The School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal (SPAB) observed its 11th foundation day on Friday at the college premises.

On this occasion Prof. Uday Athavankar, renowned Design educator and Adjunct Professor, IDC, School of Design, IIT, Bombay, delivered  the Foundation Day lecture titled “Because architects think differently”.  Prof. Athavankar’s research focuses on exploring the relationship between cognitive science and design.  

Prof. Athavankar’s lecture explored the idea of visual thinking in architecture and composition in various art forms which are formed and ideated in the mind. He spoke about mass housing and innovative approaches to deal with issues of land prices in a city like Mumbai and the quality of living.

Addressing the students and staff memebers further, he narrated the idea of three dimensional use of space inspired by high density housing in south east asian countries. He presented experiments with mass manufactured modular elements to create 3D living spaces to achieve the idea of “vertically designed functions” as against the usual practice of using space only horizontally. In the second half of the lecture Prof. Athavankar spoke about “Game Design” and urged architects to play an active role in the “creative industry”. He also presented videos shot in a high density slum where ‘game’ was used as an effective instrument to understand housing aspirations.

The Giriraj Kishori Memorial medal for the best girl student in architecture was awarded to Priyanka Kar. A Cultural Programme was also presented by the students of SPA to observe the foundation day with a lot of fervour.