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M.Arch (Urban Design)

M.Arch (Urban Design)

Indian cities are undergoing a very rapid urban development and transformation with profound socio-cultural, economic and environmental implications. Migration from rural to urban areas has reached unprecedented levels and the resultant development and transformation of urban areas poses greater challenges to create socially and economically inclusive public realm in the cities. Also, in the recent times of environmental and health crisis, cities now will have to be re- imagined in creating liveable as well as environmentally sustainable future. Urban Design is the physical organization of cities and towns in terms of architecture, infrastructure, and so on. It also involves the creation and implementation of various processes intended to allow for successful future development.

Master of Architecture (M. Arch.) in Urban Design program at Institute of Architecture and Planning, Nirma University focusses on re-thinking and re- imagining the future of our cities. The program emphasis is on the challenges the cities face today due to urban development and transformation processes. In line with the institute’s commitment towards society and environment, students from diverse backgrounds will collaborate to critically assess and analyse the challenges, design and implement solutions for urban development and transformation. Post-graduates from the program will be equipped with the knowledge of urban design and interdisciplinary processes to solve societal and environmental needs.

Program Intent Program Objectives Program Highlights Career Prospects Students Work

The program will prepare highly qualified and creative professionals for the 21st century in the field of Urban Design with an intention to :

  1. Address the present challenges to make communities and cities more liveable and environmentally sustainable;
  2. Understand and analyze the urban environment and its systems, at varying scales such as city, neighborhood and community ;
  3. Navigate a globalized and networked culture while sustaining local traditions;
  4. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary organizations;
  5. Re-imagine and create solutions using innovative methods and technologies

The program objectives are as follows :

  1. To prepare the students to develop a holistic view of the city as a basis for re-thinking and re-imagining the city/city components;
  2. To contribute to a clearer understanding of cities, particularly of Indian cities, through research, documentation and urban design interventions in 3rd dimension;
  3. To contribute to the urban design knowledge base through primary/ secondary research, theoretical pursuits and publications; and
  4. To address the various urban design issues that are faced by cities through studio exercises, sponsored research and publications in collaboration with other organizations and stakeholders.

Key program highlights are as follows :

  1. People Centric Interventions.
  2. Environmentally Sustainable Solutions.
  3. Multi-disciplinary approach to Urban Transformations.
  4. Research based Thinking.
  5. Project-Based Studio Learning & Field Studio.

Urban Designers make significant contribution as members of multidisciplinary teams dealing with the formulation and implementation of urban development programs and policies.

Postgraduates with M. Arch in Urban Design program would be advanced urban design practitioners prepared for careers in a variety of professional settings in urbanism; urban and regional planning; public and urban policy; strategic design; development of social, cultural, and environmental enterprises; and urban research and analysis.

Post-graduates with M. Arch in Urban Design program will :

  1. Work or collaborate with Architecture and Urban Design firms, developer and construction firms, central government agencies, state government agencies, urban local bodies,
    municipal corporations, private sector infrastructural development, private practice and not-for-profit organizations, and/or
  2. Pursue doctoral level study or other research interests as the program is designed to provide a research foundation.



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