With expertise in consultancy, architectural design and architecture education, Dr Jaffer AA Khan is presently working as the Director, School of Architecture (V-SPARC) at VIT University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu. Having an experience of more than 35 years, he has a prominent profile of serving as Director and Dean, Doctoral Committee Member, Adjunct Professor, Media Interactive Designer and Architect, Research and Chartered Architect at various international forums and institutions. Also, Dr Jaffer has executed large projects of architectural alignment in India. 

VIT University

What are the factors that make an Architecture program the best for the students?

“Value as a professional career and creative exposure”

VIT offers a five year Architecture degree program which is validated by the Council of Architecture (CoA). It is the only program which gives license to practice as an Architect as per the “Architects Act of 1972.” The primary factor that makes it suitable as a profession is the ability to practice as an independent architect or to promote a firm with partnership offering comprehensive architectural services. The program encourages dealing with built in environment right from the starting and exposes to various challenges one would face in developing designs from a single house to large urban scale architecture within a city.

What will you say are the best practices in the course you’re offering?

“Internship training and experiential learning”

We offer a well structured and most resolved course program with high references to future aspects of the subject. The best practice intertwined within the program is the internship component which exposes students to more pragmatic and practical approaches with designing and devising a built environment. The program involves creative thinking, technology and construction as the major components which lend a hands-on experience to these studio programs. The concept of entrepreneurship is deeply embedded in the program which can lead a person from a simple architect to attain leadership in the profession through practice.

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How does the program ensure that students are being prepared for the future? 

“Well designed curriculum with efficient learning pedagogy”

The curriculum is futuristic in its inherent character and has been adapted in accordance with the upcoming needs of the society. The teaching and learning processes ensure that the factual and authentic message is conveyed through rigorous studio projects along with supportive theory courses. The program at VIT incorporates design thinking and construction technology that would be more convenient and beneficial for future human habitation. The studio studies focus on environmental sustainability, energy efficiency and alternative methodologies for upcoming generations. 

How did you train your faculty to deliver the program effectively? 

“Training purposely and equipping with technology”

As the director of the architecture program, I utilize my wide international experience in design research and spatial intelligence to obtain a clear understanding of knowledge. The faculty are constantly trained in technology for architecture futures and equipped with the kind of things that are emergent and futuristic in terms of material and built form. 

How do you tend to build an industry connection with this program?

“Industrial visits, expert sessions and technological transformations”

The program is constant in connection with the profession and industrial world. Several interactive programs are regularly conducted including industry visits to integrate manufacturing technology and construction. The program at VIT invites experts from the field of architecture and construction who through discussions and deliberations constantly improvise the knowledge and imbibe pragmatism in the program. We work on contemporary technologies and modern transformations which are data driven to create an intelligent human environment. 

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What are the types of projects that the students are working on?

“Urbanised modern projects and creative approaches”

The Architecture program has a unique pedagogy that allows the students to learn to develop and modify concepts from super personal space to large urban level interventions at the city level. The process adopted hereby is experimentation and experiential learning that brings in reality and imagination, enabling students to think more creatively. The projects allow students to look beyond the conventional thoughts but at the same time to realize the cultural context which is the essence and spirit of the program.