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M-ARCH in Habitat Design at BMS School of Architecture
Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Habitat Design at BMS School of Architecture Bengaluru?
This Habitat Design program at BMS School of Architecture focuses on crafting sustainable, resilient, and human-centric built environments. It addresses critical issues like climate change, urbanization, and resource scarcity, highly relevant in India''''s rapidly developing urban and rural landscapes. The program differentiates itself by integrating ecological principles with advanced architectural and planning techniques, preparing professionals for India''''s evolving green building and smart city initiatives.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for architecture graduates (B.Arch) seeking advanced knowledge in sustainable design and urban planning. It caters to fresh graduates aspiring to specialize in eco-friendly urban development, as well as working professionals like architects, urban planners, and environmental consultants looking to upskill in habitat management. Candidates with a strong interest in environmental sustainability, social equity, and community-centric design will find this program rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as Urban Designers, Sustainability Consultants, Housing Policy Analysts, Heritage Conservationists, or specialized architects for green buildings. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 lakhs per annum, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities exist in government bodies, private architecture firms, real estate developers, NGOs, and research institutions focused on sustainable development and smart cities.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research & Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to understanding research methodologies and critical analysis from Semester 1. Actively participate in seminars, read academic journals, and practice literature reviews. This forms the bedrock for your dissertation and critical thinking in design.
Tools & Resources
VTU e-resources, J-STOR, Google Scholar, Reference Management Software (e.g., Zotero)
Career Connection
Strong research skills are crucial for roles in policy analysis, urban research, and project documentation, enhancing your ability to contribute to evidence-based design solutions.
Build a Foundational Design Portfolio- (Semester 1-2)
Consistently refine your design studio work, focusing on clarity, innovation, and sustainable principles. Document your process, from conceptual sketches to final renders. Seek peer and faculty feedback regularly to improve.
Tools & Resources
AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, Adobe Suite (Photoshop, InDesign), physical model making
Career Connection
A robust design portfolio is your primary tool for securing internships and jobs in architectural and urban design firms, showcasing your practical skills and design thinking.
Engage with Climate & Ecology Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Deeply engage with subjects like Climate and Energy in Habitat Design and Urban Ecology. Attend workshops on green building techniques and passive design strategies. Start a personal library of relevant case studies from India.
Tools & Resources
IGBC/GRIHA handbooks, EnergyPlus tutorials, local climate data portals, eco-friendly material databases
Career Connection
Expertise in sustainable design is highly sought after in India''''s green building sector, leading to roles as sustainability consultants or specialized green architects.
Intermediate Stage
Develop Specialized Software Proficiency- (Semester 3)
Beyond basic CAD, aim to achieve proficiency in advanced simulation tools for energy, daylighting, and urban planning (e.g., Revit, GIS). Undertake mini-projects using these tools to apply theoretical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Revit, ArcGIS/QGIS, Grasshopper (Rhino), simulation software like Ecotect/Vasari
Career Connection
Advanced software skills make you a more competitive candidate for specialized roles in urban analytics, smart city planning, and building performance analysis, offering higher earning potential.
Participate in Design Competitions & Workshops- (Semester 3)
Actively seek and participate in national or international design competitions, especially those focused on sustainable habitats, housing, or urban challenges. This provides practical experience and networking opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Ethos India, Council of Architecture (COA) competitions, industry body workshops
Career Connection
Competition participation enhances your profile, demonstrates initiative, and helps build a network, often leading to internships or direct employment with reputable firms.
Network with Industry Professionals- (Semester 3)
Attend industry seminars, conferences, and guest lectures organized by the department. Connect with visiting professionals on LinkedIn and seek informational interviews to understand current industry trends and career paths.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Architects Association events, Urban Planners forums
Career Connection
Networking is vital for discovering hidden job opportunities, mentorship, and gaining insights into industry expectations, significantly impacting your placement prospects.
Advanced Stage
Strategize Your Dissertation/Thesis- (Semester 4)
Start planning your dissertation topic early, aligning it with your career aspirations or a current industry problem in India. Choose a topic that allows you to demonstrate your unique skills and contribute original research.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, Research papers, Urban Development Reports (Indian context)
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation can be a powerful showcase of your expertise, potentially leading to research roles or demonstrating your capability to address complex problems for employers.
Leverage Internship for Specialization- (Semester 4)
Select an internship that directly aligns with your desired specialization (e.g., sustainable housing, urban regeneration). Seek out hands-on project experience and actively contribute, aiming for a strong letter of recommendation.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, industry contacts, professional job boards
Career Connection
A targeted internship often translates into a pre-placement offer or provides invaluable industry experience, making you highly employable in your niche upon graduation.
Prepare for Professional Licensure/Certifications- (Semester 4)
While pursuing your M.Arch, stay informed about the requirements for Council of Architecture (COA) registration or any relevant green building certifications (e.g., IGBC AP, LEED GA). Start preparing for these alongside your coursework.
Tools & Resources
COA website, IGBC/GRIHA/LEED study materials, online certification courses
Career Connection
Obtaining professional certifications boosts your credibility and opens doors to more senior roles and projects, especially in regulatory or green-rated projects within the Indian market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Arch. Degree examination of VTU or any other recognized university, adhering to AICTE/COA norms.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 84 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MHA101 | Research Methodologies | Core | 4 | Nature of Research and Scientific Method, Formulating Research Problem and Design, Data Collection and Measurement, Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Research Report Writing |
| MHA102 | History and Theory of Habitat Design | Core | 4 | Evolution of Human Settlements, Pre-Industrial Urban Forms, Industrial Revolution and Urbanization, Modern Urban Theories and Movements, Contemporary Urban Development, Indian Habitat Design Context |
| MHA103 | Habitat Design Studio – I | Core | 8 | Site Analysis and Contextual Response, Formulation of Design Brief, Conceptual Design Development, Spatial Organization and Planning, Material and Construction Integration, Presentation Techniques |
| MHA104 | Climate and Energy in Habitat Design | Core | 4 | Climate Elements and Design Principles, Passive Solar Design Strategies, Thermal Comfort and Building Envelope, Energy Efficient Building Materials, Renewable Energy Systems for Buildings, Daylighting and Artificial Lighting |
| MHA105 | Socio-cultural Aspects of Habitat | Core | 4 | Culture, Society and Built Environment, Social Equity and Justice in Planning, Community Participation and Empowerment, Gender and Space, Housing and Livelihoods, Urban Poverty and Slums |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MHA201 | Sustainable Site Planning and Infrastructure | Core | 4 | Principles of Sustainable Site Planning, Landform and Topography Analysis, Water Management and Conservation, Waste Management Systems, Green Infrastructure and Mobility, Site Planning Regulations |
| MHA202 | Building Science and Technology in Habitat Design | Core | 4 | Building Systems and Performance, Advanced Construction Materials, Structural Systems for Habitats, Building Automation and Smart Systems, Acoustics and Noise Control, Fire Safety and Building Codes |
| MHA203 | Habitat Design Studio – II | Core | 8 | Complex Site Analysis, Program Development and Zoning, Advanced Design Ideation, Integration of Building Systems, Detailed Design Development, Sustainable Design Solutions |
| MHA204 | Urban Ecology and Landscape Planning | Core | 4 | Ecosystems and Urbanization, Biodiversity in Urban Areas, Ecological Planning Principles, Landscape Design for Habitats, Green Spaces and Health, Urban Agriculture |
| MHA205 | Elective – I (Any one from below) | Elective | 4 | Universal Design, Disaster Management & Mitigation Strategies, Contemporary Planning Theories, Green Building Design and Rating, Urban Economics and Finance, GIS and Remote Sensing for Habitat Planning |
| MHA251 | Universal Design | Elective | 4 | Principles of Universal Design, Accessibility Standards and Codes, Inclusive Environments, Design for Different Abilities, Ergonomics and User Experience, Policy and Implementation |
| MHA252 | Disaster Management & Mitigation Strategies | Elective | 4 | Types of Disasters and Impacts, Disaster Risk Assessment, Pre-Disaster Planning, Post-Disaster Reconstruction, Resilient Habitat Design, Policy and Governance |
| MHA253 | Contemporary Planning Theories | Elective | 4 | Rational Comprehensive Planning, Incrementalism and Advocacy Planning, Communicative and Collaborative Planning, Postmodern and Critical Planning, New Urbanism and Smart Growth, Theories of Urban Governance |
| MHA254 | Green Building Design and Rating | Elective | 4 | Concepts of Green Buildings, Sustainable Site Selection, Energy Efficiency Measures, Water Conservation Strategies, Materials and Resources, IGBC, LEED, GRIHA Rating Systems |
| MHA255 | Urban Economics and Finance | Elective | 4 | Urban Economic Theories, Land Markets and Property Valuation, Housing Economics, Urban Infrastructure Finance, Public-Private Partnerships, Fiscal Policies for Urban Development |
| MHA256 | GIS and Remote Sensing for Habitat Planning | Elective | 4 | Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing, Geospatial Data Models, Data Acquisition and Processing, Spatial Analysis Techniques, GIS Applications in Urban Planning, Remote Sensing for Land Use Mapping |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MHA301 | Human Settlements and Housing | Core | 4 | Theories of Human Settlements, Housing Typologies and Forms, Affordable Housing Strategies, Housing Policies and Programs in India, Slum Redevelopment and Upgradation, Housing Finance and Governance |
| MHA302 | Conservation and Heritage Management | Core | 4 | Concepts of Heritage and Conservation, Cultural Landscapes and Heritage Sites, Conservation Principles and Charters, Heritage Management Strategies, Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Buildings, Legal Framework for Heritage Protection |
| MHA303 | Dissertation | Project | 8 | Problem Identification and Literature Review, Research Methodology Formulation, Data Collection and Analysis, Developing Design Propositions, Report Writing and Presentation, Critical Evaluation and Conclusions |
| MHA304 | Seminar | Core | 4 | Literature Review and Research Topics, Presentation Skills and Public Speaking, Critical Thinking and Discussion, Academic Writing Techniques, Peer Review and Feedback, Specialized Research Areas in Habitat Design |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MHA401 | Internship | Internship | 8 | Professional Practice Exposure, Application of Theoretical Knowledge, Real-world Project Involvement, Industry Networking, Report Writing on Internship Experience, Professional Ethics and Conduct |
| MHA402 | Project / Thesis | Project | 8 | Independent Research and Design, Advanced Problem Solving, Innovative Design Solutions, Comprehensive Documentation, Oral Defense and Presentation, Contribution to Knowledge |
