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PH-D in Architectural Technology at B.M.S. School of Architecture

BMS College of Architecture, Bengaluru, established in 1980, is a premier private institution affiliated with Visvesvaraya Technological University. It offers flagship B.Arch and M.Arch programs, emphasizing academic rigor within its 2.3-acre campus. Ranked 23rd in NIRF 2024 for Architecture, the college achieved a 100% placement rate in 2023.

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Bengaluru, Karnataka

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About the Specialization

What is Architectural Technology at B.M.S. School of Architecture Bengaluru?

This Architectural Technology Ph.D. program at BMS College of Architecture, Design & Planning, affiliated with VTU, focuses on advanced research in building science, innovative materials, sustainable construction, and computational design. It addresses the critical need for technological advancements in India''''s rapidly evolving construction and architectural industries, preparing scholars to lead research and development in smart, efficient, and resilient built environments, contributing to national infrastructure goals.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for M.Arch, M.Plan, M.Des graduates, or exceptional B.Arch/B.Plan/B.Des candidates, seeking to contribute original research to the field of architectural technology. It targets professionals in architecture, construction, and design aiming to deepen their expertise, academics looking to pursue advanced scholarly work, and innovators interested in developing cutting-edge building solutions for the Indian market and beyond.

Why Choose This Course?

Graduates of this program can expect to pursue high-impact careers as lead researchers, academic professors, technology consultants, or innovation directors in both public and private sectors in India. Potential career paths include roles in R&D divisions of major construction firms, architectural technology consultancies, or government research bodies. Earning a Ph.D. significantly enhances credibility and opens doors to leadership roles, with salary potential varying widely based on industry and experience.

Student Success Practices

Foundation Stage

Master Research Fundamentals- (Coursework Phase (First Year))

Thoroughly engage with the ''''Research Methodology and IPR'''' coursework. Focus on understanding literature review techniques, hypothesis formulation, and ethical considerations. Utilize VTU''''s digital library resources and platforms like Shodhganga for exemplary Ph.D. theses to build a strong theoretical base for your research proposal.

Tools & Resources

VTU Digital Library, Shodhganga, Mendeley/Zotero for referencing

Career Connection

A strong grasp of research methodology is crucial for designing impactful studies, leading to publications and robust thesis work, which are foundational for a research-oriented career.

Identify and Refine Research Niche- (Coursework Phase (First Year))

Actively participate in departmental seminars and discussions during the initial coursework phase. Network with faculty and senior scholars to identify gaps and emerging trends within Architectural Technology relevant to the Indian context, such as sustainable smart cities or affordable housing technology, helping to refine your specific Ph.D. topic.

Tools & Resources

Departmental seminars, Faculty consultations, Industry reports on architectural technology trends in India

Career Connection

Identifying a relevant and impactful research niche enhances the publishability of your work and directly aligns your Ph.D. with industry demands and academic contributions.

Develop Advanced Architectural Technology Skills- (Coursework Phase (First Year) and ongoing)

Beyond mandatory coursework, seek out workshops or online courses in specialized software for architectural technology (e.g., advanced BIM, parametric design tools, building performance simulation software). This proactive skill development will be invaluable for your research and thesis work.

Tools & Resources

Autodesk Revit (BIM), Grasshopper (Parametric Design), EnergyPlus (Building Simulation), Coursera/edX for specialized courses

Career Connection

Practical skills in advanced architectural technology software are highly sought after in research and industry, improving your employability and research efficacy.

Intermediate Stage

Engage in Academic Publishing and Conferences- (Year 2 - Year 3)

Work closely with your supervisor to transform parts of your literature review or preliminary findings into publishable papers for national and international conferences or peer-reviewed journals. Presenting at conferences in India (e.g., SPA, NID) helps in receiving feedback and building your academic network.

Tools & Resources

IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Web of Science, Conference alerts

Career Connection

Publications and conference presentations are essential for building an academic CV, enhancing visibility, and establishing expertise, critical for both academic and research roles.

Seek Industry Collaboration or Internships- (Year 2 - Year 3)

Explore opportunities for short-term internships or collaborative projects with architectural firms, construction companies, or government agencies focused on building technology in India. This provides real-world data, practical application for your research, and valuable industry contacts.

Tools & Resources

Industry associations (e.g., IGBC, ICI), Personal networking, College''''s industry liaison office

Career Connection

Industry exposure bridges the gap between academic research and practical application, making your Ph.D. more relevant and enhancing prospects for industry-based research or leadership roles.

Prepare for Comprehensive Examination- (End of Year 1 / Start of Year 2)

Systematically review the core and specialized knowledge acquired during your coursework and preliminary research. Form study groups with peers and practice answering theoretical and application-based questions to ensure readiness for the comprehensive examination, a critical Ph.D. milestone.

Tools & Resources

Course notes, Key textbooks, Previous year''''s question patterns (if available)

Career Connection

Successfully clearing the comprehensive exam is mandatory for Ph.D. progression and demonstrates a strong command of your field, which is vital for academic and research credibility.

Advanced Stage

Refine Thesis and Prepare for Viva Voce- (Year 4 - Year 6)

Dedicate significant time to meticulously writing and refining your Ph.D. thesis. Seek regular feedback from your supervisor and peers. Practice presenting your research findings concisely and confidently, anticipating questions for the final viva-voce examination.

Tools & Resources

Grammarly/QuillBot for language refinement, Presentation software, Mock viva sessions

Career Connection

A well-written and confidently defended thesis is the pinnacle of your Ph.D. journey, opening doors to research grants, academic positions, and expert roles.

Build a Professional Digital Presence- (Year 3 onwards)

Create and maintain a professional online profile showcasing your research, publications, and expertise. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate to connect with peers, potential collaborators, and employers in the architectural technology domain.

Tools & Resources

LinkedIn, Google Scholar Profile, ResearchGate, Personal academic website

Career Connection

A strong digital presence is crucial for networking, attracting research opportunities, and making yourself discoverable for academic and industry positions post-Ph.D.

Explore Post-Doctoral and Career Opportunities- (Year 4 onwards)

Actively research and apply for post-doctoral fellowships, research associate positions, or academic roles. Network with faculty members, mentors, and industry leaders to explore career paths aligning with your specialization in architectural technology, focusing on opportunities within India and abroad.

Tools & Resources

University career services, Professional associations (e.g., COA), Job portals for academia/research

Career Connection

Proactive career planning and networking during the advanced stage ensure a smooth transition into a successful academic or research career upon completion of your Ph.D.

Program Structure and Curriculum

Eligibility:

  • Master''''s degree in Architecture, Planning, Design, or equivalent with at least 50% aggregate marks (or 5.5 CGPA on a 10-point scale) for General/OBC candidates, and 45% (or 5.0 CGPA) for SC/ST/Category-I candidates. For candidates with a Bachelor''''s degree (B.Arch/B.Plan/B.Des), a minimum of 70% aggregate marks (or 7.75 CGPA on a 10-point scale) is required.

Duration: Minimum 3 years (full-time) / 4 years (part-time) to Maximum 6 years (full-time) / 7 years (part-time). Coursework typically completed within the first year (2 semesters).

Credits: Minimum 16 credits for candidates with M.Arch/M.Plan/M.Des background; Minimum 24 credits for candidates with B.Arch/B.Plan/B.Des background (for coursework component) Credits

Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%

Semester-wise Curriculum Table

Semester phase

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
23PHDRM101Research Methodology and IPRCore (Mandatory)4Introduction to Research Methodology, Research Problem Formulation and Review, Research Design and Data Collection, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Research Report Writing and Ethics, Intellectual Property Rights
23PHDAA102Advanced Topics in ArchitectureCore (Mandatory for Architecture Ph.D.)4Contemporary Architectural Theories and Discourse, Sustainable Architecture and Environmental Design, Digital Tools and Fabrication in Architecture, Urbanism and Regional Planning Contexts, Architectural Heritage and Conservation, Building Technology and Smart Materials
Specialization Elective 1 (Architectural Technology Focus)Elective4Advanced Building Systems, Sustainable Building Materials, Computational Design for Architecture, Performance-Based Design, Construction Robotics, Smart Building Technologies
Specialization Elective 2 (Architectural Technology Focus)Elective4Building Information Modeling (BIM) for Performance, Advanced HVAC Systems Design, Energy Efficiency in Buildings, Resilient Architecture, Innovative Structural Systems, Lifecycle Assessment of Buildings
Specialization Elective 3 (Architectural Technology Focus)Elective4Acoustics and Lighting Design, Facade Engineering and Cladding Systems, Modular and Prefabricated Construction, Data-Driven Design for Buildings, Post-Occupancy Evaluation, Adaptive Reuse Technologies
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