Student Achievements

The students of the Institute of Architecture and Planning, Nirma University, have participated in the Writing Architecture trophy (WAT 2020-21) in the 63rd year of the Annual NASA (National Associate of Students of Architecture) Competition and were shortlisted in the top 50 among 500 architecture colleges in India. The challenge for the Writing Architecture trophy for 2020-21 was to make a case for/against the idea of architecture/design as an implementation of positive change. How can we, as creative professionals be more empathetic towards the large issues that challenge our society and how can we confront them through our work.

Research Thesis titled ‘ Water Conservation and Harvesting in Semi-Arid Region of Rajasthan: Study of Rural Areas in Jaipur District’ conducted by Ms. Bhujal Varia under the guidance of Dr. Swati Kothary won Prof. D.S. Meshram National Best Thesis Award, 2021 in the category of Undergraduate Planning Students. The national award is annually given by Institute of Town Planners, India as recognition of exceptional research being carried out in the field of Planning.

Long before the first European ship entered this seascape in the late 15th century, the Indian Ocean connected the artistic traditions of the Asian, Middle Eastern, and African worlds. In recent years, a new generation of scholars has begun to work seriously on the linked domains of the Swahili coast of East Africa, the edges of the Arabian Peninsula, and the shores of South and Southeast Asia, producing fruitful research in the emerging subfield of Indian Ocean art history. Their insights not only challenge previous assumptions about art traditions at the national level but also grow the boundaries of art history more generally, by incorporating new objects, sites, and materials that have their own vibrant, multifaceted, and maritime histories. PhD Student Dhaval Chauhan from IAPNU opportune to got selected as one of the participant for this program from INDIA.

Indian Ocean Exchanges is a research, fellowship, and travel program that aims to build a robust network of international scholars and professionals who are committed to advancing Indian Ocean art history. The program will host a cohort of 15 international fellows, providing a space for connection along shared intellectual affinities. The project team, a group of international Indian Ocean art historians, will offer mentorship for the fellows’ ongoing research projects and guidance for their future professional development. This experience will also provide a promising foundation of skills and opportunities for continuing collaboration among a cohort that will contribute richly to the future of Indian Ocean art history.

This program is organized by Nancy Um, Professor of Art History and Associate Dean of Harpur College, Binghamton University and administered by the Research Foundation of the State University of New York. This program is made possible with support from the Getty Foundation through its Connecting Art Histories initiative.

Research Thesis titled ‘ Water Conservation and Harvesting in Semi-Arid Region of Rajasthan: Study of Rural Areas in Jaipur District’ conducted by Ms. Bhujal Varia under the guidance of Dr. Swati Kothary won Prof. D.S. Meshram National Best Thesis Award, 2021 in the category of Undergraduate Planning Students. The national award is annually given by Institute of Town Planners, India as recognition of exceptional research being carried out in the field of Planning. Bhujal is invited to the 70th National Town and Country Planners Conference to be held at Bhopal during January 14 – 15, 2022 to receive the award in Valedictory Session scheduled on January 15, 2022 at 14.00 Hrs.

The National Association of Students of Architecture (NASA, India) is the most significant architectural student body in the world, with participation from other student bodies and colleges in India and across the globe.

This year after a long COVID the 64th Annual NASA Convention (ANC) was hosted by Christ University, Bangalore. The ANC is the biggest event hosted by NASA INDIA, wherein students from various colleges across the country come together to exhibit the best of their works, compete in different events and trophies, and participate in various seminars, discussions, and workshops. It is a place where students interact and learn from each other and industry professionals. Nirma University, along with two other universities in zone 2, also organized a zonal event titled Anveshan.

Our institute took part in ANDC, ETHOS, HUDCO, LOUIS KHAN TROPHY, and LAURI BAKER TROPHY. A final year student of IAPNU, Chintan Ahir, received the citation in ETHOS Trophy for the Thesis category. Our three entries got shortlisted for ANDC and LIK.

We are thrilled to announce that Neel has been honored with the prestigious First Prize in the IIA Ahmedabad Centre – AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN GRADUATE THESIS IN ARCHITECTURE 2023. This accolade is bestowed upon students who have demonstrated outstanding excellence in Design Thesis. Neel’s remarkable achievements reflect their dedication and hard work, and we take great pride in recognizing their exceptional talent. The award ceremony took place at the IIA Ahmedabad Collective Season 3 on January 27, 2024, at 5:30 pm at SRFDCL House Riverfront, Ahmedabad. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Neel once again for this well-deserved recognition!