Banasthali Vidyapith: Empowering Women by Creating the Perfect Learning Environment for Them to Thrive
By Vivek Kumar, Associate Professor, School of Architecture and Planning, Banasthali Vidyapith
Architecture education in India has been constantly evolving in order to develop the next generation of capable professionals. Banasthali Vidyapith is one pioneering educational institution that takes a holistic approach to educating its students in order to have a greater positive impact on society as a whole. Providing quality education to women has been a benchmark feature of Banasthali Vidyapith since its inception in 1935. Relatively new, even its School of Architecture and Planning was conceptualized, initiated, and is being run in alignment with its quality standards which are world-class.
It has the approval of the Council of Architecture (CoA) which further highlights the quality of education imparted by the institute. Growing from humble beginnings, Banasthali Vidyapith has now blossomed into the world's largest fully residential women's institution having 16,000 students on its 850-acre campus, having a distinct educational ideology and offering a variety of programs from nursery up to doctoral level to prepare enlightened citizens with strong value-base.
The 5-year B. Arch. (Bachelor of Architecture) course offered by the School of Architecture and Planning emphasizes holistic education, and interdisciplinary studio-based learning with a focus on contextual and site-specific design through hands-on explorations. The curriculum goes beyond technical skills and explores the social, cultural, and environmental dimensions of architecture, encouraging students to develop a well-rounded understanding of the built environment.
Courses offer students the opportunity to design buildings and spaces that are sensitive to their surroundings and contribute positively to the urban fabric. Students engage with live projects for practical exposure with strong faculty expertise, research, and innovation collaborations with renowned international universities. These unique aspects contribute to the overall quality and distinctiveness, preparing students to become well-rounded professionals in the field of architecture.
Vidyapith invests in state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities, industry-integrated studio projects, global exchanges and collaborations, and continuing professional development. These resources provide students with practical experience, exposure to professional practices, and the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge, giving them an edge over their contemporaries from other institutions.
The institute's distinct educational ideology is based on five-fold education or Panchmukhi Shiksha comprising physical, practical, aesthetic, intellectual, and moral aspects to develop an integrated and balanced personality of the students and thus nurturing women leaders in all walks of life for generations.
Since its inception, Banasthali Vidyapith has remained dedicated to empowering women and has never failed in its commitment to women's education. Initially, no fee was charged from the students and even today the fee is much below the usual trend. In order to encourage women from all spheres, Vidyapith offers a variety of scholarships, such as merit cum need-based, sports and cultural, and state and central government scholarships. These scholarships are provided to deserving candidates through a well-established procedure.
Banasthali Vidyapith recognizes the importance of industry-academia partnerships in designing teaching pedagogy for all the courses including Bachelor of Architecture. The institute's Board of Studies meeting is called in every session which is attended by internal and external members. The latter include experts from industry and reputed seats of learning thus leading to an updated, industry-ready curriculum always.
Additionally, guest lectures, internships, collaborative programs, and research projects are coordinated with industry professionals. Banasthali Vidyapith fosters strong industry-academia collaborations by offering industry advisory boards, professional development programs, career services, placement support, industry projects, and consultancy. These strategies enable students to apply their theoretical knowledge and collaborate with industry professionals to solve real-world problems. Adding more about how the institute provides ample industry exposure to its students, Associate Professor Vivek Kumar says "œPreparing the students for industry was given due importance since the seed for this school was sown.
At the School of Architecture and Planning, a six-month office training is an integral component of the curriculum. Training with well-known architects in cities across India allows students to get first-hand experience of working in the industry which will help them to further expand their horizon".
Banasthali Vidyapith has remained focused on continuous improvement and innovation to enhance the quality of education and stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. School of Architecture and Planning at Vidyapith keeps exploring innovations in its pedagogy such as technology integration, project-based experiential learning, sustainability, and green design. These approaches foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and practical application of theoretical knowledge.
Furthermore, the institute plans to emphasize interdisciplinary collaborations (AI, AR/VR, and IoT) industry partnerships and internships, research and innovation centers (like 3D Printing, BIM, Cloud Computing, and more), and continuous professional development for faculty.
These initiatives will help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements, providing students with practical exposure, and promoting cutting-edge research, design exploration, and experimentation making it a one of its kind center for Architectural and Planning studies.
Vivek Kumar is a dynamic educator and practicing architect with a passion for exploration, learning, and motivating students into character building. His unique blend of real-world architectural experience and dedication to fostering a love for learning creates an inspiring classroom environment around. With a commitment to empowering students, Architect Vivek encourages them to explore their creativity and push their boundaries, preparing them for success in the ever-evolving field of architecture.
It has the approval of the Council of Architecture (CoA) which further highlights the quality of education imparted by the institute. Growing from humble beginnings, Banasthali Vidyapith has now blossomed into the world's largest fully residential women's institution having 16,000 students on its 850-acre campus, having a distinct educational ideology and offering a variety of programs from nursery up to doctoral level to prepare enlightened citizens with strong value-base.
Holistic Education to Ensure Optimal Development
The 5-year B. Arch. (Bachelor of Architecture) course offered by the School of Architecture and Planning emphasizes holistic education, and interdisciplinary studio-based learning with a focus on contextual and site-specific design through hands-on explorations. The curriculum goes beyond technical skills and explores the social, cultural, and environmental dimensions of architecture, encouraging students to develop a well-rounded understanding of the built environment.
Courses offer students the opportunity to design buildings and spaces that are sensitive to their surroundings and contribute positively to the urban fabric. Students engage with live projects for practical exposure with strong faculty expertise, research, and innovation collaborations with renowned international universities. These unique aspects contribute to the overall quality and distinctiveness, preparing students to become well-rounded professionals in the field of architecture.
Vidyapith invests in state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities, industry-integrated studio projects, global exchanges and collaborations, and continuing professional development. These resources provide students with practical experience, exposure to professional practices, and the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge, giving them an edge over their contemporaries from other institutions.
The institute's distinct educational ideology is based on five-fold education or Panchmukhi Shiksha comprising physical, practical, aesthetic, intellectual, and moral aspects to develop an integrated and balanced personality of the students and thus nurturing women leaders in all walks of life for generations.
Going the Extra Mile to have a Positive Impact
Since its inception, Banasthali Vidyapith has remained dedicated to empowering women and has never failed in its commitment to women's education. Initially, no fee was charged from the students and even today the fee is much below the usual trend. In order to encourage women from all spheres, Vidyapith offers a variety of scholarships, such as merit cum need-based, sports and cultural, and state and central government scholarships. These scholarships are provided to deserving candidates through a well-established procedure.
Banasthali Vidyapith recognizes the importance of industry-academia partnerships in designing teaching pedagogy for all the courses including Bachelor of Architecture. The institute's Board of Studies meeting is called in every session which is attended by internal and external members. The latter include experts from industry and reputed seats of learning thus leading to an updated, industry-ready curriculum always.
Additionally, guest lectures, internships, collaborative programs, and research projects are coordinated with industry professionals. Banasthali Vidyapith fosters strong industry-academia collaborations by offering industry advisory boards, professional development programs, career services, placement support, industry projects, and consultancy. These strategies enable students to apply their theoretical knowledge and collaborate with industry professionals to solve real-world problems. Adding more about how the institute provides ample industry exposure to its students, Associate Professor Vivek Kumar says "œPreparing the students for industry was given due importance since the seed for this school was sown.
At the School of Architecture and Planning, a six-month office training is an integral component of the curriculum. Training with well-known architects in cities across India allows students to get first-hand experience of working in the industry which will help them to further expand their horizon".
Banasthali Vidyapith has remained focused on continuous improvement and innovation to enhance the quality of education and stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. School of Architecture and Planning at Vidyapith keeps exploring innovations in its pedagogy such as technology integration, project-based experiential learning, sustainability, and green design. These approaches foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and practical application of theoretical knowledge.
Furthermore, the institute plans to emphasize interdisciplinary collaborations (AI, AR/VR, and IoT) industry partnerships and internships, research and innovation centers (like 3D Printing, BIM, Cloud Computing, and more), and continuous professional development for faculty.
These initiatives will help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements, providing students with practical exposure, and promoting cutting-edge research, design exploration, and experimentation making it a one of its kind center for Architectural and Planning studies.
Vivek Kumar, Associate Professor, School of Architecture and Planning, Banasthali Vidyapith
Vivek Kumar is a dynamic educator and practicing architect with a passion for exploration, learning, and motivating students into character building. His unique blend of real-world architectural experience and dedication to fostering a love for learning creates an inspiring classroom environment around. With a commitment to empowering students, Architect Vivek encourages them to explore their creativity and push their boundaries, preparing them for success in the ever-evolving field of architecture.