School of Architecture & Landscape Design

The School of Architecture and Landscape Design (SoALD) at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra was established in 2006 to offer high-quality education focusing on developing professionals capable of addressing the contemporary built environment challenges. Its curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills, emphasising innovative design solutions, sustainable practices, and the integration of architecture with the natural landscape. In its first year, SoALD welcomed a strong cohort of 40 students from across the country. The school is housed in a beautiful building designed by the faculty themselves, with state-of-the-art vibrant spaces, facilities and infrastructure, with in the serene SMVDU campus.

One of the Key strengths of the school is its highly qualified faculty who comes from premier Indian institutions and its diverse student’s body from all over India. Besides recognition to merge architectural education with the region’s unique cultural and geographical context, the school encourages student’s active participation in national and international competitions. Many of the students and faculty have earned numerous awards and accolades at national and international platforms. Many of the alumni consistently secured admissions for higher studies in world-renowned institutions like Bauhaus school of Architecture, Texas University, Harvard Graduate school of design, Columbia University, SPA’s, IITs and many more foreign institutions. The school of architecture actively promotes education, research, and consultancy, providing a holistic approach to both academic and professional growth. Apart from UG course, SoALD envisage to start multiple PG programs from session 2026-27.Know More

Vision & Mission

Vision:

To Become a Center of Excellence Imparting Architectural Education Assimilating Human, Social and Environmental Values.

Mission:

Pursuit of Architectural Education, Research and Consultancy in Conformity with Established Global Standards and Practices.

Mandatory Disclosures

CoA Approval

Program Educational Objectives

B. Arch. (Five Year Full Time Degree Program)

PEO 1:

Architecture graduates will be well prepared for pursuing successful careers in industry (Government, PSU & Private sector) in one or more of the areas of architectural design and project execution of built environment of varied typology like residential, healthcare, commercial, institutional buildings including interior and landscape design as per scope.

PEO 2:

The graduates will be prepared to become entrepreneur, team leaders and decision makers in their organizations as professional architects and will contribute effectively to the growth and development of their organization.

PEO 3:

The graduates will be prepared to be compatible to specialize by pursuing higher education in architecture, allied fields and/or interdisciplinary studies of their interest to develop and enhance their own stature for effective contribution to the profession and society at large.

Programmes Offered

B. Arch.
B. Design

Program Outcomes

Program Outcomes (POs) of B. Arch. Program offered by SoALD at SMVDU. The curriculum and syllabi of B. Arch. Five Year Full Time Degree Program is designed to achieve identified Graduate Attributes (GAs) with following POs.

After successful completion of the degree program, a student(s) will be able to;

PO 1. Inculcate/develop creative intellectual capabilities and enhance observation power.

PO 2. Understand architectural design process and attain proficiency in architectural design of various types of buildings like residential, commercial, institutional, healthcare, recreational etc., particularly in Hilly Areas.

PO 3. Make themselves familiarize with the determinants of built environment in an integrated manner; such as site and surroundings, socio-economic aspects, environmental concerns, structural aspects and the building materials.

PO 4. Learn the components of a building and process of building construction, judicious use of materials; building technology, manpower and equipment used in transformation of concepts to commissioning.

PO 5. Understand aspects like climatology, environmental control, energy efficiency & alternative methods of energy use and its conservation, integration of renewable energy systems.

PO 6. Apply the knowledge of Architectural Fundamentals and Principles with applicable specialization for the solution of complex architectural challenges.

PO 7. Identify, formulate, research literature and analyze problems reaching substantiated conclusions.

PO 8. Use research based methods including surveys, design, analysis and interpretation of data and synthesis of information leading to logical conclusions.

PO 9. Create, select, and apply appropriate architectural tools, techniques and resources, including visualization, simulation, prediction and modeling simple and complex cases of built environment with an understanding of its limitations.

PO 10. Apply reasoning within the contextual knowledge to access societal, health, safety, legal, and cultural issues and the consequent responsibilities relevant to the professional practice of architecture.

PO 11. Understand the impact of architectural solutions in societal and environmental contexts, and demonstrate / apply the knowledge and the need for sustainable developments.

PO 12. Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics and responsibilities and norms of architectural practice.

PO 13. Function effectively as an individual and as a member or leader in diverse teams, and in multidisciplinary settings.

PO 14. Communicate effectively on architectural design process and activities with the engineering team and with society at large such as being able to comprehend and prepare reports and design documents, make effective oral presentations, and give and receive clear instructions.

PO 15. Recognize the need for and develop the ability to engage in independent life-long learning in the broadest context of rapidly changing technological scenario.

Program Specific Outcomes

Program Specific Outcomes (PSOs) of B. Arch. Program offered by SoALD at SMVDU are as follows:

PSO 1. Architectural Design Competence

Apply comprehensive design principles, spatial planning, and building science to conceive creative, functional, and sustainable architectural solutions in varied socio-cultural and environmental contexts.

PSO 2. Technical and Technological Integration

Demonstrate ability to integrate structural systems, construction technologies, materials, and services into architectural design through appropriate tools, techniques, and software.

PSO 3. Sustainable and Contextual Responsiveness

Design buildings and environments that respond responsibly to climate, site, culture, and ecological imperatives, with a focus on sustainability, resilience, and community engagement.

PSO 4. Professional Ethics and Collaboration

Work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, adhering to professional ethics, legal responsibilities, and values rooted in society, tradition, and environmental stewardship.

PSO 5. Research, Consultancy and Innovation

Employ critical thinking, research methodologies, and innovative approaches to solve complex architectural problems and contribute to knowledge in the built environment.