SMVDU: Katra, Jammu & Kashmir – In a bid to provide students with hands-on experience and practical learning, B.Arch. 6th semester students of the School of Architecture & Landscape Design at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) recently embarked on a site visit for their group housing project at Sainik Colony, Jammu.

The site visit was an integral part of the students’ Architectural Design Studio, which aims to provide them with a comprehensive understanding of architectural design principles and practices. As part of the studio, the students were tasked with designing a group housing project that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also affordable and sustainable. To gain a deeper understanding of the project’s requirements, the students visited the site, where they were able to assess the topography, climate, and surrounding environment. The site visit provided the students with valuable insight into the practical aspects of designing a group housing project.

In addition to the site visit, the students also visited an under-construction group housing project, “Royal Nest Hill View, Sainik Colony, Jammu” as a case study. This visit allowed the students to learn from the experiences of others and apply this knowledge to their own project.

The site visit was coordinated and guided by faculty member Ar. Vinod Kumar, course coordinator of the Architectural Design Studio, and facilitated and supported by Ar. Navin Gupta and Ar. Abhiney Gupta, Head of the School of Architecture & Landscape Design. The students’ team leaders, Mr. Aditya Kumar Singh and Ms. Dia Gupta, helped ensure the smooth conduct of the trip.

The students expressed their gratitude to the university administration for their support and for providing them with opportunities to engage in practical learning experiences. They also thanked the site engineers and staff of “Royal Nest Hill View” for providing all kinds of support at their site and clearing all doubts.

By providing students with opportunities to engage in practical learning experiences, SMVDU is committed to fostering a new generation of architects who are equipped to address the challenges of the built environment. The university’s focus on experiential learning is a key aspect of its approach to education, and the site visit and case study are essential components of the Architectural Design Studio. Through this studio, students are encouraged to think creatively, develop problem-solving skills, and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems.