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B-ARCH in General at College of Engineering Trivandrum
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is General at College of Engineering Trivandrum Thiruvananthapuram?
This Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) program at College of Engineering Trivandrum focuses on holistic architectural education, blending design creativity with technical knowledge. It addresses the evolving demands of the Indian built environment, emphasizing sustainable practices, contextual design, and community-centric approaches. The program aims to nurture skilled architects capable of shaping India''''s urban and rural landscapes with innovative and responsible solutions.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative high school graduates with a strong aptitude for design, problem-solving, and a keen interest in shaping the built environment. It also attracts individuals passionate about sustainable development, cultural heritage, and community engagement, seeking a rigorous academic foundation to become licensed architects in India. Prior exposure to art, sketching, or basic physics/math concepts is beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as design architects, urban planners, conservation architects, landscape architects, or project managers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience to INR 10-20+ LPA for senior roles. The curriculum prepares students for COA registration and professional practice, aligning with the industry''''s demand for versatile and ethical practitioners.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate Strong Design Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering basic design principles (elements, composition, color, form, space) through rigorous sketching, model making, and visual arts exercises. Actively participate in design critiques, learning to articulate and defend design choices while absorbing feedback.
Tools & Resources
Sketchbooks, Architectural model-making tools, Reference books on design theory, Peer study groups, Online tutorials on basic graphic software
Career Connection
Builds the core visual and spatial intelligence essential for all architectural roles, fostering creativity and critical thinking vital for future design studios and problem-solving.
Develop Robust Technical Drawing & Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Consistently practice architectural graphics, including orthographic, isometric, and perspective drawings. Understand and apply architectural conventions, scales, and lettering. Learn to visually communicate design ideas clearly and accurately, both manually and digitally.
Tools & Resources
Drafting instruments, AutoCAD, SketchUp for basic modeling, Architectural drawing handbooks, Online courses for CAD fundamentals
Career Connection
Forms the backbone of architectural documentation, making students proficient in producing professional drawings and presentations, a prerequisite for any architectural firm.
Embrace Interdisciplinary Learning & Historical Context- (Semester 1-2)
Engage with subjects like Building Materials, Construction, History of Architecture, and Mathematics. Understand how these foundational disciplines inform design decisions. Actively research and present on historical precedents, analyzing their relevance to contemporary challenges.
Tools & Resources
Architectural history texts, Material sample libraries, Site visits (virtual or physical), Academic journals, Collaborative projects with peers focusing on integrating different subject learnings
Career Connection
Provides a comprehensive understanding of the profession, enabling architects to design contextually appropriate, structurally sound, and historically informed buildings, valued skills in a diverse built environment.
Intermediate Stage
Dive Deep into Design Studio Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Approach design studio projects with intense dedication, integrating knowledge from structures, materials, climate, and history. Conduct thorough site analysis, program development, and iterative design exploration. Seek opportunities for external design competitions or workshops.
Tools & Resources
Advanced CAD/BIM software (Revit, ArchiCAD), Rendering engines (V-Ray, Lumion), Physical models, Case study research databases, Mentorship from senior students/faculty
Career Connection
Design studios are the core of architectural education; strong performance here directly correlates to a robust portfolio, which is crucial for internships and entry-level positions in design firms.
Master Building Technology & Structural Principles- (Semester 3-5)
Gain practical expertise in various building materials and construction techniques (RCC, steel, etc.) through detailed drawings, site visits, and material studies. Develop a strong grasp of structural mechanics, applying theoretical knowledge to design studio projects to ensure structural integrity and efficiency.
Tools & Resources
Structural design software (SAP2000 for basic analysis), Construction detail handbooks, Visits to construction sites, Material testing labs (if available)
Career Connection
Essential for practical application in the field, ensuring designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also buildable, safe, and cost-effective, which is highly sought after by employers.
Engage with Environmental and Urban Contexts- (Semester 3-5)
Actively incorporate principles of sustainable design, climate-responsive architecture, and landscape architecture into projects. Understand urban planning concepts and how buildings interact with their urban fabric. Participate in urban studies or conservation workshops.
Tools & Resources
Energy simulation software (e.g., EnergyPlus, Climate Consultant), GIS mapping tools, Urban planning guidelines, Public lectures/seminars on urbanism and sustainability
Career Connection
Prepares students for roles in green building design, urban planning, and responsible development, addressing critical issues like climate change and rapid urbanization in India.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Comprehensive Practical Training (Internship)- (Semester 8)
Maximize learning during the compulsory 8th-semester internship by actively participating in all aspects of office work, from design development and working drawings to client meetings and site visits. Take initiative, ask questions, and build professional networks.
Tools & Resources
Industry-standard BIM/CAD software, Project management tools, Professional networking platforms (LinkedIn), Mentorship from senior architects in the firm
Career Connection
Provides invaluable real-world experience, making students highly employable. A strong internship performance often leads to pre-placement offers or excellent recommendations, accelerating career entry.
Excel in Architectural Design Thesis/Urban Design Thesis- (Semester 9-10)
Choose a challenging thesis topic, conduct thorough research, and develop an innovative, comprehensive design solution. Demonstrate advanced analytical, design, and presentation skills. Aim for a publishable-quality project that reflects personal design philosophy and professional readiness.
Tools & Resources
Advanced design and visualization software, Academic databases for research, Thesis supervisors, Peer review groups, Professional presentation techniques
Career Connection
The thesis is the pinnacle of architectural education and a primary portfolio piece. An outstanding thesis can open doors to postgraduate studies, specialized roles, or even starting one''''s own practice.
Prepare for Professional Practice & Licensure- (Semester 9-10)
Thoroughly study subjects like Professional Practice, Project Management, and Building Economics. Understand legal aspects, ethical responsibilities, and financial realities of architectural practice in India. Begin preparing for Council of Architecture (COA) registration requirements.
Tools & Resources
COA guidelines, Professional practice handbooks, Industry seminars, Networking with practicing architects, Workshops on contract management and financial planning
Career Connection
Equips graduates with the necessary knowledge to confidently enter the profession, understand their legal and ethical obligations, manage projects effectively, and eventually establish independent practice in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in Higher Secondary Examination (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects or any other examination recognised as equivalent by APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, with 50% marks in Mathematics and 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics put together. Also, the candidate should have qualified NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) conducted by CoA.
Duration: 10 semesters (5 years)
Credits: 220 Credits
Assessment: Internal: Varies by subject type (e.g., 40% for theory, higher for studio/practical), External: Varies by subject type (e.g., 60% for theory, lower for studio/practical)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR101 | Basic Design & Visual Arts-I | Core (Studio) | 5 | Elements of Design, Principles of Design, Visual Composition, Color Theory, Art History Fundamentals |
| AR103 | Building Materials & Construction-I | Core (Theory + Practical) | 4 | Stone, Clay Products, Cement, Mortar, Concrete, Timber, Aggregates |
| AR105 | History of Architecture-I | Core (Theory) | 3 | Pre-Historic Architecture, Ancient River Valley Civilizations, Egyptian Architecture, West Asian Architecture, Minoan-Mycenaean Architecture |
| AR107 | Architectural Graphics-I | Core (Studio) | 4 | Drawing Instruments, Orthographic Projections, Isometric Projections, Perspective Drawing, Architectural Lettering, Scales |
| MA101 | Engineering Mathematics I | Core (Theory) | 4 | Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Matrices, Vector Calculus, Ordinary Differential Equations |
| HU101 | Life Skills | Core (Theory) | 3 | Self-Awareness, Communication Skills, Leadership, Professional Ethics, Stress Management |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR102 | Basic Design & Visual Arts-II | Core (Studio) | 5 | Design Principles, Form & Space, Order in Architecture, Modular Co-ordination, Visual Communication |
| AR104 | Building Materials & Construction-II | Core (Theory + Practical) | 4 | Glass, Plastics, Metals, Paints, Varnishes, Damp Proofing |
| AR106 | History of Architecture-II | Core (Theory) | 3 | Classical Greek Architecture, Roman Architecture, Early Christian & Byzantine Architecture, Romanesque Architecture, Gothic Architecture |
| AR108 | Architectural Graphics-II | Core (Studio) | 4 | Building Drawing Conventions, Sections, Elevations, Architectural Plans, Site Plans, Measured Drawing |
| AR112 | Architectural Appreciation | Core (Theory) | 3 | Perception & Experience of Architecture, Elements of Architecture, Qualities of Space, Architectural Criticism, Modern Architectural Movements |
| CE100 | Engineering Mechanics | Core (Theory) | 4 | Force Systems, Equilibrium of Rigid Bodies, Friction, Centroid and Moment of Inertia, Kinematics of Particles, Work-Energy Principle |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR201 | Architectural Design-I | Core (Studio) | 7 | Design Process, Site Analysis, Program Development, Spatial Organisation, Anthropometrics, Climatic Considerations |
| AR203 | Building Materials & Construction-III | Core (Theory + Practical) | 4 | Masonry, Arches, Lintels, Roofing Materials, Carpentry, Joinery |
| AR205 | History of Architecture-III | Core (Theory) | 3 | Indian Architecture (Early Civilizations, Buddhist, Hindu, Jain), Islamic Architecture (India), Mughal Architecture, Colonial Influence |
| AR207 | Theory of Structures-I | Core (Theory) | 3 | Stress, Strain, Elasticity, Bending Moment, Shear Force, Simple Stresses in Beams |
| AR209 | Surveying & Leveling | Core (Practical) | 2 | Chain Surveying, Compass Surveying, Plane Table Surveying, Leveling Instruments, Contour Mapping |
| HS200 | Business Economics | Core (Theory) | 3 | Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Market Structures, Demand & Supply, Inflation, Monetary Policy |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR202 | Architectural Design-II | Core (Studio) | 7 | Residential Design, Small Scale Public Buildings, Site Planning, Contextual Design, Materials and Detailing, Building Codes |
| AR204 | Building Materials & Construction-IV | Core (Theory + Practical) | 4 | Concrete (RCC), Formwork, Pre-stressed Concrete, Shell Structures, Space Frames, Composite Materials |
| AR206 | History of Architecture-IV | Core (Theory) | 3 | European Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo Architecture, Colonial Architecture, Industrial Revolution, Early Modernism |
| AR208 | Theory of Structures-II | Core (Theory) | 3 | Bending Stress in Beams, Shear Stress in Beams, Torsion, Columns & Struts, Thin Cylinders, Introduction to Trusses |
| AR210 | Climate & Architecture | Core (Theory) | 3 | Climatic Zones, Solar Radiation, Wind Patterns, Thermal Comfort, Passive Design Strategies, Bioclimatic Design |
| AR212 | Computer Applications in Architecture | Core (Practical) | 2 | CAD Software (AutoCAD), 2D Drafting, 3D Modeling (SketchUp/Rhino), Digital Rendering, Presentation Graphics, BIM Introduction |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR301 | Architectural Design-III | Core (Studio) | 7 | Institutional Buildings, Urban Context, Sustainability, Building Regulations, Universal Design, Complex Programming |
| AR303 | Building Materials & Construction-V | Core (Theory + Practical) | 4 | Steel Structures, Trusses, Cable Structures, Prefabricated Construction, High-Rise Construction, Lightweight Materials |
| AR305 | History of Architecture-V | Core (Theory) | 3 | Modern Architecture (early 20th C), International Style, Post-Modernism, Deconstructivism, Regionalism, Contemporary Trends |
| AR307 | Theory of Structures-III | Core (Theory) | 3 | Concrete Technology, Design of RC Beams, Slabs, Columns, Foundations (RCC), Load Bearing Walls |
| AR309 | Landscape Architecture | Core (Theory) | 3 | Principles of Landscape Design, Site Ecology, Hardscaping, Softscaping, Urban Green Spaces, Water Features |
| AR311 | Art & Architecture Appreciation | Core (Theory) | 3 | Interrelationship of Arts, Aesthetics in Architecture, Visual Arts, Sculpture, Painting, Music and Architecture |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR302 | Architectural Design-IV | Core (Studio) | 7 | Public Buildings, Urban Design Intervention, Advanced Programming, Site Development, Public Realm, Sustainable Design Integration |
| AR304 | Building Services-I | Core (Theory) | 3 | Water Supply Systems, Drainage Systems, Sanitation, Rainwater Harvesting, Solid Waste Management, Plumbing Standards |
| AR306 | Specifications & Estimation | Core (Theory) | 3 | Types of Specifications, Measurement of Quantities, Rate Analysis, Estimation Methods, Tendering, Contract Documents |
| AR308 | Theory of Structures-IV | Core (Theory) | 3 | Steel Design (Connections, Members), Trusses, Industrial Buildings (Steel), Load Calculations, Stability of Structures, Plate Girders |
| AR310 | Sustainable Architecture | Core (Theory) | 3 | Green Building Concepts, Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Material Life Cycle, Rating Systems (GRIHA, LEED), Net-Zero Buildings |
| AR361 | Vernacular Architecture | Elective (Theory) | 3 | Traditional Building Techniques, Indigenous Materials, Regional Adaptations, Climatic Responses, Cultural Influences, Sustainability Lessons |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR401 | Architectural Design-V (Thesis Preparatory) | Core (Studio) | 7 | Complex Building Types, Urban Revitalization, Research Methodologies, Site Selection, Program Generation, Thesis Proposal Development |
| AR403 | Building Services-II | Core (Theory) | 3 | Electrical Systems, Lighting Design, HVAC Systems, Acoustics, Fire Safety, Vertical Transportation |
| AR405 | Urban Planning & Design | Core (Theory) | 3 | Urbanization, City Planning Theories, Land Use Zoning, Transportation, Public Spaces, Sustainability in Urban Design |
| AR407 | Project Management & Construction | Core (Theory) | 3 | Project Life Cycle, CPM/PERT, Resource Management, Quality Control, Safety Management, Contracts and Tendering |
| AR461 | Interior Design | Elective (Theory) | 3 | Interior Elements, Space Planning, Furniture Design, Lighting in Interiors, Material Finishes, Ergonomics in Design |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR402 | Practical Training (Internship) | Core (Practical) | 16 | Real-world Project Exposure, Office Procedures, Site Supervision, Design Development, Client Interaction, Professional Ethics |
Semester 9
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR501 | Architectural Design Thesis | Core (Studio) | 16 | Comprehensive Design Project, Advanced Research, Detailed Design Development, Presentation Skills, Urban Integration, Sustainability Principles |
| AR503 | Professional Practice | Core (Theory) | 3 | Council of Architecture, Architect''''s Act, Scale of Fees, Tender Documents, Arbitration, Building Laws & Bye-Laws |
| AR505 | Research Methodology | Core (Theory) | 3 | Research Types, Data Collection, Qualitative/Quantitative Analysis, Literature Review, Report Writing, Ethical Considerations |
| AR561 | Housing | Elective (Theory) | 3 | Housing Typologies, Affordability, Planning Standards, Policy Frameworks, Urban Housing Challenges, Community Development |
Semester 10
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR502 | Urban Design Thesis | Core (Studio) | 16 | Large Scale Urban Intervention, Master Planning, Infrastructure Integration, Public Policy, Community Participation, Environmental Impact Assessment |
| AR504 | Building Economics & Cost Control | Core (Theory) | 3 | Cost Estimation, Life Cycle Costing, Valuation Principles, Financial Appraisal, Development Control, Market Analysis |
| AR506 | Disaster Mitigation & Management | Core (Theory) | 3 | Natural Hazards, Man-made Disasters, Vulnerability Assessment, Disaster Resistant Construction, Emergency Planning, Post-Disaster Reconstruction |
| AR562 | Advanced Landscape Design | Elective (Theory) | 3 | Ecological Design, Water Management, Planting Design, Sustainable Landscapes, Urban Ecology, Site Specific Interventions |
