Initiated in July 2008, the Department of Architecture at the School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal, fosters a vibrant design culture. Our program ensures that graduates are not only well-regarded in architectural practice but are also equipped to make critical contributions to the profession's future. We emphasize an open studio culture where students across all levels can collaborate, learn from each other, and develop innovative ideas. This environment encourages independent and original research, providing in-depth practical knowledge.
Our curriculum is comprehensive, covering both the theoretical and practical aspects of architecture and planning. We focus on understanding the broader and deeper aspects of human interaction with physical and cultural contexts. Our students are trained to think innovatively and critically, understanding their role in society and how it integrates with others to create well-designed, safe, and sustainable environments.
The Bachelor of Architecture course integrates studio-based design projects with theoretical knowledge and skills developed through lectures in technical studies and cultural contexts. Extensive practical knowledge is imparted through site visits and case studies. Design projects, requiring both manual and computer-generated presentation skills, are taught in small groups, allowing for personalized attention throughout the course. This work culminates in a comprehensive design portfolio, showcasing students' achievements and preparing them for postgraduate studies or professional careers.
The Bachelor of Architecture programme aims to cultivate creative, skilled, and responsible architects who can contribute meaningfully to society. It envisions developing professionals who are capable of designing sustainable, functional, and aesthetically enriching built environments while responding to social, cultural, and environmental contexts. The programme aspires to promote innovation, critical thinking, and ethical architectural practices.
The Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) is a five-year undergraduate degree programme that integrates design, technology, and humanities. It focuses on developing architectural knowledge through a combination of theoretical studies and practical studio work.
The curriculum includes subjects such as architectural design, building construction, structural systems, history of architecture, environmental studies, urban planning, and digital design tools. Students are engaged in design studios, fieldwork, site visits, and professional training to enhance their technical competence and creative abilities.
The programme also emphasizes sustainability, climate-responsive design, and the use of modern construction techniques. Graduates are prepared for professional practice, higher education, and diverse roles within the architecture and construction industry.
Architecture is a multidisciplinary field that integrates art, science, and technology to create meaningful spaces for human use. The Bachelor of Architecture programme is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in architectural design, theory, and practice.
The curriculum encourages innovation, analytical thinking, and sensitivity to environmental and cultural contexts. It prepares students to address complex design challenges with creativity, technical knowledge, and a sense of social responsibility.
Through academic learning and practical exposure, the programme aims to develop competent professionals who can contribute to sustainable and inclusive development of the built environment.
Students' Works
Studio Site Visits
A site visit to Sanchi Bhopal was conducted on 11th August 2026 as part of the B. Arch. 5th semester section A Design Studio. The current B. Arch. 5th semester Design Studio problem focuses on the design of an Interpretation Centre. The student group, accompanied by Dr. Saurabh Kishor Ojha, visited the Sanchi Museum and Interpretation Centre to study them as relevant case studies for the ongoing architectural design AD studio exercise.
Accordingly, the visit was organized to provide students with first-hand exposure to an existing interpretation facility and its relationship with the surrounding heritage context. The visit enabled students to observe the spatial organization, circulation, exhibition areas, interpretation strategies, architectural character, visitor movement, and integration of the building with the historic landscape.
As part of the 5th Semester Design Studio for Sections A and B focusing on Auditorium Design for a 500-capacity facility, a team of faculty members and architects visited the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal campus to study key principles of auditorium design and planning.
The visiting team included Prof. Dr. Rachna Khare and Dr. Sanmarg Mitra; Dr. Anurag Aman Kaushal and Ms. Aparna Sai D. and Dr. Saurabh Kishor Ojha, Ar. Chitra Mathur, and Ar. Vineet Chadda from Bhopal.
The visit provided an opportunity to observe and understand the architectural and functional considerations involved in auditorium planning. Particular attention was given to auditorium design principles, seating arrangements, spatial organization, and acoustic considerations. The team studied how seating geometry and auditorium configuration contribute to visual comfort, audience experience, and effective sound distribution.
The exposure was especially relevant to the current semester's Design Studio, in which students are developing proposals for a 500-capacity auditorium. The observations and insights gained during the visit will help strengthen the studio's academic approach by connecting theoretical principles with real-world architectural applications.
Such academic visits provide valuable opportunities for faculty and students to engage with built environments, critically examine design decisions, and enrich the design process through direct observation and experiential learning.
As part of the Design Studio, students from 5th Semester Section A and Section B visited the Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha to study large-span structural systems and auditorium design. The visit provided an opportunity to observe reinforced concrete (RCC) large-span structures, understand their structural behavior, and examine how such systems are integrated into functional public buildings.
A key focus of the visit was the Vidhan Sabha auditorium, where students explored aspects of auditorium planning, spatial organization, structural detailing, acoustics, and circulation. The experience offered valuable practical insights that will support their understanding of large-span structures and inform their future architectural design projects.
The visit was accompanied by Dr. Saurabh Kishor Ojha, Dr. Anurag Aman Kaushal , and Ar. Aparna Sai D. The students also benefited from the guidance and professional insights of practicing architect Vineet Chadda , who shared practical perspectives on structural design and architectural execution.
The study visit successfully bridged classroom learning with real-world architectural practice, enabling students to develop a deeper understanding of large-span RCC construction and auditorium design principles.