Study Tours

Tour to Goa

1. Tour Destination: Goa
2. Dates and Duration: 12^th -18^th Jan 2020
3. Year and Semester: I Year, II semester
4. No. of Students: 55
5. Co-ordinators: Ar. Piyusha Rathor , Ar.Rashmi Thakre, Ar. Samruddhi Amte, Ar. Madhuri Gehani
6. Objective:

• To document Houses of Goa through architectural drawings.
• To enhance sensitivity towards Portugal Architecture by documentation through other artistic means like photography, sketching and painting.

Study tour to Goa was organized from 12^th January to 18^th January. Total 55 students were accompanied by four faculty members.

Day 1 i.e. 14^th January was marked with visiting of Fontainhas. It  is an old settlement in Panaji which  maintains its Portuguese influence, particularly through its architecture, which includes narrow and picturesque winding streets like those found in many European cities, old villas and buildings with projecting balconies painted in the traditional tones of pale yellow, green, or blue, and roofs made of red coloured tiles. Fontainhas’ heritage ambience represents the traditional Portuguese influence in the area.

Students documented the houses by means of sketching, videography and photography.

The students also experienced evening sunset at Baga Beach on same day.

Day 2 i.e. 15^th January started with visit to Fort Aguada is a well-preserved seventeenth-century Portuguese fort, along with a lighthouse, standing in Goa, on Sinquerim Beach, overlooking the Arabian Sea. On the same day the students interacted with Ar. Gerard D Cunha who is an Indian architect based in Goa, alumnus of the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi, he is known for utilizing locally available materials and traditional construction techniques in harmony with its ecosystem.

The students were fortunate to be addressed by him. He has also won wide acclaims for the unusual and vernacular designs of two schools in Goa, Nisha’s Play School and Shiksha Niketan. , set in a lush green valley with a steep slope, created with different levels of spatial experiences connected vertically by a chute for children and stairs. The walls were made from recycled bottles arranged in artistic patterns was the main highlight of the outdoor amphitheater.

‘Houses of Goa’ museum, designed and curated by Ar. Gerard De Cunha , next to the school, was built in a  triangular ship- like building made of laterite stones,  The museum traces Goan architectural traditions, building materials and styles in an in depth manner.

Day 3 i.e. 16^th January the students experienced the vastness of The Basilica of Bom Jesus, a Roman Catholic basilica located in Goa, India, and is part of the Churches and convents of Goa UNESCO World Heritage Site. The basilica is located in Old Goa, former capital of Portuguese India, and holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier.

Visit to Kala Academy at Panaji, designed by Architect Charles Correa, which is Goa’s cultural institution & center for performing arts was equally thrilling. The students observed and noted the spatial organization in grid pattern and the interesting play of volumes. The illusionary paintings on the walls were mesmerizing and worth appreciating.

Other students went to Paradsinga near Saoner  to study a Activity Center and were accompanied by Dr. Sampada Peshwe and Ar. Priyanka Sambare. The place was a traditional house around 200 years old surrounded inside with – plants, dried paper, the people and their pets. The house had a foundation of mud and okra pulp and was built mostly from stone, and wood and bricks and the rich wooden Columns.

The people were working on seed calendars. The concept was very unusual and impressive. After the month end, instead of throwing it in the garbage, it would be planted and grown in a plant. The students were fortunate to observe the entire processing of the paper, at the House which was very diligently converted into a workplace. It had self designed machines which could be used manually.

The entire aim of their project was to provide a living to mentally traumatized women of their village to ensure their well being and provide employment to them. The overall experience was very exciting since it enabled the students not only to know about the innovative art of paper processing but also the organization  of spaces of composite nature i.e. Living and working in same premises.

Tour to Udaipur

1. Tour Destination: Udaipur and Mount Abu, Rajasthan
2. Dates and Duration: 12^th -18^th Dec 2019
3. Year and Semester: II Year, IV semester
4. No. of Students: 58
5. Co-odinators: Ar. Seema Burele and Ar.Harpreet Saggu.
6. Objective:

• To learn and understand the heritage of Udaipur through spatial planning, building elements and climate responsive design strategies applied in palaces.
• To understand the concept of spiritual center, the space requirements, importance of landscaping and building form.

To interact with architects from the city to understand their design philosophy through projects.

Study tour to Udaipur and Mount Abu was organized from 12^th December to 18^th December. Total 58 students were accompanied by two faculty members. Heritage walk was organized in collaboration with INTACH Udaipur Chapter on 14^th December 2019 guided by Mr. Gaurav Singhvi , Co-convener Udaipur INTACH Chapter. Students explored architectural spaces and its characteristics while moving within City Palace Museum. Shri. Bhupinder SinghAuwa explained about its History and its water supply systems which are still working within the premise.Mr.Rahul Shukla showed how the restoration is done today, using the ancient techniques. He further explained practically the three layered plastering technique used in the palace.

Interactive session with cities well known architects Ar. Sunil Laddha and Ar. Rahul Daiya energized the students with their work by understanding the design approach and detailing done in their project. ‘Stone ideas’ the only destination for natural stones, finished and unfinished with different textures were also visited. The direct application of the same textured stone as a cladding material was seen in one of the residential project visited by student. Interactive session with an alumni Ar. Swati Makhija added another feathers to the cap of SMM College of architecture.

Ms.Iti Kachhava explained about the architecture of Jagdish Temple.She further added on the vastushastra of the temple. Students explored Jagmandir, Bagaur Ki Haveli &Gangaur Ghat. Folk dance of colourful Udaipur and walk through the old city area was very well enjoyed by all.

Students also visited the Bramhakumari Spiritual centre at Mount Abu and other centre situated on Abu road, where in they studied the accommodation facility, kitchen and dining area, meditation hall and other transition spaces within the campus. The campuses on Abu road have solar plant which is used for kitchen activity, for electricity generation and other purposes too.

Students overall enjoyed the tour along with studying and exploration of historical places, culture of the place, architectural characteristics, methods of restoration, services of olden times still running smoothly, uses of natural stones as a cladding material and design approach of architects through their projects.

Bangalore Study Tour Report (6th Semester)

There were 63 students accompanied by 3 teachers- Ar. Akanksha Agarwala, Ar. Anuradha Bhute, Ar. Sneha Tirale

The sixth semester design Brief focuses on Botique Hotel as the Major Design Proble). The study tour was planned accordingly to Bangalore to understand the various aspects of planning of Hotels such as context of the city, Site level Functions, Cirulation, Zoning and Services etc. The identified study areas were La Marvella Hotel, Davanam Sarovar Portico Suites, Johnson Howard Hotel. We visited National Gallery of Modern Arts, Indian Musical Experience – A Museum of Musical Experience. An interactive Session was also conducted with Ar. Sanjay Moye to give students an insight about planning of Hotel.

We visited Orion Mall and Indian Musical Experience which gave students some entertainment time to revive themselves out of the busy schedule. All in all, it was a good experience for all and also some fun. Tours are good occasion for students and teachers to bond together

1st YEAR STUDY TOUR TO WARANGAL

85 students of first year visited Warangal, Telangana for four day study tour from 16th to 19th January 2019 with an objective to enhance sensitivity towards traditional temple design by documentation through artistic means like photography, sketching and painting. Students also documented the Ramappa temple.

Students also had very fruitful interactions with Warangal INTACH Chapter and faculty of NIT, Warangal.

The accompanying teachers were Prof. Vishwas Dikhole, Prof. Atula Patwardhan, Prof. Madhura Rathod, Ar. Samruddhi Amte and Ar. Rashmi Thakre.

1st Year Study Tour to Vishweshwar Mahadeo Temple

Remaining group of 33 students, accompanied by the teachers Dr. Sampada Peshwe, Ar. Rashmi Tijare, Ar. Nehal Maheshwari and Ar. Madhuri Gehani visited the Vishweshwar Mahadeo temple at Mahal, Nagpur. Students observed and studied stone as a construction material and also documented the temples through sketches and videography.

2nd Year Study Tour to Nasik

A group of 30 students and 3 teachers visited Nashik and the main objective was to understand the philosophy of Ar. Sanjay Patil and to study climate responsive design elements through his live projects.

Students were taught that design of building must ensure physiological comfort of user which is achieved through understanding climatic condition of the region. Climate responsive design seeks to minimize the negative impact of building by enhancing energy efficiency techniques, fenestration pattern, etc. and moderation in the use of material and development of spaces.

Accompanying teachers were Dr. Roopal Deshpande, Prof. Tarika Dagadkar and Ar.Sarika Joshi.

3rd Year Study Tour to Dubai

The sixth semester students were taken to study tour to Dubai and Abudhabi. There were 22 students and two staff members – Ar. Pratima Dhoke and Ar. Vaijayanti Yadav. The tour was organised with the objective of studying the high rise buildings and high end apartments of Dubai, along with other buildings of architectural importance of that place.

The study comprised of analysis of the form, skin, skeleton, structure, service core and other services of the buildings. The studied buildings comprised of diverse projects from commercial, residential and mix use typology. The highlight of the tour was interaction with renowned Ar. Robert Fernandes and his team members, who has a practice of  40 years over there.

The interaction was followed by site visit to one of his project under construction. Visit to Abu Dhabi was icing on cake, with visit to Masdar city, Louvre museum and Grand mosque. Each and every aspect of sustainability in designing of Masdar City was well explained by Ar. Gaurish Wagle who is the project incharge over there. Guided architectural tour in louvre museum designed by Jenny Nouvel gave insight of the project right from inception of the design idea till its execution.

Burj Al Arab hotel was visited with the objective of seeing the spaces and interiors in a seven star hotel. From the visited ‘Serenia Residence at The Palm with its architect Ar. Sunil Jasuja the students understood the areas to be provided in a high-end apartment. Visit to Dubai Frame was a thrilling experience for the students to see the old and new city of Dubai.

4th Year Study Tour to Bangalore

The aim of the visit for the students was to document different types of recreational spaces allowing them to formulate their design program. The various places visited by the students were Rangoli Metro Art centre, Indian Music Experience, U.B. City Mall, National Gallery of Modern Art, Raddison Blu Hotel, Hard Rock Café, M.G. Road, Freedom Park, Toits Brewery, and LalBaug Botanical Garden.

The main objective of the study tour was for the students to understand the economic, cultural and political functions of a space. The modes of Transport, traffic movement, circulation to the site and inside the site, Zoning of the spaces, Scale and Proportion, form & massing etc.

80 students of 4th year were accompanied by the faculty members – Ar. Anuradha Tikkas, Ar. Medha Pophale, Ar. Poornima Deshpande and Ar. Priyanka Sambare.

1st Year Study Tour to Puri

94 students of first year visited Puri (Odisha) for five day study tour 2018 with an objective to enhance sensitivity towards traditional temple design by documentation through artistic means like photography, sketching and painting.

Another objective of the study tour was to understand the planning principles of “Nagara Style” temple design and spatial experience of climax of Nagara style through Sun Temple,Konark.

The students also explored ‘Raghurajpur’, a heritage village known for its crafts, wherein the artists demonstrated various art forms like Pattachitra – painting on palm leaf, engraving, stone carving, paper mashe toys etc.

The accompanying teachers were Prof.Vijay Munshi, Prof. Atula Patwardhan, Prof. Madhura Rathod, Ar. Piyusha Rathor, Ar. Samruddhi Amte and Ar. Priyanka Sambare.

1st Year Study Tour to Bazargaon

Remaining group of 22 students, accompanied by the teachers Dr. Sampada Peshwe, Prof. Vishwas Dikhole, Ar. Madhuri Deshpande and Ar. Rashmi Thakre visited temple complex at Bazargaon near Nagpur. Students observed and studied stone as a construction material thoroughly and also documented the temples through sketches and videography.

2nd Year Study Tour to Pochampally

Bhoodan Pochampally, around 50-60 km from Hyderabad is known for its weaving industry and Bhoodan movement. To study these distinct characters which have evolved with the weaving process, a study tour of 3rd semester was organized to three villages near Hyderabad, namely –  Koyyalagudem, Pochampally and Choutuppal. The study objectives were to study the socio-cultural setup and dwelling form of the region.

91 students of third semester along with seven faculty members were visited the identified villages. The students studied the village layout, available resources, and their dwelling forms along with the work (weaving) – living activity relationship. Documentation was carried out on site and students were exposed to this new aspect of understanding architectural design.

The study tour was successful as students understood the intricate process of weaving and the living conditions of the weavers. This experiential learning gave insight into the issues of their living environment.

Students worked under the guidance of the accompanying faculty members – Prof. Neeta Lambe, Prof. Sujata Godbole, Prof. Tarika Dagadkar, Prof. Seema Burele, Prof. Sneha Bodhankar, Prof. Sarika Joshi and Prof. Nehal Maheshwari.

3rd Year Study Tour to Amritsar & Anandpur Sahib

There were 72 students of 5th semester accompanied by 4 teachers – Ar. S R Marathe, Ar. Sanjeevani Mohgaonkar, Ar. Anuradha Bhute and Ar. Mrinmayee Tiwari. The study tours are arranged to make students experience and understand variety of cultures and traditions.

During the fifth semester the topic for design was Pilgrim Centre. Students visited Amritrsar and Anandpur Sahib, where Panjpyare was initiated to preach. An added attraction was Virasat E Khalsa, an audio visual museum designed by the famous architect Moshe Safdie, where the religion is beautifully explained from the beginning till today.

Students visited Shri Keshgarh Sahib Gurudwar and Patalpuri Sahib Gurudwara. And Golden Temple during day and night. They saw many Gurudwara spaces such as Kund, Langar, washing areas etc. in the Gurudwara premises. A heritage walk was also conducted for the students. Students also visited Jalianwala Bagh and Wagha border. It gave students a different facet our history and current situation. Some students also had the opportunity to express nationalism and wave the flag.

3rd Year Study Tour to Bali

The emphasis on Architectural Design – IV was on functional aspects involved in complex design situation, contextual study and urban environment, climate, topography and to understand the relation between form and function of the building.

Every year our college organizes study tour for 3rdyear outside India, the focus varies from country to country. This year a second group of students of V Sem visited Bali, Indonesia from 26th June to 4th July to study the Balinese heritage, its socio cultural and environmental sustainability manifested into architecture.

Students visited various cultural and heritage structures like temples and cultural park, they also studied contemporary buildings like resorts, and banks. Students also visited Udayana University where the students were given presentation on Balinese traditional architecture.

Students also attended ‘Green Architecture workshop’ from 29th June to 1st July where they were given exposure on structured bamboo and its construction techniques. Visit to the bamboo factory was also organized. Overall Bali study tour gave a very good exposure to the students.

1st Year Study Tour to Mahabaleshwar

In the previous year students and faculty had been to Mahabaleshwar and had documented two temples of Kshatra Mahabaleshwar. The remaining three temples – Atibaleshwar, Mahabaleshwar and Rudreshwar were documented in this study tour.

102 students were accompanied by and guided by the faculty members Dr. Sampada Peshwe, Prof. Atula Patwardhan, Ar. Madhura Rathod, Ar. Piyusha Rathor, Ar. Harpreet Saggu & Ar. Priyanka Sambre.

1st Year Study Tour to Bhonda Mahadev, Nagpur

Second group of 16 students documented the Bhonda Mahadeo Shiv temple at Sitabuldi, Nagpur. Students worked under the guidance of Ar. Samruddhi Amte.

2nd Year Study Tour to Kutch

Students of 3rd Semester were taken for study tour to KUTCH region. The main objective was to understand the varied aspects of vernacular architecture, house form and culture of that region. There were 100 students accompanied by 6 teachers –  Ar. S.R. Marathe, Ar. Pratima Dhoke, Ar. Neeta Lambe, Ar. Sujata Godbole, Ar. Sarika Joshi and Ar. Sneha Bodhankar. The tour was conducted from 5th August  to11th August 2016.

2nd Year Study Tour to Melghat

A second group of 19 students of 3rd Sem visited Melghat as their study tour on the 5th and 6th of August. The objective for the tour was to study the socio–cultural set up and its impact on vernacular architecture of that region, in order to study three villages identified as Madki, Motha, and Pastalai, Melghat.

The inhabitants are mainly tribal, largely of the Korku tribe (80 per cent) and others like Gond, Gawali, etc. All inhabitants depend on the forest for domestic needs of firewood, timber, fodder, medicinal plants, and non-timber forest products like fruit, flowers, gum and medicinal plants. Their main source of income is farm-labor, rainy season agriculture and mulching cattle. They augment their income by collecting non-timber forest products like Mahuali, flowers, seeds, charoli, gumcula, dhawada, tendu-leaves, and Musali (a medicinal plant). Melghat tour was accompanied by Prof. Shobhana Tembhurnikar and Prof. Tarika Dagadkar

3rd Year Study Tour to Gurgaon

The objective of the study tour for 5th semester was to look at high end housing, upon which the semester’s major project would be based.

One group of 5th Semester students went to Gurgaon for their Study Tour. This tour was conducted from 7th August to 11th August. Accompanying teachers were Ar. Ketki Tidke and Ar. Harpreet Saggu.

Students visited projects in and around Delhi, namely projects in Gurgaon, Greater Noida, Faridabad and Delhi. They visited Steinabad, where they interacted with Ar. Rommel Mehta from SPA Delhi, who shared his experience of work with Joseph Allen Stein and his design philosophies. Steins buildings are a part of Steinabad and are located in the elite Lodhi Garden area.

3rd Year Study Tour to Pune

A second group of 27 students and two faculty members – Prof. Rupal Deshpande and Ar. Rutika Parulkar visited Suzlon one Earth Company of wind turbines, Amanora township, Aga khan palace and Magarpatta, a township in the village of Hadapsar.

It is home to a commercial zone, residential neighbourhoods, a multi specialty hospital, a shopping mall, multiple restaurants, a gymkhana and a large 25 acre Serene Park called Aditi Garden. Students also visited BRICK College, designed by Ar. Girish Doshi, followed by an interactive session with him. They also visited NIBM, an institute of training in banking and finances, and visited a luxury housing at Pune.

3rd Year International Study Tour to Singapore

A third group of 5th semester students visited Singapore on their study tour. Ar. Vidya Singh, Ar .Seema Burele and Ar. Ashwini Wade accompanied the students.

Students visited Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) gallery which displayed the model of Singapore city developed till date. The gallery was worth seeing as it has also displayed the glimpses of Singapore city right from its past till present. Students interacted with the local architects of Singapore where they discussed about their projects, the process of planning, role of project management team and other architectural issues.

The overall experience of international study tour was interesting, informative and had given the students a new perspective of learning and applications of new concept.

4th Year Study Tour to Delhi-Chandigarh-Gurgaon

The main aim for the 7th Semester study tours was to study, understand the designing and functioning of boutique hospitals.

The study tour for one group of seventh semester was arranged  with the objective of study of boutique hospitals. There were 72 students accompanied by 4 teachers – Dr. Priya Choudhary, Ar. Anuradh Bhute, Ar. Medha Pophale and Ar. Poornima Deshpande. In Delhi, 4 hospitals which included AIIMS, Sir Gangaram Hospital, Max Super Specialty Hospital and Apollo Hospital were visited. Fortis Memorial Hospital, W Pratiksha Hospital, Medanta Medicity, Columbia Asia Hospital and GNH Hospital from Gudgaon were visited and studied.

4th Year International Study Tour to Dubai

A second group of 34 students of 7th Semester students went to Dubai for their Study Tour. They were accompanied by two faculty members.

This semester exclusively addressed more challenging and complex hospital design issues for understanding the approach involved in addressing them to evolve a humane environment for hospitals. The main focus of this study tour was documentation of boutique hospitals under the following heads: 1) Fact file 2) Site plan 3) Building Level (Floor Plans) 4) Sections 5) Façade

1st Year Study Tour to Mahabaleshwar

A group of 104 students went to Mahabaleshwar. The objective was to document the beautiful temples of Kshetra Mahabaleshwar (Old Mahabaleshwar). Students were accompanied by and guided by the faculty members Dr. Sampada Peshwe, Prof. Atula Patwardhan, Ar. Piyusha Rathor, Ar. Anuradha Bhute, Ar. Poornima Deshpande and Ar. Harpreet Saggu.

Student teams documented 2 temples – Panchganga temple and Krishnabai temple, out of the total 5 temples in Kshetra Mahabaleshwar.

1st Year Study Tour to Kasturchand Park, Nagpur

Second group of 15 students documented the landmark structure Kasturchand Park pavilion at Nagpur. 14 students worked under the guidance of Ar. Madhura Rathod.

2nd Year Study Tour to Rajasthan

The group of 94 students of 2nd year were taken to Rajasthan accompanied by teachers from the design team – Ar. Sujata Godbole, Prof. Vishwas Dikhole, Ar. Rashmi Thakre,  Ar. Krutika Rajderkar, Ar. Sarika Joshi and Ar. Sneha Bodhankar.. The objective of the tour was to study climatic zone of Hot and Dry (Rajasthan) and the response to that climate through architecture.

3rd Year Study Tour to Pune

Study tour for the 5th semester was organized from 3/8/2015 to 9/8/2015 to Lavasa and Pune. Total of 118 students participated in the tour.

4th Year Study Tours

This year the tours were conducted in three batches with a common theme to visit and study port cities and their architecture. 20 students of 4th year accompanied by two faculties Prof. Shobhana Tembhurnikar and Prof. Medha Pophale visited Visakhapatnam

The second group of 39 students of 4th year accompanied by two faculties Ar. Anuradha Tikkas, Ar. Isha Pawar visited Kochi, Kerala.

Third group of 39 students of 4th year accompanied by three faculties – Prof. Vijay Munshi, Prof. Roopal Deshpande and Ar. Mahesh Mokha visited Hong Kong-Macau.

1st Year Study Tour to Anji Village

A group of 113 students went to Anji village for their study tour. The objective of the tour was to document the architecture of Anji, Masala and Akoli villages and do their  comparative study. Accompanying faculty members were Dr. Sampada Peshwe, Prof. Atula Patwardhan, Ar. Madhura Rathod, Ar. Piyusha Rathor, Ar. Sneha Bodhankar, Ar. Poornima Deshpande, Ar. Anuradha Bhute and Ar. Muktai Deshmukh.

2nd Year Study Tour to Chanderi

The tour took place from 24 July2014 to 30 July 2014. Accompanying Teachers were Ar. Neeta Lambe, Ar. Sujata Godbole, Ar. Vaijayanti Yadav, Ar. Krutika Rajderkar & Ar. Rashmi Thakre

Chanderi town is in Distt. Ashoknagar, Madhya Pradesh, India.  This semester, students of both the colleges have studied the vernacular settlements of the villages around Chanderi town in Distt. Ashoknagar, Madhya Pradesh Chanderi region is known for its architectural quality.  The spatial design of the weaver house was integral to the production of the cloth and its quality. Basic aim  of this collaborative studio was to study the historical buildings and vernacular architecture found in villages. Students experienced togetherness and learnt a lot of things. The study tour is in a way, experiential learning with a lot of fun . The students did some outdoor sketching and also tried to understand the technical aspects of the buildings. The historical context reflected  the richness of culture and traditions of the state. This visit has brought to the notice of students at the tour vernacular materials and different construction techniques. Hence, the study tour proved beneficial in many ways.

This tour was a part of the Collaborative Studio of 2nd year of Smt. Manoramabai Mundle College Of Architecture, Nagpur with SPA, Bhopal.

2nd Year Study Tour to Hyderabad

Students of 3rd year visited Hyderabad after their participation in the Annual NASA Convention 2014 held in the city. The tour was held from 26th Jan. to 30th Jan 2014. Teachers in-charge were Ar. Manjiri Indurkar and Ar. Poornima Deshpande  Around 60-70 students participated in the tour.

4th Year Study Tour – Urban Rural Continuum: Nepal, Hubli and Gadchiroli

Every year, as a part of seventh semester design studio, students go for a study tour.

The site is decided such that it is in keeping with the objective of the studio. An attempt is made to choose varied destinations, with distinct geographical and social settings, in order to incite ‘experiential

learning’ and sensitize students to different cultures and patterns.

This year, the objective of the study was to understand the concept of ‘Urban-Rural Continuum’, for the purpose of which urban villages were studied.

Urban villages/villages in Nepal, Hubli (Karnataka) and Gadchiroli (Maharashtra) were selected and documented during the tour, by a

variety of methods and techniques identified by the students in the pre-studies, including measured drawings, social surveys and questionnaires.