Nitte Institute of Architecture conducted an Urban Housing Studio tour for BArch students from 6th to 12th February 2023. The tour included visits to traditional housing settlements in Panjim, housing projects of the Goa Housing Board and case studies of housing projects by renowned architects such as Charles Correa, Dean D'Cruz and Gerard Da Cunha.

Students visited two affordable housing projects of the Goa Housing Board, a 2 BHK project under construction and a low-cost housing project with smaller apartment sizes. They learnt about site planning, building level planning & services and interacted with construction labourers, site engineers, project managers and residents. The tour provided them with a practical understanding of the space requirements of low-income families and the importance of designing common amenities and services.

Study tour included visits to the Veram Housing project designed by Charles Correa and Captain Lobos River Hideaway designed by Dean D'Cruz. Veram Housing is a riverfront project that comprises 28 residential villas, each with unique amenities shared by residents. The project's sensitivity toward thermal comfort, topography, vegetation and natural features makes it unique. Captain Lobos River Hideaway showcases D'Cruz's rejection of conventional standardized housing unit design. Each house is designed with unique frontages, features and landscapes, creating an identity for each house. Traditional Goan architectural features and materials are used and the project blends effortlessly into the context.

The tour also included visits to Fontainhas, the Charles Correa Foundation and Playgroup Studios. In Fontainhas, students understood the role of architectural character in old and traditional settlements, and the session at the Charles Correa Foundation helped them to gain an understanding of the culture and functioning of Goa. Architect Dean D'Cruz gave a guest lecture on housing projects, explaining the importance of community, local & traditional architectural features, sustainability aspects, usage of materials, colors, interiors, furniture and landscape. Students also interacted with Ar. Bhavana from Playgroup studio, who explained their ongoing housing projects, renovation and redesigning works. The tour provided valuable insights into community design, design process, and unique ways of approaching and designing residential projects.

19 students accompanied by faculty members, Ar. Nagabhoina Tejendra, Ar. Archit Nishant, Ar. Shreeya Deosant participated in the study tour.