About The School

Symbiosis School of Architecture, Urban Development and Planning (SSAUDP) was established in 2017 with a focus on skill-based education in architecture.

The department’s goal is to bridge the gap between industry and academia by fostering academic excellence, practical learning, and research that solves real-world challenges.

The philosophy of the department emphasizes learning by doing, inspired by the traditional role of architects as master-builders. Today’s architectural professionals need a blend of creative problem-solving, digital proficiency, communication, management, and multi-tasking skills in addition to traditional design and drafting abilities.

The B.Arch, B.Des. and M.Plan curricula are s structured to develop these 21st-century skills, which include:

Skill Set 1 – Learning and Innovation

Critical thinking and problem solving
Communication and collaboration
Creativity and innovation

Skill Set 2 – Digital Literacies

Information literacy
Media literacy
Information and communication literacy

Skill Set 3 – Life and Career Skills

Flexibility and adaptability
Initiative and self-direction
Social and cross-cultural interaction
Productivity and accountability
Leadership and responsibility

This framework ensures that students not only gain design expertise, but also the capabilities required to manage architectural projects successfully in the real world.

A unique feature of the program is internships every year, unlike conventional architecture programs where internships usually happen only in the final year. This experiential learning approach opens opportunities in diverse fields both in India and abroad.

The department maintains strong links with government and trade organizations, private consultancies, and industry partners. Students benefit from live workshops, webinars, and seminars conducted by eminent national and international architects.

Highlights

Learning & Skill Development Framework

The program nurtures students across three integrated skill domains:

Learning and Innovation Skills

Critical thinking and design problem-solving
Creativity and innovation in spatial and technical solutions
Collaboration and professional communication

Digital and Technological Skills

Digital literacy in architectural representation
Information and media literacy
Integration of digital tools in design and construction workflows

Life and Career Skills

Adaptability and self-directed learning
Professional responsibility and ethical practice
Leadership, teamwork, and accountability
Cross-cultural and community engagement

Key Highlights of the B.Arch Program

Skill-Based, Outcome-Oriented Curriculum aligned with national education reforms
Annual Internships integrated throughout the program for continuous industry exposure
Experiential Learning Infrastructure, including Construction Yard, Plumbing Yard, and Tiling Yard
Strong Industry–Academia Interface through live projects, workshops, and expert interactions
Emphasis on Digital Proficiency, including advanced representation tools and BIM workflows
Focus on Sustainability, Urban Context, and Social Responsibility
Holistic Development through leadership, communication, and professional practice training

Experiential & Industry-Embedded Learning

A distinguishing feature of the B.Arch program is its continuous experiential learning model, which includes:

Internships every academic year, unlike conventional architecture programs
Hands-on construction training through on-campus yards and workshops
Regular site visits, urban field studies, and community-based projects
Interaction with national and international architects, planners, and industry professionals

This ensures a seamless transition from academic learning to professional practice.

Career Pathways & Professional Readiness

Graduates of the B.Arch program are prepared for diverse career pathways, including:

Architectural and Urban Design Practice
Construction and Project Management
Sustainable and Environmental Design
BIM and Digital Design Consultancy
Research, Academics, and Higher Studies
Entrepreneurship and Independent Practice

The program equips students with the skills required to adapt to emerging roles in the architecture, construction, and urban development sectors.

Why SSAUDP for B.Arch?

NEP-compliant, skill-driven curriculum
Early and sustained industry exposure
Practice-oriented learning environment
Strong focus on employability and professional ethics
Supportive academic ecosystem fostering innovation and leadership

Vision of the School

To establish a School of Architecture, Urban Development and Planning that nurtures architects, designers, and planners who think critically, innovate responsibly, and practice ethically to create sustainable, context-responsive, and human-centred environments that uplift communities, shape the built environment positively, and enhance the overall quality of life locally and globally.

Mission of the School

To provide rigorous, multidisciplinary education across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes by strengthening disciplinary foundations and integrating future skills, cutting-edge technologies, emerging tools, and critical inquiry in architecture, design, and planning through a skill-development pedagogy.
To nurture creativity, ethical judgment, and problem-solving abilities that enable learners to develop sustainable, context-responsive, and human-centred design and planning solutions.
To prepare socially responsible and professionally capable graduates and researchers who pursue innovation, research-driven practice, and lifelong learning to positively impact communities and the built environment.

Dr. Gauri Shiurkar

Director School of Architecture, Urban Development and Planning

School Director’s Message

The architectural profession is a developing, multi-disciplinary career that significantly influences the development of a country. It affects how our built environment is designed, constructed, and used, thus shaping the experiences of users and communities.

At the School of Architecture, we focus on the holistic development of both students and teachers by promoting a unique value system, a transparent work culture, and an academic environment conducive to learning, creativity, and technological advancement. Our mission is to generate, preserve, and share knowledge to build a vibrant society and ensure students are well-equipped for life’s challenges.

We emphasize purpose over short-term achievements and uphold the belief that nothing is impossible when one proceeds with patience, dedication, and perseverance. We mentor students to absorb our core values and maximize their potential through state-of-the-art facilities that help transform talent into success.

I appreciate the dedication and hard work of our team at SSAUDP, whose efforts have driven remarkable progress. I also thank our students and parents for their trust and support throughout the admission process. None of this would have been possible without their unwavering commitment.