India faces a number of challenges in architecture education. These challenges encompass various areas, including the design of curriculum, hands-on experience and incorporating cutting edge technologies. Institutions are required to not only deal with the current issues but also predict future demand of this industry.
Among these challenges true to its name, Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science (HITS) shines out as one among the best in architecture education. It is especially important to mention The School of Planning Architecture and Design Excellence (SPADE) at HITS, which made a significant contribution in 2023. In recognition of its commitment to producing high quality education SPADE was awarded the status Outstanding Architecture College of Year.
SPADE, as part of HITS, covers a broad range of programs including Architecture, Planning , Interior Design and Fashion Design. It is evident that the institute values educational development in many ways, expressed through various activities emerging across the academic sphere. SPADE aims to foster creative, analytical and technical skills in its learners, thus turning them into socially responsible citizens.
Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science (HITS): A Beacon of Academic Excellence and Global Recognition
Established in 1985, Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science (HITS) stands as a distinguished and acclaimed institution in India, situated in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Offering a comprehensive array of educational programs, HITS covers Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Diploma, Research & Doctoral Programmes across a diverse spectrum of disciplines, including Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Management, Law, Fashion Design, Aviation, Applied Sciences, Allied Sciences, and Arts and Sciences.
Acknowledged as a Deemed to be University by UGC in 2008, HITS has further fortified its academic standing by attaining Category-II status from MHRD, granting it Academic Autonomy. The institution’s technical courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels hold the approval of AICTE. Notably, the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) has certified five undergraduate programs, namely Aeronautical Engineering, Automobile Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering, placing them under the prestigious Tier 1 category.
As a pivotal member of the Hindustan Group of Institutions, HITS plays a crucial role in fulfilling the academic needs of a student population exceeding 15,000. Garnering recognition on the global stage, the institution has received commendable accolades and rankings from prestigious organizations.
A Hub of Visionary Education and Global Recognition
Since its inception in 1993, the Architecture program at SPADE has continuously evolved, establishing itself as a unique institution through academic, technological, and pedagogical milestones. The program embraces experiential learning, widening the horizon of cognizant creativity and professional opportunities. SPADE fosters a dynamic learning environment through national and international conferences, thought-provoking guest lectures, and interactions with eminent faculty and architects from around the world.
SPADE’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, featuring advanced CAD Labs (World Design Studio), Smart Classrooms, Lecture Halls, Audio-visual halls, auditoriums, labs, and interactive arenas like the “parabola” for peer interaction, along with world-class sports facilities, positions it as a leader among private Architecture Institutions in India. The faculty at SPADE comprises architects and allied professionals specializing in Landscape, Conservation, Planning, Urban Design, Housing, Interior Design, etc. Regular visits and valuable insights from practicing architects enrich the academic experience.
SPADE’s best practices include creating associations with national and international architects and designers for Architecture studios, collaborating with government and private organizations, and organizing study tours and internships. These efforts contribute to SPADE’s unique status as one of the most sought-after private institutions for Architecture. A team of experienced academicians facilitates a creative thought process and research orientation, fostering a spirit of social responsibility among the learners and positioning SPADE among the top-notch private academic institutions.
Bridging Academia and Industry
The School of Planning Architecture and Design Excellence (SPADE) boasts strong industry connections, enriching the educational experience for its students. Collaborations with renowned professionals have provided valuable insights into practical aspects of academic subjects. Dr. Kandasamy, a seasoned acoustician from P.S.Subramanian Associates, and resource persons from Nippon Paints, such as those contributing to the color theory of architectural graphics, exemplify the caliber of industrial collaborators.
In alignment with industry trends, SPADE continually updates its curriculum. New courses like Immersive Architecture, Internet of Things, Business Environment and Finance, Urban Resilience, Landscape Lab, Modern and Contemporary Interior Design, and Green Interiors have been incorporated based on feedback from industry experts. The department has also joined forces with the University of Nebraska to provide Skill Development training to youth in adopted villages.
Responding to suggestions from industry experts, SPADE’s architecture program integrates emerging technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM), virtual reality (VR), and sustainable design analysis software. This ensures that students are equipped with the latest tools to remain competitive in the professional arena.
Active involvement of practicing architects significantly enhances architectural education at SPADE. These architects serve as external examiners during design studio sessions, offering valuable feedback and critiquing students’ projects. They bring real-world experience to the forefront, presenting case studies of their own projects. This collaboration between academia and the architectural profession provides students with a holistic understanding of the architectural process, from concept development to construction, thereby enhancing their education and career readiness.
Charting the Future
The School of Planning Architecture and Design Excellence (SPADE) is dedicated to maintaining its position as a trailblazer in architectural education, surpassing contemporary institutes through the adoption of innovative educational pedagogy and a steadfast commitment to excellence. The school is actively pursuing additional Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), with examples such as collaborations with the Institute of Housing and Urban Development Studies in Rotterdam and TPRS Glass, currently in the pipeline.
SPADE’s aspirations include expanding its network through MoUs with institutes and organizations both abroad and in India. The school aims to actively participate in the initiatives of various government organizations, such as CMDA and DTCP, as well as private entities. By contributing to undertaken projects, SPADE provides a practical platform for students and faculty involved in these endeavors.
Focusing on enhancing experiential practical learning, SPADE is committed to incorporating industry and institutional inputs into the curriculum. The school strives to organize national and international study visits and symposiums, elevating students’ exposure to a benchmark level. Future plans involve introducing diploma and technical certificate courses in relevant fields, diversifying the course offerings and reinforcing the unique programs provided by the department.
SPADE aims to strengthen its contribution to research and consultancy while maintaining and fortifying alumni engagement. Faculty members are encouraged to aspire to and upgrade their knowledge through research and development programs. Overall, the school’s continuous efforts are geared towards not only meeting but exceeding the evolving needs of the architecture field.
