Session Highlights
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Reframing theory as an active design tool that informs observation, inquiry, and real-world architectural decision-making.
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Allowing faculties to turn into curators of integrated learning experiences that connect knowledge with application.
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Building a holistic curriculum to cultivate students by aligning pedagogy, studio processes, and professional realities.
Experience a session that rethinks the connection between theory and design education. Discover how to transform theory from static knowledge into an active tool that shapes studio thinking and professional readiness.
About the Speaker
Neelkanth Chhaya
Neelkanth Chhaya has been an academic and practising architect for over four decades. He taught at CEPT University, Ahmedabad, retiring in 2013 as Dean of the Faculty of Architecture. Subsequently, he has taught at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore, where he held a UNESCO Chair in Sustainability, Heritage and Livelihoods. He is an academic advisor at CARE School of Architecture, Tiruchirappalli, and Avani Institute of Design at Kozhikode. He initiated the “Connected Collaboratives” for academic interaction of students and faculty members between SEA Mumbai, WCFA Mysore, CARE Trichy and AVANI Kozhikode. He was named the first recipient of the Balkrishna Doshi Guru Ratna Award. Akarmaa Foundation has published two collections of his talks, Tiruvannamalai. He is the author and editor of the book “Harnessing the Intangible”, on the work of architect Balkrishna Doshi. He has participated in many International and National conferences in the fields of architecture and human habitation.
Let’s discover how theory informs design to create more reflective and practice-oriented learning journeys.
Expected Outcomes
Participants will gain:
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Explore ways to integrate theory meaningfully into design studios
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Reposition theory as a tool for observation, inquiry, and design thinking
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Encourage faculty to move from being deliverers of content to designers of learning experiences
Who Can Attend
Educators and faculty members engaged in design and architectural teaching across the country.
Strengthen your pedagogical practice through purpose-driven methods to foster holistic and practice-ready learning outcomes.
Take the first step towards impact!