Department of Architecture & Regional Planning

In the year 1952, under the leadership of Professor E. Braner, a group of ten students formed the nucleus of this department. Soon it developed into a full-fledged undergraduate programme. In 1956, it started offering post-graduate courses for the first time in the country. The Institute of Town Planners also had its beginning in this department. With time, pioneering attempts were made to start advance training in Building Science, Application of Computer Techniques in Architectural design Simulation, Presentation Graphics and Construction Technology. The consultancy activities of the department from government and large corporate clients in the country range from design of large townships, institutions, landscaped environmental planning to conservation of heritage sites and buildings. Some of the key areas of research include Building Technology and Management, Housing and Community Planning, Heritage Studies and Conservation, Urban Design, Visual and Graphic Design, Computer Applications in Architecture and Planning, GIS and Multimedia Applications, Environmental Design, Transportation Planning and Traffic Engineering, Metropolitan Planning, Infrastructure Planning and Systems Management.

The Department of Architecture and Regional Planning at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur has been a pioneer in architectural education in the country since its inception in 1952, and today, it continues to play a significant role in the emerging concerns and planned development of the built environment of the country.

Inception and Evolution of Department

After Independence, India braved the challenges of modernity and development, with a vision to emerge as a techno-economic powerhouse.

Accordingly, in 1951, the first Indian Institute of Technology ' was established in Hijli, Kharagpur. The Department of Architecture was conceived for ensuring a holistic integration of the development of science and technology with the normative and cultural dimensions at human society. The first of its kind in the IIT system, the department started its iourney in 1952 with the undergraduate course in architecture in l959, the first post-graduate course in planning was introduced by the Department, and the first doctoral degree was awarded in 1970.

The Damodar Valley Regional Plan and plans for the 'Steel Cities' of Durgapur and Bhilai were pioneering works of the Department. The conception and formation of National Association of Students of Architecture (NASA) in l955, the Regional Science Association in 1967, the National Organization at Students at Planning (NOSPLAN) in l976, and the West Bengal Chapter of the Institute of Town Planners, India (lTPI) in 1982 mark some of the other significant contributions of the Department towards furthering education and professional practice.

Today, we are strongly networked with our ex-students, established all over the world. Their excellent performance has made us proud. Our alumni are an immense source of inspiration, and their continual contribution to their alma mater, both in terms of experience and funding, makes us grow.

Programs

The Department of Architecture & Regional Planning presently offers a five years graduayion programme in architecture (B. Arch.) and a two years post-graduation programme in city planning (M.C.P.). A doctoral research programme awards Ph.D. degrees in architecture, urban & regional panning and allied fields. ln addition, a joint M.C.P.-Ph.D. programme is also offered.

Bachelor of Architecture

Programme: B.Arch.(H) in Architecture and Regional Planning

Duration: 5 years.

Admission to the five year undergraduate course in architecture is based on the merit list of the annual IIT Joint Entrance Examination (IIIJEE) and on Aptitude Test in architecture and design, The current intake is limited to thirty-two seats, with reservations for OBC/SC/ST candidates and persons with disability (PD) as per Government of India rules. More information on JEE.

An architect is a professional who designs buildings and built environments, and acts as the lead coordian for the entire construction of a proiect, from conception to completion. In architecture education, one is encouraged to develop one's creative talents and artistic skills, as well as hone one's analytical aptitude for building science and technological innovation.

PROGRAMME BRIEF

A studio-based design programme is complemented with a spectrum of theoretical studies including design principles, graphics, aesthetics and style, culture and history, ergonomics, building materials, methods of construction, structural principles, building utilities and services, climatology, energy and environment, project management, professional practices et cetera. Parallel the major in architecture, students can opt for minors from other departments.

The IIT academic calendar adopts a two semester system (Spring / Autumn) with about sixteen weeks in each semester, and forty hours of contact each week. The course also involves annual two-week study tours. The students are required to undergo professional training at select national and international organisations tor one semester. The final requirement for receiving the degree is a dissertation thesis and project.

Master of City Planning

Programme: Master of City Planning

Duration: 2 years.

Graduates of Architecture, Planning and Engineering (Civil) are admitted to the postgraduate course in city planning, according to the merit-list of the annual Graduate Aptitude Test for Engineers (GATE). Social scientists (economists, geographers and sociologists) qualifying in the National Aptitude Test (NET) are also eligible for admission. Sponsored students, Quality Improvement Programme (QIP) scholars and self-financing candidates with a good academic record and a minimum of two years of relevant experience are admitted, based on a test and interview. Seats are reserved for OBC/SC/ST candidates and persons with disability (PD) as per Government of India rules.More information onGATE,NET.

The main task of the urban planner is to guide the growth and development of urban areas, foreseeing possibilities and threats, and to coordinate public and private actions towards achieving a common desired goal of sustained development of the community. In planning education, the student is trained to confront the challenges in dealing with the complex set at issues of human settlements: its manifestations on space, society, economy, infrastructure and ecology.

PROGRAMME BRIEF

Theoretical studies are coupled with studio programmes directed towards an action learning process involving field surveys data analysis, mutual discussion, written reports and verbal presentations. The IIT academic calendar adopts a two semester system (Spring/Autumn) with about sixteen weeks in each semester, and forty hours of contact each week. ln addition, students visit a selected urban area and propose a draft Development Plan, as a group exercise. The students are required to undergo professional training at select national and international organisations for one semester. The final requirement for receiving the degree is a dissertation thesis and project.

Joint M.C.P. - PH.D.

Programme: M.C.P.-Ph.D. dual degree.

Duration: As per required

Eligibility criteria for the dual degree course are same as for the M.C.P. programme. However, at the end of first two semesters, interested students having CGPA 8.0 and above are eligible to appear for written test and/or interview intended to judge their suitability to enroll for doctoral research. Those who do not qualify for research can continue with their two-year post-graduate programme. Students selected for doctoral research are required to complete the two years academic curriculum of the M C.P. programme before enrolment for Ph.D. For these students, the M.C.P. and PhD. degree shall be awarded together, upon successful completion of the research programme, requirements of which are same as that of regular doctoral research.More information on GATE

PH.D. (Arch & Regional Planning) / Doctoral Research

Programme: Research oriented

Duration: As per required

Selection for admission to the research programme is through a written test and interview of candidates having good overall academic record at the post-graduate level. Students with undergraduate degree in architecture or engineering may also apply, provided they have excellent academic records. Applications for admission are invited twice a year. All candidates are requned to have cleared GATE/ NET (however candidates with excellent academic records from reputed universities/ organisations may be exempted from this). Accepted candidates are awarded an Institute Fellowship. Scholars are also enrolled under the Quality Improvement Programme (Q.I.P.) of the Ministry at Human Resources Development, Government of India, and from the ongoing Consultancy Projects of the Department. However, such scholars are not eligible for Fellowships. More info.

Research activities at the department address issues at international, regional and local levels that primarily aim towards meeting the needs of the industry and society. Evolving ideas, methods and concepts in emerging areas and reaching out to common man through appropriate technology transfer remains one of the foremost objectives oi the Department. Academic excellence in researchand development is closely associated with the Department's active participation in sponsored research and architectural and planning consultancy.

PROGRAMME BRIEF

The programme involves a minimum of one semester of initial course work, as per the recommendationof the Doctoral Scrutiny Committee of an individual candidate, followed by a dissertation thesis. Withdrawal from the Institute and remote research activities are accepted after registration of the dissertation thesis. The programme should preferably be completed withina maximum of four years,though candidates are eligiblelor extensions. Scholars are requried to provide teaching assistance, or undertake other duties as assigned by the Department.