A flagship Architectural institution of global standards which would evolve as a hub of creative thinking, innovative learning and multidisciplinary experiences.
ACADEMICS
BArch DEGREE
B.Arch. is an undergraduate program in the field of architecture spanning across 5 years including six months of practical training.
This five year full time programme is a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge for students to learn the art of planning, designing and constructing physical structures of various kinds. The course intends the students to go through different streams of humanities, engineering, aesthetics, etc. for which the courseware consists of various theory subjects, studios, project works, practical training, and research training. The syllabus is formulated in such a way that students become proficient in the foundation courses, and enhance their skills with the help of electives and practical training in their studios.The program ensures engagement with multi disciplinary fields throughout.
The program is devoted to the development of theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential in the field of architecture and design during the initial years and the final year aids in the development of design thinking and applicability based experiences through research and internships. Career in Architecture is attractive, lucrative, and has lots of potential in terms of creativity, developments and social responsibility.
THE PEDAGOGY OF KCoA
Pedagogy is envisioned as the guiding factor for academic and non-academic activities as well as for the overall character building of the institution. At an emerging institution like KCoA thus the pedagogy is an evolving one, developed through inputs from our resources and experiences, the advancements in the profession, contemplating new thoughts, feedback from the students etc.
The academic intent of the pedagogy is to
– Build a scholarly and professional culture
– Align with emerging Architectural pedagogies
– Promote systemic and experiential learning
Overall academic content is broadly divided into different vertical streams – Design, History and Theory, Technology, Professional practice and Applied Arts, in order to give intended focus to each stream. Horizontally each year of the program is characterized by a theme intended to emphasise the hierarchical learning starting from a bridger course in the first year to universal themes like sustainability and inclusivity in the final year.
Design studios are the center of learning experience at KCoA, where students shall engage with the process backed by the learnings and insights from various disciplines. Collaboration with the profession through long term association with good practices and professionals is given high importance to enable industry exposure to the students and our design studios.
Hands-on learning, workshops and on-site learnings with study trips are judiciously followed to enrich the learning experience of our students.
Societal engagement is a very important component of the KCoA pedagogy through which students shall be nurtured to be compassionate professionals expected to contribute positively to nation building. Our academic as well as non-academic content is thus sensitive to societal issues, opportunities etc. and thus promotes design and research components responding to them.
Good process management, workflow planning, task assignments, feedback and reviews and corrective measures forms the backbone of any intent to be taken to its logical conclusion. Educational delivery also does fall into this pattern and hence KMEA COA has introduced a very effective process management system for academic delivery by involving the faculty as well as the student community within its framework. This is done by systematized operations and reporting directives towards preplanned objectives and schedules while also having reasonable flexibilities and change management systems built-in for creative educational dynamics .
COURSE DETAILS
SEMESTER 1 & 2
Semester 1 & 2, often called the ‘Foundation year’ , teaches the students the fundamentals of design and development of design vocabulary, to nurture design thinking and to enable them to apply the same thought process in developing three-dimensional compositions. The year also introduces drawings and models as tools for conceptualisation, organisation and furthering of the design thought process. This studio along with theory subjects teaches the students to learn the basics of graphic design and three-dimensional composition.
Architectural Design 1 & 2
Building Materials and Technology 1 & 2
Professional Skill Enhancement 1 & 2
History of Architecture 1 & 2
Theory of Structures 1 & 2
Theory of Design
Architectural Graphics
Mathematics for Design
SEMESTER 3
Semester 3 prepares students to design buildings / built environments of modest scale. This is done by equipping them to understand the technicality of a project brief, site analysis, circulation diagram, function and form and apply the same in the design problem. They also apply the principles of design development process within the context of an architectural design scenario & Learn to correlate concepts of design to align with structural systems, climate and material paradigms.
Architectural Design 3
Building Materials and Technology 3
Professional Skill Enhancement 3
History of Architecture 3
Theory of Structures 3
Climatology
Humanities
Elective Workshop I
SEMESTER 4
In Semester 4 students learn to design campuses of moderate scale/ multi-functional/ multistoried buildings of complex nature. Subjects also help them to understand user needs, behavior analysis and psychology of users and stakeholders and apply inferences in the design development. They also study the theoretical implications of Structural Design, Circulation system, Building Services, Acoustics, Interior Design within a practical context and apply it in designs.
Architectural Design 4
Building Materials and Technology 4
Professional Skill Enhancement 4
History of Architecture 4
Theory of Structures 4
Building Services 1
Site Planning & Landscape Design
Elective Theory I
SEMESTER 5
Learn to design campuses /built environments of complex nature.Students study the theoretical aspects of Structural Design, Circulation system, Building Services, Acoustics, Interior Design, Rain Water Harvesting, Waste Management system within a practical context. They also Learn fundamentals of the building byelaws/ codes, specific building typology related regulations, environment and fire norms and conform the design development program to critical data.
Architectural Design 5
Building Materials and Technology 5
Professional Skill Enhancement 5
Human Settlement Planning
Theory of Structures 5
Building Services 2
Interior Design & Detailing
Elective Theory 2
SEMESTER 6
The objectives of this semester are twofold. The first objective is to expose the students to the challenges of designing functionally complicated buildings, having a complex array of activities and services; The second objective is to familiarise the students to the task of coordinating integration of structural design and specialised building services in the framework of architectural design. The third objective is to let the students understand advanced construction technology and newer building materials
Architectural Design 6
Working Drawings 1
Professional Skill Enhancement 6
Housing
Building Services 3
Specification and Cost Estimation
Elective Workshop 2
Elective Theory 3
SEMESTER 7
The objectives of this semester are four fold. First objective is to expose the students to the complexities of providing shelter for people from different socio-economic backgrounds in close proximity to each other, in urban areas. The second objective is to sensitize the students about land scarcity and expose them to different typologies of high-density housing. The third objective is to expose the students to the challenges of bigger scale site planning involving a group of buildings. Fourth objective is to enable the students apply theoretical knowledge learnt in previous semesters in architectural design exercise
Architectural Design 7
Working Drawings 2
Professional Skill Enhancement 7
Urban Design
Elective Workshop 3
Professional Ethics & Practice
Environmental Science for Architecture
Project Management
SEMESTER 8
Internship
Professional Training
SEMESTER 9
The objectives of this semester are three fold. First objective is to expose the students to the complexities of large-scale architectural interventions in specific urban settings, having multiple stakeholders. The second objective is to let the students explore how to harmonise and contextualise the architectural design with the immediate built environs and the larger urban fabric. The third objective is to sensitise the students about the interface between public and private domain
Architectural Design 8
Advanced Building Technology
Professional Skill Enhancement 8
Green Built Environment
Elective Theory 5
Elective Theory 4
Research Methodology
Disaster Management & Mitigation
SEMESTER 10
The Architectural Thesis is the culmination of the development of the student’s knowledge, attitudes and skills over the course of studies in architecture. It is an occasion for exercising conscious choices in the field, based on the student’s personal abilities and inclinations, and for testing out his commitment. The student, in consultation with the faculty, is expected to demonstrate through an imaginative approach, his expertise in effecting positive changes in our built environment. The scope and extent of the thesis work shall be substantial and realisable in application or concept as appropriate to the selected area of work
Architectural Design Thesis
Elective Theory 6
STUDENT PROJECTS
INTERNSHIPS
STUDY TOURS
Study tours are a crucial component of architectural education. Witnessing first hand the architectural icons, history and sociocultural experiences lay the foundation of the student’s personality, teamwork skills, and career prospects. It helps gain real world insights, engage with the significant figures of the profession and off campus activities while improving one’s critical thinking and research skills. At KCOA, bi-annual study tours ensure a well rounded architectural education inspiring design excellence amongst its undergraduate scholars.
CAREER OPTIONS
There are immense opportunities for architects in the future .For individuals considering a career in architecture or getting an architecture degree, the options are diverse in this burgeoning industry.
With no signs of stopping, those who wish to pursue a future in the architecture and design fields can expect a rewarding career path that blends a great deal of responsibility with an opportunity to innovate interior and exterior landscapes across the globe. Depending on your areas of expertise, level of education whether you have a bachelor’s degree, and practical experience, your earning potential and ability for advancement as architecture graduates can increase exponentially. At present, only around 1.2 lakh architects are in India and there is a huge demand for new architects and building designers in near future. Public and government organizations also offer jobs for architects in respective sectors.
Careers in
Architecture
- Landscape architect
- Urban Planner (M.Arch UD)
- Town Planner (M.Plan)
- Restoration architect
- Research architect
- Lighting Architect
- Political Architect
- Extreme Architect
Careers in
Art & Design
If, upon graduating, you realize that architecture is in fact not for you, design and art might be.
1. Interior designer
2. Furniture Designer
3. Textile Designer
4. Graphic Designer
5. Video Game Designer
6. Photographer
7. Production Designer
Careers
Outside of Design
1. Teacher/Professor
2. Conservationist
3. Architectural Journalist
