CHIEF ADVISOR'S MESSAGE

Architecture education has reached a major crossroad at present. The role of an architect has changed drastically over the last few decades. New technologies, shifting micro and macro environments, new methods of operation, innovations in materials used, and inquisitive experimental practices in the industry are leading to complexities in projects. The continual increase in cost of construction and the land price has rekindled the need to relook into various digital and analog theories, technologies and practices on value creation and value delivery.

Architecture as a subject of study requires students and professionals to possess considerable commitment. Architects are required to be life-long learners to keep pace with the trends, changing needs of the clients and technological developments. This field demands the students and professionals to be jack of all trades such as artists, technologists, urbanists, advocates, audience and spectators. At NSAPD, architecture is taught from within this broad context.

We envision NSAPD as an architecture and design school that embraces technology and creativity that use talent and skill mapping processes to direct our students explore their emotional intelligence. The current trends promote opportunistic design environment utilizing the new tools that aid in expanding human creativity. The curriculum utilizes digital tools, techniques and processes in design generation for improving productivity from design through construction. Our experienced and ambitious faculty complemented with advanced infrastructure facilities in the campus are equipped to provide our students the best learning environment.

Our long-term focus would be to engage our faculty and students in advanced and sustainable technological segments of building performance and building science, nanotechnology, robotics, and design computation. Many of the faculties have undertaken multidisciplinary research in applied design projects along with students. They are also into professional practice, engaging from the micro-scale to the urban and the regional, adopting diverse modes of inquiry and design. The scale and type of projects includes buildings, exhibitions, writing, and funded research. Faculty also engages in exchange programs and peer development programs for knowledge sharing. Guided by our expertise developed over the years, our students shall choose the best routes to meet their ambitions and reach their highest potentials.