GENERAL INTRODUCTION :

INTRODUCTION

Architecture, one of the oldest professions on Earth, evolved since human beings started a settled life and endeavoured to create a shelter for protecting themselves from external forces of nature. From that milestone in history began a long journey to create a built environment compatible to the aspirations of mankind. Architecture as a science has helped develop a built environment conducive to the needs of the society. It also facilitates the improvement of the prevailing living surroundings and habitat. This is an infinite journey that is still continuing towards excellence.

ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION

Architectural education is the process by which Students are trained, nurtured and finally developed into responsible professionals who evolve a contextually sound and sustainable built environment. By definition, architecture is a combination of arts and applied sciences. Therefore to inculcate the vital characteristics of the discipline among the students, an interactive teaching methodology is applied. Architectural education normally combines instructive methods of teaching with interactive format of learning. As a result,of which the architects develop into skilled and sensitive professionals capable of producing workable solutions which are result of, articulate process of reasoning and argumentation. Pakistan, being a developing country of the southern hemisphere, falls in the category of the nations constrained by socio-economic disparities. For most of the issues, she has to devise professional solutions of her own. Issues related to the built environment are foremost. Thus the importance of appropriate architectural education is further underpinned.

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING AT NED

On the basis of the prevailing scenario of architectural education in the country in general and Karachi in particular, it can be stated without doubt that there remains an urgent need for an architectural education institution that is capable of imparting quality education, foster research and scholastic pursuits as well as generate useful human resource for the broader socio-economic development of the country.

The working strength of architects is much less than what is practically needed. Given the vast professional sphere in which the architects operate, the numerical strength is simply minimal. A technically sound and socially responsive breed of architects needs to be produced to fill this widening gap.

The NED University has remained the foremost institution in professional education in engineering and related disciplines. In its working, the university had developed a regulatory, academic and administrative framework for architectural education which today provides a ready base for appropriate architectural education.

The creation of a department of architecture and planning has been a part and parcel of NED’s Master Plan. The present resources, facilities, spaces and technological backup are ample and adequate to support this purpose. Besides, the presence of various disciplines at the university act as supportive factor for the architecture department.
BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE PROGRAMME

Objective and Philosophy

The objective of the Bachelor of Architecture Programme at NED University is to develop professionals capable of addressing the issues of built environment in a comprehensive manner. The Bachelor of Architecture Programme at NED University focuses to produce technically sound and socially responsive professionals equipped with a profound understanding of contemporary tools and skills in their profession.

The philosophy of the programme is ‘appropriate architectural education’. That is to say the programme intends to prepare professionals who can relate to the contextual realities in an appropriate manner. These professionals will be able to define and develop their respective role in the society according to assessment of the contemporary needs and future requirements. By subscribing to this philosophy, the ‘NED architects’ are trained to fulfil the needs of a rapidly diversifying job market as well as to perform their larger role as responsive professionals.

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum is structured around the following six essential modules of learning with appropriate courses in the respective years:

Architectural Design History of Civilisations Environment, Planning and Development Construction, Materials and Technology Computer Applications in Design, Structures for Architects.

Architectural Design

Architectural design is the foremost component of the curriculum that prepares the student for design application in the field. Courses of ‘Basic Design’ in the First year and Architectural Design in the subsequent years constitute the component. Other related courses including ‘Introduction to Interior Design’ and ‘Landscape Architecture’ supplement the Architectural Design sequence.

History of Civilisation

This module of courses aims to impart understanding about the process of evolution and development of particular kinds of architecture as a consequence of corresponding socio-political contexts. It focuses on the developments in the Muslim World and South Asia in particular. Study of architecture and built environment of the societies is dealt in the module.

Enviroment, Planning Development

This module of learning provides a background of the social, economic and physical environment in which the architects operate. Through the various courses that are offered in the respective years, the issues related to the built environment are focused and analysed. Introduction to Environmental Studies, Development Planning, Housing and Community Development, Urban Planning and Design and Comprehensive Environmental Design are the courses offered in the sequence.

Construction, Materials and Technology

This module of learning provides appropriate understanding of the construction methods, range of materials and technology used in the application of architectural solutions. It is vertically present in all the five years of architectural studies. The course enables the student to apply his aesthetic concepts and solutions into a practical form.

Computer Application in Design

Emerging importance of computer as a tool and the wide range of its applications are dealt in this module. The students are prepared to use computer as a tool in their design, presentation and drafting assignments. Softwares that are commonly used in the field are also shown to the students.

Structure for Architects

Providing a comprehensive orientation about the structural concepts and applications is the basis of this module. Concept, terminology, conventions, behaviours, analysis of structures and the fundamentals of structural design our a focus of this stream. It prepares the students to incorporate the conceptual understanding of structural behaviour of various members and components into their respective design assignments.

Other Activities

Extra curricular activities that contribute to the overall development of students, such as domestic and international study tours, participation in professional events, lectures, seminars and workshops are also made an integral part of architectural education and grooming of student architects.