Architectural education in India is a five years course which includes numerous theory subjects, practical lessons, an internship and a thesis submission. Among the various subjects taught, the topic of sustainability remains an underlying theme. This thesis
investigates the importance of the social and cultural aspects of sustainability in architectural education in India. The thesis studies the different aspects of sustainability in details. It examines the ethos and curricula of hundred architectural institutes worldwide, and hundred architectural institutes in India respectively. Comparison of the collected data helps in analysing the gap
in knowledge. A detailed study of how architectural education has been imparted in India over the past centuries has been done, to understand whether the knowledge gap is recent occurrence. The study of history of architectural education highlighted the colonial
history of India. A background theory of decolonization of architectural education has been studied in brief to understand whether it is applicable in and helpful for the present scenario.
A conceptual framework of the study and a research methodology are developed to further proceed the investigation and address the knowledge gaps. This thesis argues that it must be understood how social and cultural sustainability is ideated by the architectural
academic experts of India, and concomitantly by the faculty members of architectural institutes across India. Mixed-method research was undertaken and is detailed in the empirical chapters.
Qualitative research including semi-structured interviews of the architectural academic experts, and Quantitative research including questionnaire survey with the faculty members across India were conducted. The experts agree to the importance of inclusion of Social and Cultural Sustainability in the architectural curricula, and provide suggestions about the best way to achieve it. The faculty members provide mixed responses and add their opinions
regarding the same. This thesis establishes the need for the inclusion of the topic of Social and Cultural Sustainability in architectural education in India, and raises the questions regarding the best suited ways to achieve it, and prods at a background theory that may be helpful to the cause. It asks if architectural practice in India will get a more empathetic perspective towards the needs of the users through this inclusion, and what pedagogic methods may help the architectural students move forward in that direction.
| Date of Award | 12 Sept 2024 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Awarding Institution | - University Of Strathclyde
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| Sponsors | University of Strathclyde |
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| Supervisor | Branka Dimitrijevic (Supervisor) & Ombretta Romice (Supervisor) |
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