K. Anilkumar who talked about the life of the architect and his principles.
Then the students visited Ar. Ashams Ravi’s residence who follows the same principle and style of architecture. He is an expert in using the recycled materials. The students got an opportunity to talk to him and learn about the style and principles of architecture. Students also visited Loyola Chapel in the evening.
On 15th November, 2022 the students left the hotel early morning at 5.15 am to visit the Padmanabhswamy temple. The temple is built in an intricate fusion of Chera style and Dravidian style of architecture. It has got high walls and 16th century Gopura. In the Garbhagriha, Padmanabha reclines on the serpent Anantha or Adi Sesha. The students witnessed the ancient architecture and the scale of the elements of the temple. Then they travelled to Kanyakumari.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a monument and popular tourist attraction in Kanyakumari, India's southernmost tip. The memorial stands on one of the two rocks located about 500 meters off mainland of Vavathurai. It was built in 1970 in honor of Swami Vivekananda, who is said to have attained enlightenment on the rock. According to legends, it was on this rock that Goddess Kanyakumari (Parvathi) performed tapas in devotion of lord Shiva. A meditation hall known as Dhyana Mandapam is also attached to the memorial for visitors to meditate. The design of the mandapa incorporates different styles of temple architecture from all over India. The rocks are surrounded by the Laccadive Sea where the three oceans Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meets. The memorial consists of two main structures, the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam. The students experienced the water ride to the rock and spend some time relaxing an exploring on the rock.
Then they travelled back to Trivandrum and boarded the train back to Mumbai on 16th November 2022.
| Subject | College Project - Village Documentation |
| Session | 2019-20 |
| Year | 2nd |
| Date | 1st to 9th November, 2019 |
| Semester | 4th |
| Faculty | Subject Coordinator: Tejashree Lakras Faculty Team: Moushumi, Rashmil, Neha, Lakshmi |
| Location | Tattakodi Village, Karnataka |
Objectives of the Visit:
- To study and document the socio cultural life of villagers.
- To give students exposure of rural settings with respect to natural and artificial features
- To understand and analyse the landuse, circulation and social/ physical infrastructure of the village.
- To document and map the spatial arrangement of the village and understand the relationship between buoilt and unbuilt spaces.
- To document and analyse in detail the street architecture of vernacular heritage
- To document and analyse in detail the typology architecture with respect to construction techniques and materials.
- To identify the issues at tourism and rural people level
- To identify and propose the architectural solutions solving the socio cultural issues.
Summary of the Work:
The Rural documentation studio November 2019 aimed at inculcating research skills in semester 4 students by documenting and analysing the social and cultural aspects and vernacular architecture of village of Tattakodi from Badami region, Karnataka.
The village being located in the midst of Badami North and South hills faces the Badami caves and temples and the natural water body named as Agastya lake in its frontyard. The late 20th century, mixed community village have adopted Pure white lime washed mud houses style of architecture as part of their climate responsive strategy and socio cultural practice.
The village was documented with respect to several study parameters like natural landscape, landuse, circulation, social and physical infrastructure, socio cultural aspect, physical morphology, vernacular street and individual typology documentation.
The in depth study revealed lot of social and infrastructural issues faced by villagers like woman empowerment, lack of higher secondary schools and hospitals, lack of enough infrastructure for organic farming etc. The collective conclusions were drawn to understand and propose possible architectural solutions on identified project site for addressing social issues as part of Architectural design studio project.
I Year
| Venue | Bhopal |
| Session | 2022 - 23 |
| Year | 1st year B.Arch. |
| Date | 20th March, 2023 |
| Semester | I |
| No. of Students | 74 |
| Faculty | Subject co-ordinator : Prof. Ashwini Bhosale Patil |
| Faculty team |
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Aim
To provide the opportunity to the students to showcase their creative ideas so that their creativity can be nurtured well.
Objectives
- To provide the students with a large platform to showcase their talent and present it in public. The exhibition is a mass medium through which students can represent their learning and hidden talent among others.
- To give exposure to the students, exposure to the new discoveries and inventions, exposure to working in the group.
- To make students learn to work in the group and respect each other’s views and also realize the value and power of working together in a group.
- To develop communication skills, enhance presentation skills and thinking power of the students.
Introduction:
The purpose of education or for that matter of teaching is installing new beliefs, habits, information, and knowledge. The exhibition is a general term used for the organized collection of selected items and their display in public. Student of First Year B.Arch., from Pillai College of Architecture, New Panvel had visited Bhopal for their study tour on 19th January, 2023.
With regards to this, Students organized Bhopal Study Tour Exhibition on 20th March, 2023. The exhibition was held to provide a platform for students to display their knowledge, creativity, investigative skills and talent. It also boosts their confidence when they get appreciation for their creative talent.
The exhibition focused on the identification, display, and interpretation of collective things. The exhibition was open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the parents were also provided an opportunity to view it. The event provided a platform for creative explorations and innovations for the future Architects.
Social Media Student Incharge; Yutika Tawde from First year invited Principal Dr. Sudnya Mahimkar. All the teaching, non-teaching, admin staff and parents were invited to the event. Dr. Vasudevan Pillai and Dr. Priam Pillai also visited the exhibition.
Date: 20th March, 2023 Time: 10:00 a.m. onwards
Venue: Ground Floor Studio, PiCA, New Panvel
Creating an outstanding first impression is very important for any business; as they say, “your first impression is the lasting impression.” The ribbon cutting ceremony is symbolic of a new beginning. It is an opportunity to show genuine appreciation for the students who have spent countless hours in helping to make a good show.
The Exhibition was inaugurated by Honorable Principal of PiCA, Prof. Dr. Sudnya Mahimkar.
Susan Kotharkar, F.Y.B.Arch. student, host for the event welcomed everyone. The Program commenced by lighting of lamp with the auspicious hands of dignitaries and the invited heads of constituent units of Pillai College of Architecture. Dr. Sudnya Mahimkar, Prof. Shubhangi Bhide, Prof. Smita Dalvi, Prof. Sarojini Lahot, Prof. Sasmit Acharekar and Prof. Anand Sahastrabuddhe were invited for the same.
To make the program more engaging and interesting, some activities and performances were also prepared by the students. Dance has continued to gather momentum and flourish here at PiCA throughout the years. Once again, we welcomed a particularly talented and enthusiastic Dancers into the First Year and they jumped at the opportunity to perform and take part in our thriving co-curricular provision. Students named Jhanvi and Harini from First Year graced the stage in a dazzling performance. Thereafter, a short movie made by the students on Bhopal study tour was presented to the faculties and everyone.
Our promising students then presented their works which included sheets, models, paintings and suspended photo frames from ceiling. Students showcased their works and our Principal along-with faculties were personally present there to give them positive feedback and motivate them to do better.
The works comprised of various villages that is Tribal village, Himalayan village, Coastal village, and Bhunga village which were documented by the students during their study tour and many creative ideas which left all the viewers full of praise for the talent on display.
In this exhibition, the teams shared their creative ideas through their innovative models, exhibits, projects and presentations supported by reports, display and photos. It was heartening to notice that the students had been inspired to conceptualize and initiate their academic journey through self-motivation and with a concern for sustainability and inclusivity.
Our Principal, and other faculties expressed their opinions about the exhibition and gave their feedback regarding the same.
Dr. K. M. Vasudevan Pillai, the founder of the Pillai Group of Institutions and the Chairman and CEO of the Mahatma Education Society and Dr. Priam Pillai, who is the Chief Operating Officer of Pillai Group of Institutions also visited the Exhibition and pointed out that learning is a continuous process by the hard work and dedication by teachers in shaping the graduands as a responsible citizen of the country.
Parents and visitors were invited to motivate our student's venture and they gave positive feedback on the same. The exhibition was a fun and enriching one which motivated the pupils to give their best.
All in all, the Bhopal Study Tour Exhibition (A.Y. 2022-2023) was a grand success underlining the importance of co-curricular activities in a college.
| Venue | Bhopal |
| Session | 2022 - 23 |
| Year | 1st Yr B.Arch. |
| Date | 19th January, 2023 to 24th January, 2023 |
| Semester | I |
| No. of Students | 69 |
| Faculty | Subject coordinator : Prof. Ashwini Bhosale Patil |
| Faculty team |
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The aim of the study tour was to develop the analytical skills and create an interactive learning environment for the students of first year.
Apart from building academic capability, the study tour also aimed at building life skills such as team work, communication, problem solving skills and decision making that are only obtained through life experiences.
Objectives
- To bring in an Architectural perspective in the students while observing a place
- To develop the vision and keenness in the students to observe the structures
- To help students understand the Architecture details in the structures.
- To enhance sensitivity towards Indian Architecture by documentation through other artistic means like drafting drawings, photography, sketching and painting.
- Lastly to appreciate the beauty a structure offers through its overall planning and construction.
Introduction
Study tours are a vital part of education in Architecture, as students learn and grasp what they see. Often study tours include places with rich culture, Architecture, and history so that they have a lot to offer for visual learning. The first year students of Architecture went on a study trip to Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India as part of their curriculum.
Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh is much more than a gas leak of 1984. It is known for its lakes and also is home to many Architectural marvels. Though Bhopal is a city with wide roads and green spaces, a flavor of urbanity and modernism stands stiff against its planar terrain to complement the traditional architecture.
The Nawabs of Bhopal built several structures including the Taj-ul-Masjid and Taj Mahal Palace in Indo Islamic and European styles. Bharat Bhavan is the main cultural Centre of the city and hosts many theatre and film festivals every year. The Bharat Bhavan as well as the MP Legislative assembly were designed by Charles Correa. Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalay is an anthropology museum located in Bhopal, to present an integrated story of the evolution of man and culture with special reference to India.
The itinerary of the study tour was designed to appreciate the structures and their makers in Bhopal.
Duration: 19th January, 2023 to 24th January, 2023
No. of Students: 69
No. of Faculties: 04
Places of Visit:
- Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalay.
- Bharat Bhavan
- Taj Ul Masjid
- Tribal Museum
- Sanchi Stupa
- Bhimbetka
Day 1 (19th January, 2023) & Day 2 (20th January, 2023) – Train Journey from C.S.T. to Bhopal.
Departure for Bhopal by Punjab Mail (12137). at 19.35 hrs. Mumbai CSTM. The Journey was overnight train journey. The 16 hrs long journey started with lot of excitement and enthusiasm. The pleasant winter climate of Central India was felt during the travel.
Day 2 (20th January, 2023) – Visit to Manav Sangrahlay, Bhopal
Site Description: (Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalay): Any exploration of India's greatest museum is incomplete without a visit to the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Bhopal. The museum lies in a prehistoric landscape with evidence of prehistoric human settlement in its premises at Bhopal- the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. Covering an area of about 200 acres of undulating terrain in the Shamla Hills, it is one of the largest and leading anthropological museums in India. Aesthetically curated open-air exhibitions and components with the most enduring indoor exhibitions, it promises to live up to the expectations of museum visitors. This museum depicts the story of mankind in time and space. It offers an opportunity to explore the most subtle but artistic sensibilities of the rich Indian culture and heritage through its appealing exhibitions. It has 8 open-air exhibitions and 12 indoor galleries. Impressive periodical and travelling exhibitions of the museum on various topics are highly receptive and friendly to the visitors. Moreover, museum activities of this museum are designed to make information educative and entertaining. A visitor-friendly environment with an improvised form of interactive displays offers a new taste to museum visits. Education programmes, workshops, seminars, symposia, group discussions. conferences, cultural programmes, regional and cultural festivals, lectures, artists camps, etc. are some regular activities of the museum.
The following open-air exhibitions partially developed and opened for the public: Tribal Habitat. Coastal Village, Desert Village, Himalayan Village, Mythological Trail, Traditional Technology park.
Students were identified into different groups and directed to study and sketch different villages situated at the site.
Day 2 (21st January, 2023) – Architectural Measurements Documentation of Manav Sangrahlay, Bhopal.
For measured drawings of Manav sangrahlay, students were to document historically and architecturally significant buildings in the form of as-built drawings. They were divided into 8 groups (of 8-9 students) who were to study and document 8 villages located in IGRMS. Those are as follows:
- Himalayan Village (2 structures)
- Coastal Village
- Desert Village
- Tribal Habitat (3 structures)
Measured drawings is the term recognized in the industry to describe the drawings prepared from on-site measurements of an existing building or space. It can be for a building to which additions or alterations will be made; or for spaces which are intended for lease and from which drawings the areas for lease purposes will be calculated.
The study aimed to develop an understanding within the students of the principles of building construction and the method of recording it in three documentation methods; measured drawings, written/sketches documentation and photographic documentation.
A Special session was also conducted by Mr. Pandey Sir, Director of IGRMS, who gave introduction and information about the site and its overall expansion. His staff-members also explained in detail about the construction techniques of different structures located in IGRMS
Students were divided in groups and were asked to document the structures. Their main goal was to take proper measurements on site of the structures along-with sketches and photos for the same.
For these two days, towards the end of the day, we had a discussion in the hotel lobby, on each day’s work and marked the groups accordingly.
Day 3 (22nd January, 2023) – Visit to Taj-Ul-Masjid, Market visit, Tribal Museum, Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal
Our Day 3 journey started at 9:00 a.m. where we first visited to Taj-Ul-Masjid, The Taj-ul-,lit. 'Crown of Mosques') is a mosque situated in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is the largest mosque in India and one of the largest mosques in the world. The Taj-ul-Masajid largely takes inspiration from Mughal architecture.The mosque has a pink facade topped by two 18-storey high octagonal minarets with marble domes, an impressive main hallway with attractive pillars, and marble flooring resembling the likes of Jama Masjid in Delhi and the Badshahi Mosque of Lahore.
Students sketched various details at this place. They also did photography of various elements of the mosque
We then left for Bharat Bhavan post lunch at around 2:30 p.m. Bharat Bhavan is an autonomous multi-arts complex and museum in Bhopal, India, established and funded by the Government of Madhya Pradesh. The architect of the Bharat Bhavan is Charles Correa. Opened in 1982, facing the Upper Lake, Bhopal, it houses multiple art galleries, a graphic printing workshop, a ceramics workshop, an open-air amphitheater, a studio theatre, an auditorium, a museum of tribal & folk art and libraries of Indian poetry, classical music & folk music. Students explored the museum and various spaces in and out of it.
We then visited to the Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum in Bhopal that took student on an immersive journey through the culture of the local tribes of the state. With large colourful displays, the museum shows the art, traditions, daily life, and customs of a large number of indigenous groups. The Tribal Life Gallery has full-sized models of the tribes’ houses and dwellings, large enough for visitors to go inside. In another gallery, stories of worship and sacrifice are portrayed through impressive art installations. Artefacts from daily life are presented alongside cultural symbols that contain deep meanings passed through the generations.
Day 4 (23rd January, 2023) – Visit to Sanchi Stupa, Bhimbetka caves
On Last day of the tour, Students of PiCA visited Sanchi Stupa to expose them to History of Architecture related to Buddha, Ashoka and Jain Buddhism etc. Sanchi Stupa is one of the oldest stone structures in India built during the Mauryan period. The sculptures, monuments and lush gardens of Sanchi Stupa have been designated as the World Heritage site by UNESCO. Hence students of both semesters were given detail knowledge of construction techniques and HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE
Post lunch, we then proceeded to Bhimbetka caves, which is a Historical place in Amchha Khurd, Madhya Pradesh. The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site in central India that spans the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods, as well as the historic period. It exhibits the earliest traces of human life in India and evidence of Stone Age starting at the site in Acheulian times. Students did sketches and photography here.
We the left for Rani Kamlapati Station from where late night departure to Bhopal Rly. Station to board the train for home town by 15065 GKP – Panvel Exp at 00:40 hrs Midnight. Overnight train journey. Our Study tour concluded at Panvel Railway station at 4:00 p.m. on 23rd January, 2023 Tuesday.
| Subject | College project |
| Session | 2019-20 |
| Year | 1st yr B.Arch. |
| Semester | II |
| Faculty | Subject coordinator: Prof. Mahesh Naik Faculty Team: Prof. Mahesh Naik, Prof. Sasmit Acharekar, Prof. Danish Khatri, Prof. Madhurima Das, Prof. Reshma Sathe |
Based on the on-site documentation work in the tour to Ajanta in the month of December 2019, the I yr students prepared the drawings. It was a group work where Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Talab (stepwell) was documented by students.
The exhibition of the whole documentation work drawings was inaugurated at the hands of Prin. Dr. Sudnya Mahimkar on 18th February, 2020 which was open to all for viewing till 20th February, 2020.
| Subject | Study Tour |
| Visit to Aurangabad | Commemorating the lost treasure: Ajanta Caves |
| Session | 2019-20 |
| Year | 1st |
| Date | 18th to 24th December, 2019 |
| Semester | Sem 1 |
| Faculty | Subject Coordinator: Associate Professor Sasmit Acharekar Faculty Team: Accompanying in Study Tour Mahesh Naik, Danish Kharti, Madhurima Das, Reshma Sathe, Sasmit Acharekar |
| Location | Aurangabad |
Objectives of the Visit: Commemorating the lost treasure: Ajanta Caves
The first Buddhist cave monuments at Ajanta date from the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. During the Gupta period (5th and 6th centuries A.D.), many more richly decorated caves were added to the original group. The paintings and sculptures of Ajanta considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, have had a considerable artistic influence.
The Ajanta Caves were a sanctuary for Buddhist monks that was forgotten, along with its stunning riches, for nearly 1,500 years. Until in the year 1819, John Smith, a young British cavalry officer, who was on a tiger hunt, accidentally spotted the mouth of one of the caves, believing that it could only have been man-made.
To celebrate 200 years of Ajanta caves re-discovery marks the year 2019-20 extremely important in the history of art and conservation. Unknown for more than 1,000 years except to wild animals, insects, flood waters, prodigious foliage and perhaps the local Bhil people, this magnificent work of art, architecture and contemplation was abandoned by those who created it as long ago as AD 500.
To remember an enduring saga of cave paintings and sculptures, we decided to conduct academic study tour from 18th to 24th December, 2019 to Aurangabad and its historic precincts for the 1st year students of 2019-20 batch and pay tribute to this legacy.
The places which were covered under the 5-day visit were, Aurangabad caves (ASI site), UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves, Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Talab (stepwell) and Daulatabad fort.
Tour Intentions: The Study Works
The Intentions of the study tour were to study, document and sketch the architectural elements which went into building the ancient caves, forts, temples and paintings.
The students were introduced to Buddhist-Jain-Hindu style temple architecture, which covered different elements like Shikharas, Mandapas, Garbha Griha, Sabha Mandapa and Pradakshina.
Students were sensitized towards the construction techniques which went into building the Rock-cut caves; usually carved out of a single piece of rock. Also, the caves merging smoothly into the unbuilt environment making it a beautiful amalgamation was observed.
Various paintings and sculptures were studied to understand colour combination, symmetry, scale and proportion. Lastly, the takeaway for the students was getting to know the rich history which went behind building one of the largest and unconquerable forts of that time.
One of the important agenda of the visit was to learn documentation, how to do measure drawings on site and lastly, to understand different methods of surveying and tools involved.
Documentation, team building and coordination was the outcome which was achieved.
The Design Studio: Architectural Design Sem-2
Further to remember an enduring saga of cave paintings and sculptures at Ajanta caves, the student studies the entire setting and context of the cave’s location. This was followed by selection of the site for architectural design studio – Semester - 2 at Ajanta itself. The famous point (Site) which is possibly the location from where John Smith, a young British cavalry officer first spotted the hidden arena of Ajanta caves, was chosen as site of the design Studio. The site located right at the topmost viewpoint facing the Ajanta caves, overlooking the Waghora (tiger) river.
The design studio at Sem-2, inquire in to the personality and personal life of an renowned Artist, of student’s choice. Understand the personal habits, hobbies, nature and daily activities of the Artist and future design a retreat for the artist at the above selected site.
