Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Event Poster:
Brief Description:
The presentation is titled contextually crafted. In a constantly evolving field of
architecture, it is challenging to limit ourselves to a certain style of style or philosophy
of work so instead what they look forward to is to formulate their designs that
complement the culture the site context and the building typology trying to strike a
conscious balance between the native and an architecture that's going forward which
has been explained through their projects.
Presenter’s Bio:
Shreyas Patil Architects have completed over three years of architectural practice.
Their design philosophy has grown to strike a balance between contemporary
design forms and climate responsive strategies. Respecting the site context, staying
true to materials, creating comfortable yet dramatic spatial qualities is what they
desire to deliver. The practice is headed by Ar. Shreyas Patil since it's inception in
2018. Ar. Shreyas has previously interned at NIVASA and GNA, Bangalore, 2014. He
has also trained as an architect at Thirdspace Architecture Studio, Belgaum from
2015-2018 and has attended the DLab Summer school at the Architectural Association
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
(AA), London in 2018. has also served as a visiting design faculty at his Alma Mater,
Department of Architecture, KLS, GIT, Belgaum since 2015.
Learning Outcomes:
Event Poster:
Brief Description:
The talk will present Shreya's work through her experiences and journey
towards understanding how various fragments in life come together to
form an art that is architecture.
Presenter’s Bio:
Shreya Pate is an Architect by training. She holds a Master of Art in
Architecture from Royal College of Art, London (2019) and a Bachelor in
Architecture from Bharati Vidyapeeth College Of Architecture, Navi Mumbai
(2014). She is a recipient of the Critical and Historical Studies Award granted
for her dissertation at the Royal College of Art
(2018). Her work by her was exhibited recently at Galerie Mirchandani + Steinruecke,
Mumbai (2021). She has previously worked as an architect at design studios
in Mumbai including Studio Mumbai Architects and NU.DE Studio. She has
worked in London as an art director and scenographer on short films and
magazine features including Marie Claire, Italy and Welcome Trust, London.
She continues to practice and work in Mumbai.
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Learning Outcomes:
This seminar unveils the intricate process of how seemingly disparate fragments in life
converge to shape architectural art. By sharing her experiences, Shreya Pate provides
a captivating exploration of the nexus between architecture, creativity, and life itself.
This event promises to inspire students to perceive architecture as a dynamic fusion of
diverse influences and experiences, enriching their understanding of the profound art
that architecture truly is.
Photograph of The Event :
Event Poster:
Brief Description:
Nancu Couling has researched for her PHD about urbanization processes in the space
of the sea or what the role of the sea space is. Significance of it in how we perceive or
the unfolding urbanization processes you could say. The connection here is that the
sea is. of course, the most intercultural of spaces, where cultures are connected
through trade and exchange especially in particular periods of history.
Presenter’s Bio:
Sea. She frequently lectures, exhibits and publishes– “The Urbanization of the Sea:
from concepts and analysis to design”, with Carola Hein (2020), is the latest book.
Learning Outcomes :
Nancy's extensive research sheds light on the profound significance of the sea in
shaping urbanization, underscoring its role as a dynamic and intercultural nexus
throughout history. Students will delve into the intricate relationships between
urbanization, cultural exchange, and trade that have unfolded across the seas. The
insights will expand students understanding of urban phenomena that extend beyond
the tangible, offering a fresh perspective on the hidden forces that have shaped the
evolution of cities. This seminar promises to inspire students by revealing the
profound impact of intercultural connections on urbanization, encouraging a holistic
and multidimensional approach to architectural and urban design.
Photograph of The Event :
Event Poster:
Brief Description:
Niki Shah talks about various experience on working with the river in the city areas
primarily. So the title is working with urban reverse and goes through a series of
things and subjects they encountered and how they tackle them. The presentation is
not for a particular project, it's taking example from various actual projects. Some are
built. some are underway. It talks about what goes into the project as a planner, as an
urban designer as a landscape architect what we are supposed to do for such
interventions.
Presenter’s Bio:
MS University of Baroda and M.Sc. in Urbanism from TU Delft. He was awarded the
MB Dave gold medal by MSU and the prestigious Netherlands Fellowship (HSP
Huygens) Program Scholarship for studies at Delft which he completed with
distinction.
Niki leads the Design Studio at HCP and mentors a multidisciplinary team of
architects, urban designers and planners. A passionate designer with a keen eye for
detail and a deep understanding of urban development and management issues in the
Indian and international context, he brings a unique direction to the firm's design
practice. He has the responsibility of overseeing projects from inception to site
implementation stages for government authorities; institutions and private clients.
His sophisticated aesthetic sense of him in addition to his ability to effectively
address stakeholder's concerns and collaborate with expert consultants allows him to
come up with elegant design solutions for complex architectural and urban problems.
He has been instrumental in the success of projects like riverfront developments,
public spaces, local area plans, transit oriented development, form based
building regulations, integrated township developments and master planning for
Institutional campuses.
Some of his key works include: Central Vista, New Delhi; Amochhu Riverfront and
Township Development, Phuentsholing, Bhutan; Sabarmati Riverfront Development,
Ahmedabad; Mumbai Port Complex Masterplan; IIMA New Campus; Ahmedabad
University Masterplan; Swarnim Park, Gandhinagar. Niki is also actively involved in
photography and graphic design for HCP's publication and outreach activities. He
periodically engages with universities as a resource person, jury member and thesis
guide for research and design projects in urban context.
Learning Outcomes :
Event Poster:
Brief Description:
The exhibition showcased the work of the first year architecture students done during their
study trip to Shrivardhan, a coastal town in Maharashtra. The study involved mapping the
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
settlement in terms of its communities , housing typologies and the spaces of livelihood
activities. The method employed was primarily hand drawn sketches and photography.
Learning Outcomes :
The students learnt how to curate their work in an exhibition format that enabled peer
learning and feedback from the faculty members and student body of the school.
Photograph of The Event :
Event Poster:
Brief Description:
The KRVIA's Virtual Convocation ceremony for the batch of 2021 in which both our
undergraduate and post- graduate students are being conferred their degrees. This year Prof.
Rabindra Vasavada is the Guest of Honour and will address the students.
Learning Outcomes :
The KRVIA's Virtual Convocation for the batch of 2021 holds multiple learning outcomes for
both undergraduate and postgraduate students. It marks the culmination of their studies,
acknowledging their achievements and fostering a sense of pride. The virtual format
promotes adaptability into the current pandemic environment. It emphasizes a global
perspective, connecting education beyond local boundaries. The event builds a sense of
community among graduates, faculty, and peers, even in a virtual setting, and initiates
graduates into the institution's alumni network. Notable speakers inspire graduates to aspire
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USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
to continuous growth and learning. The participation of families and friends virtually
enhances their understanding of graduates' accomplishments. The convocation's preservation
of tradition and symbolism underscores the enduring significance of academic rituals. In
essence, it's a meaningful celebration that equips graduates with skills and connections for
their journey ahead.
Event Poster:
Brief Description:
The KRVIA Design Dissertation Colloquium is imagined as a space for discussion around
themes that emerge through the entries. Shortlisted projects will be presented followed by
discussions with invited reviewers and discussants. The Design Dissertation Colloquium
Exhibition is a virtual exhibition that showcases the entries on multiple areas and themes that
the graduates have developed over the period of their final year in undergraduate studies. The
collection brings to life many of the issues that are intrinsic to the discourse of architecture.
Learning Outcomes :
Event Poster:
Brief Description:
The proposed study aims at reconstructing the evolutionary ecological histories of the
landscape region around Mumbai. The diachronic study of the biogeo-morphogenetic
evolution and its intersections with the anthropogenic interventions, which were performed,
aimed at helping in putting together a holistic understanding for the city. The study was
presented as a research paper and a set of recreated maps and visualisations of the landscapes
using GIS as well as computational visualisation softwares which culminated in an exhibition
or can be taken up further for publication.
Presenter’s Bio:
Sandeep Menon is faculty at KRVIA. As a practicing landscape architect. Sandeep has
worked on landscape design and masterplanning projects of varying scales in diverse
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USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
bio-geographies. His recent work focus has been centered around the ideas of enhancing
resilience in the peri-urban coastal zones in preparation for climate change related
consequences in India. The presentation also was given by KRVIA Research fellow Adwait
Adke who has been working on the project, has received a Diploma in Critical Theory,
Aesthetics and Practice Art History, Criticism and Conservation and completed Bachelor of
architecture from Mumbai University.
Learning Outcomes :
A presentation on "City of Invisible Islands: Retracing the Ecological History of the Mumbai
Estuarine Archipelago" aims to impart comprehensive insights. Key outcomes involve
heightened environmental awareness, understanding the delicate balance between
urbanization and sustainability, appreciating cultural and historical significance, and fostering
interdisciplinary perspectives. Attendees will analyze conservation endeavors, hone critical
thinking for problem-solving, and enhance communication skills for advocacy. The
presentation underscores the urgency of addressing urban coastal challenges and offers a
forward-looking outlook, encouraging participants to envision harmonious coexistence
between urban growth and natural ecosystems. Ultimately, attendees will gain a profound
grasp of the archipelago's ecological narrative and broader lessons applicable to global
urban-environmental contexts.
Brief Description:
This event is a KRVIA Exhibition showcasing the outcome of the Third year study trip. The
main intention of the study trip was reading and representing landscapes in different ways.
Students explored the city and drafted narratives depicting the idea of the natural and built
landscape.
Learning Outcomes :
The KRVIA Exhibition, "26 Ways of Seeing - Bhopal," showcasing outcomes from a
Third-year study trip, offers diverse and valuable learning outcomes. Attendees gain 26
unique perspectives on Bhopal's landscapes, highlighting the students' creative and critical
skills. Through varied representations, visitors learn about landscape analysis, narrative
construction, and interdisciplinary connections between architecture and urban planning. The
exhibition underscores observational abilities, artistic expression, and effective
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USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
communication in architectural contexts. Cultural sensitivity and research depth are evident
in the narratives, promoting holistic design considerations. The event cultivates professional
development by involving students in curation and community engagement, while
encouraging reflective and critical thinking. Overall, this exhibition enriches attendees'
understanding of complex urban environments, offering insights into architectural processes
and their societal impact.
Faculty Incharge:
Event Poster:
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Brief Description:
The KRVIA postgraduate programme in Urban Conservation celebrates 18th April 2022 as
the International Day of Monuments & Sites with a special guest lecture by Conservation
Architect Vikas Dilwari, addressing students, alumni and guests on 'Conservation of Built
Heritage of Mumbai' on campus.
Presenter’s Bio:
Learning Outcomes:
The special guest lecture by Conservation Architect Vikas Dilawari on 'Conservation of Built
Heritage of Mumbai' provided students, alumni, and attendees with a comprehensive insight
into the field of conservation, highlighting his vast experience of nearly three decades.
Participants had the opportunity to learn about successful execution of numerous
conservation projects, UNESCO awards, and significant contributions to heritage
preservation, enhancing their understanding of the practical and theoretical aspects of built
heritage conservation.
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USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Photograph of the Event:
No of participants: 100
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Faculty Incharge:
Event Poster:
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Brief Description:
Prof Vidyadhar Phatak, Dean Faculty of Planning, Cept University, will be conducting an
Interactive session as part of master's Elective course neoliberalism and urban transformation:
stories from India. The session will involve Phatak addressing questions regarding Prof.
Policies and governance measures that have been instrumental in the changing landscape of
Indian cities after economic Liberalisation.
Presenter’s Bio:
Vidyadhar Phatak headed the Planning Division at the Mumbai Metropolitan Region
development Authority and has been at the centre of several planning and development
initiatives in Mumbai for more than four decades now. He was involved with the preparation
of past two plans for the Metropolitan Region of Mumbai; with the famous site and services
schemes that housed more than 85000 families; with the discussions around redevelopment of
the industrial lands and slums; and more recently, with preparation of the Master Plan for
Mumbai City. With a nuanced understanding of cities and their politics, and a mammoth
experience in planning and development, he has been invited to advise several state and city
governments across India. Vidyadhar Phatak is now Dean Faculty of Planning at Cept
University.
Learning Outcomes:
The interactive session conducted by Prof. Vidyadhar Phatak provided students with a unique
opportunity to gain insights into the dynamic relationship between neoliberalism and urban
transformation in India. Through his extensive experience and expertise, participants acquired
a deeper understanding of the policy and governance measures that have shaped the evolving
urban landscape post-economic liberalization, enhancing their comprehension of the intricate
intersections between urban planning, politics, and development.
No of participants: 100
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USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Faculty Incharge:
Event Poster:
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Brief Description:
Mumbai Metro Project is conceived not as a public transport but more out of political agenda.
Tough decisions need to be made so that this important infrastructure can benefit of the next
generation.
Presenter’s Bio:
Nitin Killawala is the Director of Group 7 Architects and Planners Pvt Ltd. It was formed in
Partnership with Avinash Joshi and Himanshu Upadhyay. Over the years the group has
successfully completed a diverse range of projects ranging from Private Residences to
Housing Complexes, Research Centres to Corporate offices and Educational Institutes to
Spiritual Campuses. He is a recipient of various National level awards including the, IIA (
Indian Institute of Architects ) as well as the IIID ( Institute of Interior Designers ) for
excellence in Architecture + Interior design respectively. In 1996 he was the recipient of the
prestigious J.K. 'Architect of the Year' award. His works have been widely published in
several periodicals as well as Design magazines. His recent pre -occupations include an
active involvement in the campaign, for an integrated transport plan for the city of Mumbai.
He is also instrumental in revitalising public spaces and parks such as the pedestrian subway
at Dhobi Talao Junction and The Pushpa Narsee Park within his own neighborhood in Juhu,
Mumbai. He strongly believes that the benefit of design should percolate to the masses,
where the issue of slum housing must be treated at par with the newer infrastructure projects,
rather than being left to speculative real estate developments.
Learning Outcomes:
The guest lecture by Nitin Killawala shed light on the complexities surrounding the Mumbai
Metro Project, exposing participants to the intricate balance between public transportation
and political motivations. Through his insights, attendees gained a nuanced understanding of
the necessity for prudent decision-making to ensure the project's long-term benefits for future
generations and the urban landscape.
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Photograph of the Event:
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Attendance List of Students:
No of participants: 40
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Faculty Incharge:
Event Poster:
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Brief Description:
Mumbai Metro Project is conceived not as a public transport but more out of political agenda.
Tough decisions need to be made so that this important infrastructure can benefit of the next
generation.
Presenter’s Bio:
Learning Outcomes:
No of participants: 50
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Title: Workshop – Mobilising Heritage for Sustainable Development- Unesco and Hong
Kong Institute of Architecftural Conservationists
Date and Schedule: 9th May to 11th June 2022, 9.00 am – 11.00 am
Faculty Incharge:
Event Poster:
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Brief Description:
An online course that offers an introduction to the skills and knowledge to demonstrate
holistic, interdisciplinary, and multidimensional approach towards heritage management. The
course contents refer to the five Core Competences outlined in UNESCO's Competence
Framework -
• SUS-Sustainable development
• CRK Community rights and knowledge.
• HER-Heritage policies principles processes and ethics
• HED-Heritage education and interpretation ALR-Applying laws and regulations
Participants in this course will strengthen their competences to respond intelligently and
effectively to real-world demands in sustainable heritage management. A certificate of
completion will be awarded at the end of the course after the evaluation of the assignment.
Presenter’s Bio:
The teaching team comprises heritage experts and practitioners from Hong Kong, Macao and
the greater Asia-Pacific region.
Learning Outcomes:
The course, referencing UNESCO's Competence Framework, successfully enhanced the Core
Competences of cultural heritage professionals in the Asia-Pacific region. Participants
evaluated and developed their competences, equipping themselves to adeptly address real-
world challenges in sustainable heritage management, aligning their practices with
sustainable development principles and contributing to the attainment of the Sustainable
Development Goals.
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USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
No of participants: 50
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Faculty Incharge:
Event Poster:
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Brief Description:
Conservation Architect Gurmeet S. Rai delivered an insightful lecture on August 19, 2022, at
the KRVIA postgraduate department. Her presentation centered on the Management Plan for
the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ellora Caves, aligning with the sem III studio's focus on
Infrastructural Urbanism and its impact on sites around Aurangabad, particularly the
Samruddhi Mahamarg project. Drawing from her extensive experience, Gurmeet shed light
on cultural heritage conservation, site management planning, and her notable contributions to
significant projects across India.
Presenter’s Bio:
Gurmeet S. Rai is a conservation architect based in New Delhi, India. She established CRCI,
a conservation consultancy firm in 1996. The firm has undertaken a wide range of projects
within the domain of cultural heritage conservation and management practice in India. The
works of CRCI include architectural documentation, historic building conservation planning,
projects related to cultural heritage tourism and management, capacity building and training
etc. The clients include the Archaeological Survey of India, Ministry of Tourism-Government
of India, State Governments, private foundations, institutions, Asian Development Bank,
UNESCO and others. Some of the significant projects include preparation of site
management plans for the World Heritage Sites of the Red Fort in Delhi and Ellora Caves in
Maharashtra, conservation and revitalization management plan for the Gobindgarh Fort in
Amritsar and the Grand Trunk Road in Punjab, conservation plans for historic buildings in
the Golden temple in Amritsar. In collaboration with international multidisciplinary teams,
Gurmeet has prepared the visitor management and site management plans for the World
Heritage Site of Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha in Nepal and for UNESCO the
Cultural Heritage Policy for Punjab. Her vast experience in conservation and heritage
management has been recognized by the World Monuments Fund in New York who
appointed her as the project management consultant for scoping and coordinating
conservation of 43 protected monuments in Madhya Pradesh. She is currently engaged in
several conservation projects across the country. The works of CRCI have received numerous
awards and recognition from various organizations including UNESCO and Government of
Punjab. Recognizing significant contribution in the field of heritage conservation Gurmeet
has been on the jury of the Asia Pacific Architectural Heritage Awards of UNESCO for
several years. She is the Officiating President of India ICOMOS.
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USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Learning Outcomes:
After attending the lecture by Conservation Architect Gurmeet S. Rai, participants gained a
comprehensive understanding of effective cultural heritage conservation strategies and site
management planning. They also acquired insights into the complexities of balancing
infrastructural development with heritage preservation, enriching their knowledge in urban
design and architectural conservation.
No of participants: 50
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Title: Guest Lecture – Financing Housing and Real Estate Development in India
Faculty Incharge:
Event Poster:
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Brief Description:
Presenter’s Bio:
Learning Outcomes:
Following the lecture by Shobhit Agarwal, participants gained valuable insights into the
intricate financial dynamics of the housing sector, enabling them to grasp the nuances of real-
world financial implications in urban development. Through interaction with the expert,
students further deepened their understanding, bridging the gap between theoretical
knowledge and practical applications in the field of real estate.
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USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Photograph of the Event:
No of participants: 50
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Faculty Incharge:
Event Poster:
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Brief Description:
James is a design principal with WRT, an urban planning and design firm in the US with a
national interdisciplinary practice involving planning, urban design, architecture and
landscape architecture. The presentation would focus on approaching resiliency at different
scales of intervention – The planning scale, urban design scale and public space design scale
with each image corresponding to those scales respectively.
Presenter’s Bio:
James is a design principal with WRT, an urban planning and design firm in the US with a
national interdisciplinary practice involving planning, urban design, architecture and
landscape architecture. James is also a board member of the Landscape Architecture
Foundation (LAF) where he sits on the Climate Change Task Force and works with his
fellow members to better position the field of landscape architecture to address challenges
posed by climate change.
Learning Outcomes:
No of participants: 50
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USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Event Poster:
Brief Description:
Master, Sathe, & Bhuta form that crucial link in learning and appreciating the complex
history of contemporary architecture practice in India. Although the firm began in the art
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USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
deco stage, they quickly transitioned into designing buildings in the international style and
followed it with the post-independence modern style. Theirs was also a period filled with the
fervour of Indian nationalism. The firm was able to adopt the nationalist sentiments and
simultaneously adapt to new waves of thoughts and technologies in the architecture of their
buildings, constantly nurturing the desire to be on a par with the rest of the world and other
practices of the time.The book provides an insight into the projects as well as workings of the
firm.
Learning Outcomes :
● Focus: India's architectural evolution from art deco to international and
post-independence modern styles.
● Indigenous Practice: Showcasing the development of an indigenous architectural
identity in India.
● Project Insight: Detailed exploration of the firm's architectural projects and design
principles.
● Socio-Political Context: Understanding the historical backdrop in which the firm
operated.
● Adaptation to Change: Firm's flexibility in integrating global influences and advanced
construction techniques.
● Aspiration for Global Recognition: Desire to be on par with international architectural
practices.
● Holistic Perspective: Providing a comprehensive view of India's architectural history
during the period.
Event Poster:
Brief Description:
Ayesha Müller-Wolfertshofer talks about hybrid planning, its importance in the urban context
and why she started her PhD about informal settlements in Mumbai from that perspective.
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USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Presenter’s Bio:
Ayesha Müller-Wolfertshofer completed her Bachelor in Architecture at Vidyavardhan’s
IDEA, Institute of Design Environment and Architecture, in India between 2010 and 2015.
At the Munich University of Applied Sciences she completed her M.A. in Architecture with
a specialization in Urban Planning from 2015 to 2017. Ayesha has worked in various
architectural and urban planning firms since she began her studies and is an architect under
the Bayerische Architektenkammer since June 2020. In July 2020 she officially began her
thesis at the Technical University Munich under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Benedikt Boucsein
and in collaboration with her Mentor, Hussain Indorewala, from the Kamla Raheja
Vidyanidhi Institute of Architecture and Environmental Studies in Mumbai. Her research is
funded by a scholarship from the Hanns-Seidel-Foundation.
Learning Outcomes :
● Understand the concept of hybrid planning and its importance in urban contexts.
● Recognize the relevance of hybrid planning in addressing challenges specific to
informal settlements in Mumbai.
● Gain insights into the characteristics and complexities of informal settlements in the
city.
● Appreciate the integration of architecture and urban planning in approaching urban
issues comprehensively.
● Learn from Ayesha Müller-Wolfertshofer's research on informal settlements and her
collaboration with academic institutions.
● Explore the practical application of scholarship-funded research in urban
development.
● Inspire engagement with pressing urban challenges and innovative planning
approaches.
Faculty Incharge:
Event Poster:
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Brief Description:
Urban Dialogue seeks to initiate a discussion between professionals, students and fresh
graduates to offer new perspectives to the ongoing discourse on the future of our cities. Every
year the KRVIA invites recent Masters graduates from the Urban Design and Conservation
disciplines to showcase their thesis. The work of the participants is organized as themes to
initiate a discussion between practitioners, academicians and students.
Participating Institutes –
Speakers and panelists – Kiran Kalamdani, Tapas Mitra and Vidhya Mohankumar
Presenter’s Bio:
Kiran Kalamdani was born in Manama Bahrain 1963, brought up in Chinchwad, near Pune,
schooled in the convent of St Ursula’s and then the Hindustan Antibiotics School followed by
Modern College and later the BKPS College of Architecture where he Graduated from the
University of Pune. He studies at the University of York UK with a fellowship from the
Charles Wallace India Trust and on returning to Chinchwad, Pune, India started a Practice in
Architecture Urban Design Conservation Valuation and Interior Design with his wife Anjali
called ‘Kimaya’. Since 1989 at Kimaya they have completed about 200 projects in the above
disciplines, trained more than 300 undergraduates, graduates and post graduates, held several
exhibitions, lectured extensively across the country and abroad, written several books, articles
and poems, participated in activism and voluntary programmes, made many friends and led a
complete life.
Dr. Tapas Mitra, an architect and urbanist is presently an Associate Professor in Urban
Design at the School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal, India, who has held the positions
of Head of Architecture and Urban Design at the institute. His research interest focuses at the
intersections of architecture, urban Design and Urban Planning. He has presented his research
on the inner core of Indian cities, specifically Kolkata, at prestigious international
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USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
conferences (CNU, RSA, ISOCARP, to name a few). Dr. Mitra is also an artist and has been
featured multiple times on the international site of the Urban Sketchers and other online
platforms. He has also been an international faculty at the world symposium of Urban
Sketchers in Chicago, 2017. He has written about various aspects of the urban and brings his
knowledge of art and urbanism in his talks and writings.
Vidhya Mohankumar is an architect and urban designer with 17 years of work experience in
India, Ireland and the United States. Her work is focused on creating cities that are people-
oriented and centred around transit as part of a sustainable development agenda that she is
passionate about. Her approach is driven by research that is grounded and intersectional as a
way to understand the everyday urbanism of cities. With clientele ranging from state
governments, urban local bodies, county/town councils, private sector entities and NGOs, her
urban design projects exhibit a wide variety with master plans for cities, towns, station areas,
harbour areas and their environs as well as redevelopment plans for town centres, city public
spaces and brownfield sites. Most recently, in 2019, she was appointed as a technical expert
on ‘Public Open Spaces’ by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) to mentor Smart
City Projects in Hubli-Dharwad and Agartala under the CITIIS Challenge.
Learning Outcomes:
No of participants: 100
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
Title: Encounters – A public Lecture Charles Wolfe - KRMLS 2022 keynote focusing on
his new book titled 'Sustaining a City's Culture and Character'
Event Poster:
Brief Description:
The Kamla Raheja Memorial Lecture Series is an annual event held by the KRVIA to
discover new directions in architecture and urban practice and pedagogy. Through
discussions and debate, experiment and play, it enables the institution to open out new
avenues and horizons for exploration within the academy. Every year a different issue
concerning contemporary spatial practices is unpacked through multidisciplinary
explorations, seminars, lectures, exhibitions and workshops. These events have covered a
wide variety of issues including questions of the domain of architectural thinking, housing,
infrastructure, history and heritage. The KRMLS is supported by the Kamla Raheja
Foundation. CITY, CULTURE AND ARCHITECTURE was this year's theme which
attempts to articulate the city, urban phenomena and architecture through the lens of culture.
It is an interdisciplinary understanding of culture, which is in a state of flux, shaped by the
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute
For Architecture and Environmental Studies
city, its identity and its architecture. The theme runs through a three-year of cycle and brings
about sub themes as follows. Sub Themes of the series were- Urban Culture, Architecture,
Question of identity, and Architecture as a Generator of Urban Culture and producer of the
collective. Also there was a book Launched by Charles Wolfe called ‘Sustaining a City’s
Culture and Character’.
Learning Outcomes :
The public lecture by Charles Wolfe at KRMLS 2022, centered on his book 'Sustaining a
City's Culture and Character' within the theme of "City, Culture and Architecture," promises
valuable learning outcomes. Attendees will grasp strategies for preserving a city's distinct
culture amid urban development, understanding the synergy between culture, architecture,
and sustainability. The lecture highlights how architectural choices impact cultural identity
and encourages community engagement. Historical context aids appreciation of evolving
cities and critical thinking about urban challenges. Attendees gain interdisciplinary insights,
exploring policy implications and innovative design solutions. The lecture inspires a global
perspective, fostering awareness of culture-architecture intersections worldwide. Overall, this
lecture equips participants with a holistic understanding of creating culturally enriched and
sustainable urban environments.