Architecture is a field that blends creativity, technical knowledge, and a keen understanding of both the built and natural environments. The demand for skilled architects is ever-growing as urbanization increases and the need for sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing structures becomes more critical. To address these needs, architecture programs have evolved to provide comprehensive training combining theoretical foundations and practical experience. One such innovative educational pathway is the dual degree program in architecture, which offers students the opportunity to gain diverse perspectives and global exposure.

Dual degree programs in architecture are designed to equip students with broad skills and knowledge. These programs, offered by bachelor of architecture colleges, typically involve studying at multiple institutions, often in different countries, to provide a more rounded and global education. The curriculum covers various aspects of architecture, including design principles, structural engineering, urban planning, and environmental sustainability. Students are also trained in the latest technological advancements and software used in the field, ensuring they are well-prepared to enter the professional world.

What is an Architecture Degree?

An Architecture degree is an academic qualification focused on the art and science of designing and constructing buildings and other structures. It combines creativity, technical knowledge, and practical skills to equip students with the ability to create functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing built environments. Core components of the program include architectural design, where students learn to conceptualize and draft building plans using traditional methods and advanced design software.聽

Technical knowledge encompasses structural engineering principles, construction methods, and materials science, ensuring the safety and stability of designs. Courses in the history and theory of architecture provide a cultural and historical context, while environmental and sustainable design courses emphasize creating eco-friendly buildings. Students also learn about urban planning, exploring how architecture fits within broader cityscapes and communities. Professional practice courses cover the business and legal aspects of the profession, including project management, contracts, and ethics. 

Career opportunities for graduates are diverse, including roles as licensed architects, urban planners, interior designers, landscape architects, construction managers, and sustainability consultants. To become a licensed architect, graduates must complete a professional degree, gain practical experience through internships, and pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). An architecture degree thus prepares students for a dynamic career, combining design innovation with technical proficiency and sustainability considerations and contributing to the development of the built environment in meaningful ways.

About JAAP

The Jindal Adelaide Architecture Pathway (JAAP) is a pioneering and exclusive architecture course in India offered by 91探花. It is designed to produce globally recognized architects who are eligible for licensure in Australia, New Zealand, India, and other countries through mutual recognition agreements. This innovative program is a collaboration between the Jindal School of Art & Architecture (JSAA) and the University of Adelaide, offering a structured pathway that combines the strengths of both institutions. This makes us one of the best bachelor of architecture colleges in India, offering this one-of-a-kind programme.

Students begin their journey at JSAA, completing the first three years of foundational studies in architecture, which covers essential aspects of architectural design, history, theory, and technical knowledge, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and the built environment. In the fourth year, students transfer to the Undergraduate Program in Bachelor of Architectural Design at the University of Adelaide, providing them with international exposure and the opportunity to study under a different academic framework, enriching their educational experience.

Upon completing the fourth year, students receive a Bachelor of Architectural Design from the University of Adelaide and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Built Environment Studies from 91探花, enhancing their qualifications and broadening their career prospects. Following the undergraduate program, students proceed to the two-year Professional Master of Architecture program at the University of Adelaide. This graduate degree is essential for professional licensure and equips students with advanced skills and knowledge in architecture. 

The JAAP program offers numerous benefits, including global recognition, which expands professional opportunities worldwide, international exposure, a comprehensive curriculum, and enhanced career prospects through dual degrees from prestigious institutions. This program prepares aspiring architects for a dynamic and successful career by combining rigorous academic training with valuable international experience.

Key features of JAAP

Global Licensure Eligibility

JAAP is the first and only architecture program in India designed to graduate architects eligible for licensure in Australia, New Zealand, India, and other countries through mutual recognition agreements. This global recognition significantly broadens professional opportunities for graduates.

Dual Degree Structure

Students complete their first three years at the Jindal School of Art & Architecture (JSAA) and then transfer to the University of Adelaide for the fourth year. Upon satisfactory completion, they receive a Bachelor of Architectural Design from the University of Adelaide and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Built Environment Studies from 91探花.

Professional Master’s Program

After earning their dual undergraduate degrees, students proceed to a two-year Professional Master of Architecture program at the University of Adelaide, culminating in a professional graduate degree in architecture.

Post-Study Work Visa

Graduates can benefit from a minimum three-year post-study work visa in Australia, providing valuable international work experience and career development opportunities.

Blended Curriculum

The program combines architectural education and expertise from India and Australia, offering a unique blend of cultural and professional perspectives that enrich the learning experience.

Renowned Universities and Faculty

Students study at prestigious institutions, JSAA and the University of Adelaide, with accomplished faculty members worldwide. This provides exposure to diverse architectural philosophies and practices.

Networking Opportunities

The program facilitates interactions with top architects and designers from India, Australia, and New Zealand, enhancing professional networking and learning.

Access to Advanced Facilities

Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Deloitte Academy of Studies at the University of Adelaide, and resources for Building Information Modeling (BIM), 3D modelling, Motion Capture, and Rapid Prototyping across both universities.

International Exposure

The program’s structure ensures that students gain international exposure and experience, preparing them to work in a global architectural landscape.

Benefits of Studying Barch at JSAA

Comprehensive Curriculum

The Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) program at JSAA offers a comprehensive curriculum that equips students with the technical skills and knowledge needed for a successful architectural career. The program teaches students various materials, building techniques, construction methods, and design thinking principles, ensuring they are well-prepared to tackle real-world architectural challenges.

Opportunity for Specialization

JSAA’s program stands out by offering students the chance to choose a Minor area of study alongside their major in architecture. These minors, including Urban Studies, Building Technologies, History and Theory, Urban Planning, and Landscape Architecture, allow students to specialize in a specific area of architecture. This specialization enhances students’ expertise and provides them with a competitive advantage in the job market.

Practical Experience

The program emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with ample opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world projects. Through design studios, workshops, and internships, students gain practical experience that prepares them for professional practice.

Diverse Faculty Expertise

JSAA boasts a diverse faculty with expertise in various areas of architecture and related fields. Students benefit from interacting with experienced professors who bring different perspectives and insights into the classroom, enriching their learning experience.

Industry-Relevant Skills

The curriculum is designed to align with industry standards and demands, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge valued by employers in the architecture field. This industry relevance enhances students’ employability and career prospects upon graduation.

Networking Opportunities

JSAA provides students with networking opportunities through guest lectures, industry collaborations, and events. These connections with professionals in the architecture industry can lead to internships, job opportunities, and mentorship, further enhancing students’ career development.

Holistic Approach to Architecture

In addition to technical skills, the program emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge and holistic thinking in architecture. Students learn to consider social, cultural, environmental, and economic factors in their designs, preparing them to create sustainable and impactful architectural solutions.

Preparation for Licensure and Further Education

The B.Arch program at JSAA prepares students for architectural licensure and provides a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing advanced studies or research in architecture or related fields.

About JGU

Established in 2009, 91探花 (JGU) is a non-profit, multi-disciplinary institution known for its commitment to academic excellence and public service. With over 12,500 students and 1200+ faculty members, JGU comprises twelve schools covering diverse disciplines such as Law, Business, International Affairs, and more. The university’s global outlook is evident in its diverse student and faculty community, representing over 70 countries. JGU has established collaborations with 450+ institutions worldwide, enriching the learning experience. Guided by its motto, “A Private University Promoting Public Service,” JGU focuses on fostering excellence in teaching, research, and community service. Through a sustainable model of institutional development, JGU aims to contribute to India’s social and economic development while addressing global challenges. The university remains committed to its core values and mission of advancing education, research, and public service initiatives to become a leading institution in India and beyond.

FAQs

What are the best colleges for Bachelor of Architecture in India?

Some of the top colleges for Bachelor of Architecture in India include IIT Kharagpur, IIT Roorkee, School of Planning and Architecture (Delhi), 91探花, and Jamia Millia Islamia University (JMI), New Delhi. These institutions are renowned for their quality education, faculty expertise, and infrastructure in the field of architecture.

What are the most popular job roles after a degree in architecture and design?

After completing a degree in architecture and design, graduates often pursue various career paths. Some popular job roles include Architect, Urban Planner, Interior Designer, Landscape Architect, and Construction Manager. These roles involve designing buildings, urban spaces, interiors, and landscapes and managing construction projects, catering to diverse needs and preferences.

Is there any scope in the field of architecture and design in 2024?

In 2024, the field of architecture and design is expected to continue thriving with ample opportunities. Rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and sustainability concerns will drive demand for skilled professionals. Emerging trends such as smart cities, green buildings, and digital design technologies will further expand the scope of the profession, offering exciting prospects for architects and designers.

This is a sweet testimony of a young architect who, after stating this, asserted Architecture was his thing since childhood. Yet, the very statement gives us explicit imagery. The imagery of flamboyant walls, delicate furniture, glittery lights, and much more comes into the ambit of imagination. It also tells us: that architecture is not just about constructing top-notch buildings. It is a piece of art that comes from within. The discipline gives creative minds a different perspective to explore what can be done and what can be done differently.

Aspirants wishing to build a career in architecture must think beyond high designations and pay roles. Instead, the task must be to draw and create spaces passionately. First, they should work on the craft and then look at the profession’s benefits. As far as monetary benefits are concerned, students should not worry about job entitlements and pay scales. If you pursue architecture at the right and prestigious university, you will get decent placement opportunities and other monetary benefits. They do not have to take the onus of building contacts or cramming industry requirements or needs. Their talent is enough!

Your educational institute is your temple.

A good architecture varsity or school trains students on a holistic understanding. It does not only restrict to theory. But more of practical and experiential learning. So, from the beginning of a design to get implemented to the completion of the project, they receive diligent attention. Here, they learn ideal techniques of planning, executing, designing, organizing, and maintaining structures with a lot of enriched aesthetic sense. Well, that’s a perfect definition of an architecture school.

According to a report by Indian Today, “The architecture institutes educate students on every aspect of realizing a project- from the initial intangible stages of site analysis, project conception and design proposition to relevant tangibles of materializing the project through construction details and techniques.”

Architecture: A growing profession

With the exponential expansion of growing technologies and the steadfast evolution of newly-emerging professions, architecture has proved to be a fruitful choice for today’s young talent. Also, many students in the country are exploring creative spaces in the field of aesthetics, visual and liberal arts. From using their innovative ideas to fully utilizing their problem-solving approaches, they have left no stone unturned to produce limitless possibilities in designing spaces- houses, workplaces, academic institutes, public parks, factories, cinema halls, and sports complexes, to name a few.

The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on the Indian economy, and the aftermath – economic recession – has hampered many business practices. But, according to research, individuals have transformed themselves as per the new normal and are working hard on trends to bounce back and secure the future. The study claims architecture companies must also focus on a fresher financial and business approach rather than adhering to predominant protocols. Hence, the profession calls for analytical and super creative minds to unfold the new challenges post COVID-19, 2022.

An academic space built on trust

Architecture is undoubtedly growing as a profession. However, not many good universities or schools offer quality education in this complex subject. India still needs to gear up to educate scores of young students who are aesthetically rich. One university that has taken note of this is O.P. Global Jindal University. Its Jindal School of Art & Architecture is India’s first interdisciplinary school of the built environment. The school offers a bachelor of architecture course – a five-year programme – to students who love the art of creating “a little differently.”

Jindal School of Art & Architecture offers an excellent learning experience to students who create aesthetically rich spaces using an academic milieu that is highly rigorous, inter-disciplinary, creative, and fresh. And for your information, the school follows a globally accepted world-class academia and is fostered by an acclaimed bunch of acclaimed faculty members.

It also allows architecture students to participate in learning experiences working with the city’s various identities. It teaches students how a city can be treated like a workshop, working on ground, and a field to explore and experiment.

The uniqueness of Jindal School of Art and Architecture:

• Access to digital centres: Students will get world-class access to well-equipped workstations, 3-d printers, printer-scanner, plotters, DSLR cameras, and wide-angle and telephoto lenses for creating and producing their work. They will also explore the profession by learning multiple software like Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk, Bentley Suite, ArcGIS, and ENVI.

• Construction yard and lab: Architecture students will learn about multiple typologies and construction techniques. They will also get the hang of machine equipment and software to design structural systems most creatively.

• Environmental-based research lab: Young talent will ingrain insights about several materials, their fortes, weaknesses, and their areas of specializations. They will explore and experiment with both innate and artificial resources. These resources could be soil, wood, sand, timber, cement, or brick, to name a few.

• Access to fabrication labs: One of the most beneficial aspects of studying at Jindal School of Art & Architecture is that students here will inculcate skills to work with numerous materials and turn their imagery ideas into reality – physical form. The school allows students to turn abstraction into sheer existence by mindfully using their creative minds. Very few varsities in India do that, despite the growth of practical learning in today’s Indian education system. Students at the architecture school will be guided to work with a twist with hand-held and fixated fabrication tools. How? By using these along with 3D software.

For more details like B.Arch course details, kindly visit the official website of Jindal School of Art and Architecture.

It is time to explore the artist in you. Make that one childhood dream real. Design it using your ideas at the most creative academic space, Jindal School of Art and Architecture.

The idea of holistic learning is at its core interred with interdisciplinarity. But as subjects evolved, delving deeper into the development of their unique fields, somewhere along the way, methods of teaching and learning became a little more rigid, less fluid. Perhaps in the quest for super specialisations, or even to an extent, to make students more employable in their chosen paths.

But what constitutes employability today? Can disciplinary knowledge alone cover the breadth of possibilities that this modern world beholds? And perhaps, most importantly 鈥� are students able to make the most of their education? The answers to these questions, just as the nature of learning and knowledge, are constantly evolving. The lines between disciplines blur in a world that鈥檚 grown more interconnected than ever before.

Yet for far too long, the Indian education system has kept disciplines distanced from each other. Beginning from early childhood to higher education, learning traditionally takes place in silos. High school and undergraduate students are typically required to choose between streams and subjects. As teenagers, they carry the weight of decisions that could direct, change and even narrow their futures.

It鈥檚 a tall task to ask of young people in their formative years. Years that could be better spent exploring their options, discovering interests, learning as much as possible, absorbing a more holistic worldview that will enable them to grow into well-rounded, open-minded, sensitive and intelligent young adults.

All that is about to change. At least, that is what the revolutionary National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 claims. As we stand on the verge of a breakthrough reform, the NEP promises a bold change. One that espouses interdisciplinarity in its very core. The breaking down of disciplinary boundaries is a big leap from traditional learning frameworks. Systematically restructuring the way learning has taken place for decades, even centuries, the NEP demands educators, policy makers, and students to step up and brace themselves for change, even if it will come slowly.

Coming from a time when academic disciplines don鈥檛 speak to each other, creating interdisciplinary curriculum, effective pedagogy, skilling teachers, among others, will be milestones to look forward to as India revamps itself to tap into the potential of interdisciplinarity.

It will challenge young people to embark on academic pursuits with more freedom, imagination and abandon than ever before. Looking at life through a multidisciplinary lens will result in the ability to approach problems from a broader perspective. And that鈥檚 just what鈥檚 needed today.

If you think about the most burning issues of the contemporary world 鈥� climate change, sustainability, inequality, poverty, justice, human rights, international relations, conflict, war and peace 鈥� their solutions cannot be located simply within a singular field. The 鈥渞eal world鈥� which we, as educators, prepare our students to enter, is complex. And it鈥檚 in the interplay between disciplines that we can find holistic answers. We must therefore equip students to live successfully amidst the dynamic realities of the world, by inspiring creativity, innovation and broader thinking. Armed with interdisciplinary learning, students can find their place in this ever-evolving world.

Contrary to traditional curricula that are designed to transform students into a cohort of specialised professionals with advanced knowledge in a particular domain, multidisciplinarity takes a different route to 鈥渆mployability鈥�. Students gain an arsenal of skills that are easily transferable across different fields鈥� problem-solving, critical thinking, team work, time management, strong communication, analysis and research methodologies, and much more 鈥� which equip them with the flexibility to choose their own path. In the rapidly changing and highly demanding modern context, traditional degrees tend to leave graduates wanting, whereas multidisciplinary talent has the power to overcome the challenges and conquer the possibilities of the future.

The push to consider the real world learning outcomes of interdisciplinarity has gained momentum globally over the past decades. It is firmly established at the world鈥檚 best universities like Harvard, Oxford, Yale, Stanford, Princeton, and so on. Yet in India, only a niche set of schools and universities have adopted this approach. At 91探花, we have consciously held interdisciplinarity at the core of learning.

This means that students enrolled in each of the ten schools 鈥� law, business, international relations, liberal arts, architecture, journalism, public policy, banking, environment or psychology 鈥� take up foundational interdisciplinary courses within their schools, and also study cross-listed electives across the board. They also participate in interdisciplinary research alongside their peers and mentors. Faculty from diverse backgrounds and disciplines also come together to prepare interdisciplinary courses, which further enriches the value of interdisciplinarity throughout the institutional culture.

Multidisciplinarity is important for a number of reasons. It not only exposes students to new and diverse disciplines, thoughts or perspectives, but helps them discover what interests them, and how to contextualise their specialised areas of study with other disciplines.

As students prepare to enter a world that is increasingly multifaceted itself, interdisciplinarity can no longer be overlooked in the classroom. So its inclusion as a central goal of the NEP is not only welcome in the academic world, but overdue. It remains to be seen if the policy can revolutionise the education system. In the end, disciplinarity and interdisciplinarity must go hand-in-hand. So that students may not only gain knowledge during their academic life but nurture a holistic outlook that sets the tone for lifelong learning.

These changes can be felt in every domain, from agriculture to pharmaceuticals, apparel to aviation, travel to technology, automobiles to architecture.

As millions of students adapt to online classes, professionals work from home, and everyone takes precautions to stay safe and healthy as they step outdoors and return to business as usual, 鈥渦sual鈥� has a new meaning鈥攁lready, the world is changing, spaces are changing.

Living within the confines of social distancing for the foreseeable future impacts every move we make, and quite literally, every breath we take. Architecture, has always been a way of designing and building how we optimise and interact with the spaces around us; how we inhabit the world. Be it indoors or outdoors; in our homes or in public places. This fundamental purview of architecture鈥攄esigning how we as a community interact with our surroundings and other people around us, and even how we live our individual lives, could see a serious overhaul now.

For practising architects, this has proven to be a tremendous challenge. Initially, perhaps as a decline in work as people grappled with construction and other architectural projects coming to a complete standstill, and now, as time goes on, as the need of envisioning new approaches to architecture. For young people interested in studying architecture, this heralds the start of something new and exciting.

As professionals begin to rewrite the future of architecture, young students have a rare opportunity to join the best architecture colleges and be a part of this evolution. Embark on this journey of exploration and growth at Jindal School of Art and Architecture (JSAA), and you will find leaders in the field to guide you and help you navigate the opportunities and challenges of the future of architecture. The architecture school of 91探花, Sonipat is India鈥檚 first interdisciplinary school of built environment.

Needless to say, the built environment will need to evolve, post-pandemic. Be it more consideration to pedestrian paths (already a major challenge in India), reimagining densely-packed public spaces (like high-rise apartments, commercial complexes, schools, hospitals, airports, railways and so on), or taking a look closer at home (for instance, how to deal with optimising living spaces to accommodate work/study as well)鈥攖he pandemic is changing the narrative of architecture, quite clearly.

Imagine the pre-pandemic world. For many working professionals鈥攖he 鈥渉ome鈥� was usually really lived in only during the weekends or on holidays. The story was different for homemakers, of whom there are many in India. It was still different for young children or college-goers or the elderly.

For different people, life played out in different ways, in different places. Today, in a sense, we are all in the same boat. Yes, the world is slowly returning to normalcy, but months in lockdown and now a lifetime of precaution will show us how important the design of indoor spaces really is.

While there鈥檚 a lot to talk about the future of the changing landscape of architecture, let鈥檚 focus on an area that rings closer to home鈥�interiors.

Do you find yourself reinventing your own personal space? Or perhaps even wondering how malls, movie halls, sports stadiums, or even parliaments might look like in the future, all things considered? Are you curious about the play of natural light and plants, colours and moods? Are you beginning to notice the impact of different accents and furniture in the spaces around you? If your answer is 鈥測es鈥濃�攖hen you might be cut out for a Bachelor of Design, and a future in interior design!

Why choose Jindal School of Art & Architecture to pursue an interior design course?

The four-year B.Des. Interior Design programme at JSAA is exactly the kind of contemporary curriculum that is needed to navigate this unprecedented challenge. What the 9/11 tragedy did to the security of public places globally, the on-going pandemic is witnessing in a different way. Making sense of the post-pandemic impact on architecture will need cutting-edge training.

The Interior Design programme at Jindal School of Art & Architecture, in fact, emphasises on training students in different knowledge systems to anticipate changes in the future of the built environment. It is a course especially designed for students who want to work towards improving inhabited spaces through experiential, experimental and informed design processes. In light of the pandemic, this pedagogic approach will be key to reshaping concepts of interior design.

As a stream of architecture that has already becoming increasingly prominent and popular (for both study and practice), interior design is an interesting field. Now, more than ever, it is gaining a new significance, as we learn to live with the pandemic and its widespread effects on our lifestyles, day-to-day lives and livelihoods.

The lessons of this pandemic will be lifelong鈥攜ou can explore how it impacts interiors, through such a design course.

The Bachelor of Design – Interior Design programme teaches students to imagine, propose, test and refine their ideas about how to live and dwell in the contemporary world. When the contemporary world undergoes such phenomenal transformations as it is today, this is a course that shows the way forward.

Public and private spaces will see serious changes in design

Public and private buildings, even open spaces, are not going to be conventionally conceptualised anymore. The world is already beginning to embrace the novel interior space structures. As the coronavirus pandemic spreads across the globe, architects and designers have paced up their research and technical skills to identify new patterns that can be incorporated in designing different spaces from hotels, residential societies, sports complexes, and so on, in the future.

For instance, for some of the activities that were nothing out of the ordinary inside a hotel or residential space, a major renovation and alteration is what we all are witnessing now. For example, hotels around the world are doing away with the buffet system. Food is being served directly on the table, ensuring minimum contact, with face masks, globes and more precautions. While many schools and universities are yet to reopen across the globe, some schools are planning to do away with the gathering for assembly sessions even in the future. In the bigger picture, spaces like halls might just be missing from architect鈥檚 drawings and plans in the times to come!

As the revenues of shopping complexes, restaurants, hotels, across the world keep falling, their spaces in the future have to be designed in a way that ensures safety. Architects and interior designers will be called upon to deliver a blueprint for these plans and processes.

While some design aspects may remain unaffected, others will notice minor changes, and yet others may well become redundant. Seating, for instance, will go through a tremendous shift in the future鈥攆rom schools to transport, restaurants to airports, and so on鈥攆or which new ways of designing which are both cost and time friendly will have to be implemented.

The demand for interior designers and architects is expected to soar in the near future where everyone would want to reimagine their spaces to ensure minimum contact outdoors, and maximum comfort, efficiency and productivity, indoors.

Reshaping private spaces for productivity, rejuvenation, safety and holistic living

Besides doing some revolutionary changes in public spaces, architects and interior designers are rethinking design patterns for homes and private spaces. The ongoing pandemic has brought disruptions to daily habits and work arrangements across the globe, where a renewed focus on health and wellness taking centre stage. Interior designers, now and in the future, will need to focus extensively on how to provide a living environment that is clean, flexible and responsive.

New spaces will be designed in a way that allow residents to engage with nature and the community while maintaining social distancing, as well. New home model will entail flexible interiors that make 鈥渨ork from home鈥� easier. Kitchens will be augmented with expanded kitchen storage and increased pantry sizes, to cater to the newly-increased requirements and functionality. Spaces in a house like balconies, porches, yards and terraces are going to play a crucial role where engaging with people becomes easier and safe, and also for families to relax and rejuvenate.

For more than half the working populace, the radical shift of working from home may become permanent, suggest many recent reports. Designers are now contemplating about creative ways to incorporate work surfaces into apartments, keeping projects financially viable as well.

Some organisations today are even supporting their employees with financing workspaces at home. Workplaces at home have to be designed in a way where productivity is not hampered and where there is ample space for whenever people want to disconnect. Plants and green space within the house structure are being given prime importance as it鈥檚 beneficial for air exchange, detaching momentarily and reducing stress.

Students and professionals have been taking on these simple home redesign projects on their own, but the avenue for professional expertise will soon expand in a big way. Within the field of architecture, interior design will see a renewed push in a new direction, as well as a rising demand.

With such massive shift in architecture and interior design, is our current education system well-equipped to train the students in a desired way?

Bachelor of Design (B.Des) – Interior Design to help reimagine the future

An established degree in design at the undergraduate level, Bachelor of Design (B.Des) – Interior Design, is a course for those who have a creative bent of mind and who can experiment with interior spaces to make them aesthetic, sustainable an functional. A degree in Interior Design involves specific consideration of each and every element of interiors. From deciding the colour schemes of a house/public space to fittings to furniture to every architectural feature, everything must be brought together cohesively in accordance with the designer鈥檚 vision and the client鈥檚 needs. This is why Jindal School of Art & Architecture focuses on experiential, hands-on learning, where students will have an opportunity to work with real clients, on real sites.

Now, considering a novel approach must be adopted now to meet the need of the post-pandemic era, any run-of-the-mill interior design programme will not make the cut for today鈥檚 students. A programme that includes cutting-edge perspectives and contemporary mentors who are savvy to these changing paradigms will be more sought-after.

A degree in B.Des. Interior Design gives one freedom to either become an entrepreneur or work with leading interior design firms across the world. In the current context, and in the coming times, such flexibility will become more desirable.

JSAA helps students navigate a world of design that is immense, alluring, and full of colour!

At Jindal School of Art & Architecture, the Bachelor of Design programme trains students to imagine and create a wonderous world for a sustainable future. The practical elements of the courses give students real-world insights into how they can succeed in interior design. The faculty at JSAA is internationally-trained and students will learn the nuances of global and local design paradigms under their guidance.

The courses oriented towards professional practice include new forms of social and technical knowledge: diversity, sustainability, digital representations and professional ethics. Other features of the programme comprise diverse, customisable electives, a flexible system of minors in multiple subjects taught across schools within the university. The four-year (Foundation + 3) Interior Design pathway at the Jindal School of Art and Architecture, trains you for the new world where the requirements of designing have changed and which will need a 360-degree shift in public and private design spaces.

The course at JSAA allows you to apply current practices of the industry through, though not limited to the following:

• Spatial Design
• Building Services
• Mapping Interior/ Exterior Environments and Landscapes
• Body and Perception
• Materials and Styles
• Color and Texture
• Objects, Equipment and Affordances
• Lighting
• Social Design and Collaborative Working
• Gender and Space
• Ecologies and Sustainable Practices
• Field Notes and Ethnographies
• Indigenous Craft Practices
• Specifications and Codes
• Ethics and Professional Practices

Chart your career creatively

One of the perks of a Degree in Design is that it provides great flexibility and versatility in terms of future choices. Whether you want to work after graduation or pursue further studies, the options are galore.

You can choose from a plethora of opportunities in the professional market. These include roles as: Interior Architect, Independent Researcher, Design Educator, Furniture Designer, Lighting Designer, Product Designer, Marketing and Sales, Hospitality Consultant, Sustainable Interiors Consultant, Landscape Designer, Building Pathologist, or Systems Designer, to name a few.

Students who want to pursue postgraduate studies can apply for various courses not just in India but abroad as well. Some of the courses are Interior Design Studies, Architectural Studies, Lighting Design studies, Design and Technology Studies, Textiles Design, Product Design, Production Design, Industrial Design, Transdisciplinary design studies, Urban Ecologies Studies. JSAA鈥檚 international partnerships will further boost the scope to study abroad.

With the evolving need in design spaces, possessing specialised and enhanced skillset will become imperative and this is exactly what JSAA thrives on.

Can you contribute towards redesigning a better world?

Architecture today, stands at the cusp of something potentially revolutionary. While the possible changes in architecture will be functional and aesthetic, it can have a deeper impact on our societies. Consider the adversities faced by those on economically weaker sections, distanced from privileged; the plight of poorly designed villages in hospitals, which are just not equipped to deal with such a calamity. Imagine the 鈥渃hawls鈥� where millions of poor Indian families living in small one-room homes share toilets and huddle together at the arrival of water tanks so they can drink clean water. We鈥檝e all seen those tragically candid images in the media or even in popular films, some of us have even lived those realities.

Could we reimagine a better world that makes room for one and all? A world that is fair, just, equitable. As we emerge from the challenges of the pandemic, could we write a better future? Governance, economy, law, society, science, technology, and so much more; every limb of society will have its part to play in surviving鈥攁nd thriving鈥攊n a new world, if they come together. Architecture, too, could play a bigger role here. Working in tandem with the other organs of this throbbing organism that is our world, 鈥榙esign鈥� can truly be a game-changer. Are you up for the challenge?

The visionary proposal keeps today鈥檚 learners at the centre of a multi-pronged approach to transform education right from early childhood to higher education. By recognising on-going challenges, the NEP boldly envisions revamping every step along the way. It outlines a fundamental shift in the perception of teaching and learning, jolting the country out a slumber of dated practices, into a refreshing new possibility for the future.

Here are some of the key highlights that can herald a new age of higher education in India:

Redefining the meaning of 鈥渆ducation鈥�

A slew of changes is to be expected in the very ways in which higher education institutions (HEIs) will operate. In fact, the NEP challenges the core understanding of 鈥渆ducation鈥� itself.

It seeks to free students and educators of the prevalent binds of a culture of rote learning. It offers, instead, frameworks that will create a more immersive, exploratory, creative, stimulating and conceptual educational experience, where students will shift from learning 鈥渨hat to think鈥� to learning 鈥渉ow to think鈥�.

Multidisciplinary learning, the key to holistic growth

A central theme in the NEP is multidisciplinarity. Today, only a niche group of schools and universities have adopted this approach. The idea of moving away from silos and compartmentalised disciplines to combine different perspectives is the bedrock of a holistic learning framework. As young students prepare to enter a world that is increasingly multifaceted, an atmosphere that nurtures dynamic thinking and transferrable skills will go a long way.

As per the policy, all HEIs will aim to move towards interdisciplinary, holistic curricula that offer every opportunity for students to pursue their diverse interests, across social science and STEM disciplines, to transform into well-rounded individuals capable of succeeding in tune with the changing times. Students will have increased flexibility to chart their path in sync with their unique interests and future plans.

Restructuring higher education

The 鈥渇ragmented鈥� ecosystem of higher education could come together as a more integrated whole, if the NEP鈥檚 vision of combining different institutions into multidisciplinary universities and 鈥渉igher education institution clusters鈥� or 鈥渒nowledge hubs鈥� can be successfully charted.

Undergraduate programmes will be either three or four years, with multiple entry and exit points offering different levels of certification. Coupled with a credit transfer system, this reform opens the doors for students to gain a lot more control over their education.

The overarching goal of increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio in HEIs to 50% by 2035 will be a big victory for Indian education, if achieved in time.

Leveraging technology and digitisation

Making students 鈥渇uture-ready鈥� means initiating more digitisation in teaching and developing tech-savviness among students from across socio-economic backgrounds. This digital divide in access to quality education has been a major barrier that鈥檚 become more evident during the on-going pandemic. By upgrading digital infrastructure, supporting digitisation of higher education, and promoting online courses, the NEP charts a careful and robust route to overcome this challenge.

Focus on capacity-building of faculty

The NEP acknowledges that the most important factor in the success of higher education is the capability of faculty. It focuses on substantially boosting the motivation of highly qualified, experienced and exposed academicians and professionals to enter academia. Faculty may have the academic freedom to design their own curricula and assessment methods, and implement innovative pedagogies, within certain frameworks. Further incentives include faculty research and faculty development programmes, among others.

More public funding; encouraging private philanthropy

Such transformative measures to boost higher education need significant funding. To that end, the NEP has underlined the importance public as well as private initiatives and assures increased funding from the government. Additionally, it has encouraged the role of philanthropy in uplifting quality education.

Common entrance exams for universities

Creating a level playing field for students to gain admissions to quality HEIs calls for common entrance exams. The NEP will reform the National Testing Agency鈥檚 scope to conduct such exams across the board in India.

Boosting internationalisation, building world-class institutions

In an increasingly interconnected world, students must prepare for the global nature of their future prospects. From supporting institutions to welcome more international students in India, to offering Indian students the opportunity to study abroad, the NEP aims to foster international partnerships in various models.

According to the NEP, 鈥渉igh performing Indian universities will be encouraged to set up campuses in other countries鈥� and 鈥渟elected universities e.g., those from among the top 100 universities in the world will be facilitated to operate in India鈥�.

The aforementioned steps will be a major thrust to boost the quality of higher education in India to come up to par with global standards.

In an ambitious roadmap, the NEP offers a progressive new paradigm crafted for the new generation of young Indians. It will call for greater levels of transparency within government and regulatory bodies, more institutional independence, and an urgent sense of responsibility among all.

Can the NEP transform India into a global education hub or perhaps even a superpower? It has floated many big ideas to harness this potential鈥攁nd it is now up to the government, educators, students, parents and various stakeholders involved to rise to the occasion.

The pressure on students and higher education institutions is high. Schools and universities have been closed and exams postponed. Classrooms are going virtual and admissions for the upcoming academic year are fraught with confusion. According to UNESCO, over 320 million students in Indian schools and colleges are currently impacted.

The pandemic has pushed the world to drastically reinvent ways of coping with the 鈥榥ew normal鈥�. After the initial phase of complete overhaul, it is critical to understand the short and long-term impact and future measures. Can India emerge from this crisis with a refreshed perspective and boost to higher education?

Online learning is here to stay

An immediate and effective response to the crisis was to go digital. Developing robust online platforms has become necessary to offer continuity in learning. Yet in a developing country like India with vast disparity in socio-economic backgrounds of students and the quality of educational institutions, the shift has not been easy. The digital divide has been further widening the gap, and needs urgent attention from both public and private sector players as the crisis continues. Good teachers, refreshed curricula and effective tools will ensure students stay involved and active in the learning process.

More Indian students will stay home in India

Lakhs of Indian students have increasingly chosen to pursue higher education abroad. As per reports, India is the second-largest source of international students in the world. This usual exodus is likely to transform鈥攁t least in the immediate few years鈥攖o an influx into Indian institutions, given travel restrictions and health risks.

This means that crores of rupees and resources spent in foreign education could potentially be retained in the country, as more students look towards options at home. While international institutions might bear the brunt of the change, it is a remarkable opportunity for India to enhance its capacities and offer quality education at par with global standards.

The effects of a shrinking global economy

The economy has taken a severe hit, and its ripples can be felt in the education sector as well. While many students will chart alternative paths, the pandemic is also leaving others in limbo. As unemployment is predicted to increase and the financial capacity of Indian homes comes under stress, the country can expect a drop in enrolments and challenges with tuition fees. Public institutions too, may be under threat of reduced funding. On the flipside, the pandemic could also prompt reform in fee structures and creation of more cost-effective programmes.

New trends in teaching & learning will emerge

Beyond the top band of institutional excellence with private universities setting best practices, Indian academia has been in need of transformation, long before the onset of the pandemic. There is an opportunity to rethink the traditional education system now.

Digital learning is leading the charge as a mainstay, and many new trends are picking up momentum across the globe. Multidisciplinary and modular pedagogy that afford transferable skills and customised learning will succeed. Post-pandemic times could see a blend of e-learning and mainstream face-to-face teaching with a boost from traditional universities and the ed-tech sector.

A call for greater global collaboration between students, academia & industry

Opportunities for student mobility and practical exposure through exchange programmes, internships, participation in conferences, and more could likely be off the table for some time. Innovative new forms of collaboration and alternative paradigms are needed to drive learning, research and teaching. Sharing of knowledge between institutions globally through joint-teaching, virtual guest lectures, etc. could give students an enriched global perspective in these difficult times.

Will educators rise to the challenge?

A paucity of contemporary teachers has been a pressing challenge already, and it is growing more serious. Faculty are being called upon to redesign course content to meet the current and future needs. Moving away from traditional pedagogies in most average institutions, the demand for quality educators will shape the way higher education moves forward from this crisis.

Merit today comes not merely from certification, but from more dynamic sets of skills and experience. With world-class faculty, a rich multidisciplinary curriculum, a plethora of study abroad and internship opportunities, exchange programmes, strong mentorship and more, JGU is prepared to guide students through the exciting times that are to come.

Preparing for jobs vs. learning for life

Education at top global institutions is moving towards imparting not only world-class knowledge, but a world-ready aptitude. From preparing students for jobs, universities are now geared towards nurturing students for lifelong learning, so they can adapt, evolve, and grow with the changing world. JGU strives to provide an enriching, intellectually engaging, discovery-based learning environment with the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge interdisciplinary study and research, community projects, study abroad programmes, internships and much more.

鈥淭he workplace is changing very rapidly. Roles are getting fuzzy and it鈥檚 very risky to train someone narrowly, because those skills may just become obsolete by the time they get into the workforce. So, we need to broad-base curriculum in a multidisciplinary way. There鈥檚 a certain openness and nuanced thinking that comes in with a multidisciplinary approach,鈥� says Prof. Rajesh Chakrabarti, Dean, Jindal Global Business School.

Through the multidisciplinary framework, the ability to explore more sets students on a stimulating journey towards a world that is constantly evolving. As you learn to look at life through different perspectives, you begin to acquire skills that just can鈥檛 be taught in a textbook. From being open, adaptable and inclusive to collaborative, creative, critical, and analytical, it is these skills beyond a degree that ready students in a holistic way. 

International exposure

Over 250 collaborations with international universities and higher education institutions across 50 countries facilitate more than 200 faculty and student exchange programmes. Students take full advantage of this. Many even pursue two exchange programmes in a year. 鈥淛GU is the most internationalised of all universities in the country. We have the highest number of MoUs with international institutions and we do that very consciously. A lot of students decide to come to JGU because they know of our reputations for mobility options with partner universities to do short-term semesters abroad, attend summer schools, or even pursue a dual degree,鈥� says Prof. Sreeram Sundar Chaulia, Dean, Jindal School of International Affairs. This makes a huge difference in the overall learning experience. It also allows students to tap into the international job market. 

A cluster of international courses and programmes at some of the most prestigious universities worldwide indeed makes for an impressive resum茅. Besides this, the value-add in terms of academics and exposure in itself is an incredible opportunity. Students who take these up come back to JGU with a sense of pride and appreciation鈥攖hey find that what is offered at the best of global institutions is not much different from what they鈥檝e received at JGU. It is, in fact, a truly global institution with a truly global offering. 

Strong internships & placements

Students pursue a wide range of internship opportunities with leading national and international organisations. Placements after graduation are equally promising. From career planning to counselling, JGU is equipped to match students for internships and careers depending on their interests, aptitudes and abilities. Faculty and staff are keenly involved in guiding students from the get-go towards the kind of internships and career plans that cater to students鈥� unique aspirations. 

Attributes of a JGU graduate

What sets apart a JGU graduate at the workplace? Through their time at JGU, students hone transferable qualities like communication, team building, leadership skills, creative and critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills and more, that are suitable for a variety of fields of employment. They build a capacity to engage in self-reflection and lifelong learning. They are trained to deal with situations that are complex and uncertain. These capabilities go a long way in adapting to the fast-developing and evolving professional contexts. 

An easy transition from university to workplace

The dynamic work environment is not much of a leap for graduates of JGU. Coming from a university setting that is multicultural, multidisciplinary, and global in every sense, there is already a confident ease, determination and clarity in a student鈥檚 approach to life. Usually, the working work is culture-shock for youngsters fresh out of college. But the very intensive nature of study, atmosphere of discussion, focus on detail and collaborative work, and exposure to best global standards and practices prepare students in the classroom for any number of professional positions they may assume.

Students get to meet and interact with peers and professors from different parts of the country and the world over. The cultural experiences they share open their minds to be more appreciative and empathetic of different people and outlooks. A deep understanding of, and respect for diversity, pluralistic societies and other cultures is entrenched in the very fabric of JGU鈥檚 ethos. Especially in a time when the world is divided on racial, religious, gender, economic and other bases, a sense of justice and acceptance is critical. This translates to any professional role in a multifarious field of work.

JGU graduates are setting the bar high

鈥淎 lot of law firms initially were not open to taking students from private universities. After 10 years of JGU, now the perception has completely changed. Now, preference is given to private law school graduates, especially if they鈥檙e coming from JGU,鈥� beams Sneha Bhawnani, who completed her B.A. LLB from Jindal Global Law School in 2016. 

The classroom becomes a tight-knit community with the student at the heart of it all鈥攁nd it clearly shows. With a 1:9 faculty-student ratio, learning is personalised. A student finds not only distinguished faculty, but also committed mentors at JGU.

Individual attention 

A small class size certainly inspires deeper learning. It also ensures individual attention. 鈥淲e all really valued the opportunity JGU offered. It recognises and encourages merit. If I wanted to present a paper in Istanbul, faculty would guide me and even raise funds if possible. They made sure we got all the help we needed. When a student does well, faculty genuinely take pride in helping them reach their full potential,鈥� says Raveena Sethia, a 2017 B.A. LL.B. alumnus who had a chance to attend a moot court competition in London, as part of the only Indian and only all women鈥檚 team representing JGU and India. Sethia went on to win the 鈥楤est Speaker鈥� award. It is this degree of attention and involvement that students can expect from JGU. Interest is noticed, talent is celebrated, aptitude is nourished and aspirations are fulfilled. 

Opportunity to engage  

In traditional-style universities, it is not always easy to speak up, question or engage in the classroom鈥攖he atmosphere is simply not conducive to be an open forum of discussion. The typical monologue of big lecture halls gives way to dialogue in smaller classes. Students are encouraged to interact with each other. They are not merely told what to think, but taught how to think, analyse, form their own ideas, and to question. Students actively engage in the classroom narrative as a part of the conversation. 

More feedback for students

While there is a strong Office of Career Services at the university, where students are guided on internship and job applications, there is also the added value of having a close mentor. One-on-one interactions are facilitated, allowing a lot more detailed feedback on performance. There is consistent guidance on research work, various aspects of study, choosing electives smartly, navigating future plans, and much more. Faculty are open and available. Many alumni recount seeking out the help of their professors in the middle of the night鈥攖o be happily obliged. Even after graduation, professors remain lifelong guides and often become friends. 

A tight-knit community 

Prof. Armin Rosencranz, Dean, Jindal School of Environment and Sustainability, has been teaching law and policy at JGU for a few years. He visited London recently where he got together with four of his former students. Two of them are pursuing higher education at Cambridge University and two at London School of Economics. 鈥淚t was a pleasure to reconnect and find out how they鈥檙e doing, what they鈥檙e studying. They all have fond memories of JGU and I have fond memories of teaching and writing with them,鈥� says Prof. Rosencranz. The internationally renowned political scientist and lawyer is now looking forward to spending time in Rajasthan soon, where he has been invited by his Teaching Assistant to visit his family home. The level of faculty involvement and attention to students at JGU naturally gives rise to a very tight-knit community. Mentors are approachable and dependable鈥攕omething students truly appreciate.

Responsive curriculum and pedagogy

With large classes, faculty typically resort to a lecture-based, fact-oriented instructional approach. To create an atmosphere of discussion, debate and dialogue is much more challenging with big numbers. For a small class, however, it becomes easy to engage students through exciting methods of instruction. Students at JGU can look forward to classes that are always interesting.

There is autonomy at the level of schools, and further, in the hands of instructors. Academic freedom is a central pillar at JGU. This means professors can design electives and courses based on student demand, research interest and relevance to the evolving national and international situations. Students stand to gain because when they enter the job market, they鈥檙e more abreast of latest trends and developments. JGU alumni can be a step ahead of their peers in terms of their ability to grasp new concepts. All this is possible because of a learning environment that is based on academic freedom, interaction and engagement, curiosity and creativity.

Wider scope for research

For those who have a tendency towards research and going deep into study, faculty are very supportive. 鈥淚 met Aditya Vora when he was a first year student. This 17-year-old was talking about 鈥榚xpropriation鈥� which is not a concept that everybody knows,鈥� says Prof. Rosencranz. Expropriation refers to the act of taking away private property against the wishes of owners, typically by governments. 鈥淚 knew we had to write something together! So we wrote one paper and he kept coming back with different ideas. He was an exceptionally good writer. We鈥檝e written 25 papers together!鈥� he adds. Prof. Rosencranz has written over 100 papers with his students at JGU. He is now co-authoring a book with another JGU alumnus, Raghuveer Nath.

The opportunities for research are aplenty. JGU has over 55 interdisciplinary research centres, and has come out with over 3000 publications till date. While dissertations are typically mandated at the Master鈥檚 and Ph.D. levels, even at the undergraduate level, students have the option of writing a thesis. Regular assignments also invoke research tools and methodologies, for which significant training takes place throughout the curriculum.

Impact on assessment and performance 

Learning that is involving, hands-on and experiential is far more effective than lecture-based approaches. This shows in student performance at JGU. Considering class participation is a key aspect of student assessment, they become consciously more involved in the classroom. This gives them the confidence to voice their opinions, raise questions, and challenge professors to pose different or even opposing viewpoints. The classroom experience triggers a healthy environment of debate. As a result, graduates come out with excellent communication skills, well-founded viewpoints and a sharp intellect鈥攚hich translates to their grades at university, and their approach to life.