To address the growing challenges of urbanization, Sir JJ School of Art, Architecture, and Design (SJJAAD), a De-Novo university, has introduced its first-ever Master of Architecture in Metropolitan Architecture program. Approved by the Council of Architecture of India, the program will begin in January and aims to bridge a critical gap in architectural education, focusing on the evolving needs of metropolitan cities.
Prof. Rajnish Kamat, Vice-Chancellor of SJJAAD, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary education, stating, “Metropolitan cities are living laboratories of change. This program equips students to creatively and sensitively tackle urban challenges.” Highlighting the innovative direction of the university, he added, “Being a De-Novo university, SJJAAD must pioneer new programs, and this is just the beginning.”
The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics shaping modern cities. Prof. Mustansir Dalvi, a committee member involved in the programโs design, explained that architects must grasp not only the physical aspects of cities but also their social, cultural, and economic dimensions. “This program will prepare architects to address the multifaceted challenges of metropolitan environments, from urban planning to cultural preservation and legislative frameworks,” he said.
Prof. Rajiv Mishra, Principal of SJJAAD, noted that the program is structured to meet the growing demand for innovative urban solutions. He said, “Students will gain expertise in areas such as brownfield redevelopment, legislative design for tier-II and tier-III cities, and preserving intangible urban heritage.” As Indian cities expand and grapple with increasing complexities, this initiative seeks to develop changemakers capable of redefining urban living for a sustainable and inclusive future.
Source: HT
