
M-ARCH in Architecture Planning at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee


Haridwar, Uttarakhand
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About the Specialization
What is Architecture & Planning at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee Haridwar?
This Architecture & Planning program at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee focuses on advanced architectural design, urban planning, and sustainable development. It prepares professionals to address complex challenges in the built environment, crucial for India''''s rapidly urbanizing landscape and infrastructure growth. The program emphasizes integrated design thinking and research-driven solutions, aligning with national development goals.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor of Architecture graduates seeking to specialize in urban design, sustainable practices, or heritage conservation. It also suits working professionals in architecture and planning looking to enhance their analytical and design skills, or individuals aiming for research and academic careers in the Indian context, contributing to smart city initiatives and national planning efforts.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding careers as urban designers, conservation architects, city planners, and sustainability consultants in India. Entry-level salaries range from INR 6-10 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities exist in government bodies like Smart Cities Mission, private consultancies, and research organizations, aligning with India''''s infrastructure boom and policy push.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research and Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding research methodologies and analytical techniques introduced in early courses. Actively participate in seminars, critically review case studies, and practice data interpretation for architectural and planning challenges, particularly relevant to India''''s diverse built environment.
Tools & Resources
Jstor, Scopus, Mendeley for referencing, QGIS/ArcGIS for spatial data analysis, Academic writing workshops, IIT Roorkee library resources
Career Connection
Strong research foundations are essential for evidence-based design, policy formulation, and academic pursuits, highly valued in urban planning and research roles in India.
Engage Actively in Design Studios- (Semester 1-2)
Treat studio projects as real-world simulations, applying theoretical knowledge to practical Indian urban contexts. Go beyond basic requirements, experiment with innovative design concepts for cities and communities, and seek critical feedback from faculty and peers. Document design process and iterations meticulously.
Tools & Resources
AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino/Grasshopper, Adobe Creative Suite for presentations, Physical model-making labs, Case studies of Indian urban projects
Career Connection
Develops a robust portfolio, critical thinking, problem-solving, and presentation skills crucial for architectural and urban design positions across India.
Build Foundational Knowledge in Planning Theories- (Semester 1-2)
Deeply understand core theories of urbanism, planning, and architectural discourse, with a special emphasis on their application and challenges within the Indian context. Form study groups to discuss complex concepts and attend guest lectures and departmental events featuring Indian practitioners.
Tools & Resources
Recommended textbooks on urban planning, Academic journals, Departmental lecture series, Online resources specific to Indian urban development policies
Career Connection
Provides the intellectual framework to understand India''''s urban complexities and articulate informed design and policy decisions, a core skill for future planners.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize through Electives and Research Part I- (Semester 3)
Strategically choose electives that align with your career interests (e.g., conservation, smart cities, housing). For Master''''s Thesis Part I, clearly define your research problem relevant to Indian urban challenges and establish a robust methodology.
Tools & Resources
Departmental faculty mentors, Advanced GIS/Remote Sensing software, Statistical packages (R/Python for data analysis), Specialized workshops
Career Connection
Develops expertise in a niche area, making you a more attractive candidate for specialized roles in urban planning, heritage, or sustainable development.
Seek Industry Internships and Workshops- (Semester 3)
Actively pursue internships with leading architectural firms, urban development authorities, or NGOs in India during breaks or part-time. Attend workshops on advanced software or emerging planning technologies to gain practical exposure.
Tools & Resources
Career development cell, Industry networks, LinkedIn, Professional associations like Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) or Institute of Town Planners India (ITPI)
Career Connection
Builds professional networks, gains real-world project experience, and can often lead to pre-placement offers in Indian companies.
Develop Advanced Data Analytics and Visualization- (Semester 3)
Focus on mastering tools for spatial data analysis (GIS), data visualization, and simulation to enhance planning and design proposals. Apply these skills in studio projects and your thesis research for more impactful presentations.
Tools & Resources
Advanced ArcGIS/QGIS, Google Earth Engine, SketchUp/Rhino + V-Ray/Lumion, Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop for professional presentations
Career Connection
Highly sought-after skills for roles in urban analytics, smart city development, and data-driven design in India.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Master''''s Thesis Part II for Impact- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to your Master''''s Thesis Part II, ensuring rigorous data analysis, clear articulation of findings, and impactful recommendations. Aim for publishable quality and practice your defense presentation thoroughly.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software, Academic writing support, Presentation software (PowerPoint/Keynote), Mock thesis defense sessions with faculty
Career Connection
A well-executed thesis can be a strong differentiator in job applications, demonstrate research capability, and contribute to academic or policy-making careers.
Prepare for Placements and Professional Practice- (Semester 4)
Actively engage with the institute''''s placement cell. Refine your resume and portfolio, focusing on your M.Arch projects and specialized skills. Practice interview techniques and understand professional ethics and legal aspects of practice in India.
Tools & Resources
Placement cell guidance, Mock interviews, Networking events, Portfolio workshops, Legal frameworks for architectural/planning practice in India
Career Connection
Directly leads to successful placements in reputable firms, government organizations, and consultancies across India.
Network with Industry Leaders and Alumni- (Semester 4)
Leverage IIT Roorkee''''s strong alumni network and participate in professional conferences and seminars. Connect with industry leaders in architecture and planning to explore career opportunities and gain insights into current trends in India''''s built environment.
Tools & Resources
Alumni portal, LinkedIn, Professional body events (IIA, ITPI conferences), Guest lecture series, Departmental networking events
Career Connection
Opens doors to mentorship, internships, job opportunities, and future collaborations, providing a significant advantage in the competitive Indian market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor of Architecture degree or equivalent from a recognized university/institute with minimum qualifying marks/CPI, and a valid GATE score in Architecture & Planning (AR) or another relevant discipline as per institute criteria. Specific cutoffs and requirements are detailed in the institute''''s admission brochure.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 69 Credits
Assessment: Internal: As per Institute academic regulations (typically continuous internal evaluation like quizzes, assignments, mid-semester exams), External: As per Institute academic regulations (typically end-semester examinations)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR-501 | Research Methods in Architecture and Planning | Core | 3 | Research design and formulation of research questions, Data collection techniques: surveys, interviews, observation, Qualitative research methods and analysis, Quantitative research methods and statistical analysis, Academic writing, thesis structuring, and referencing |
| AR-503 | Theories of Architecture and Planning | Core | 3 | Key theories in modern and post-modern architecture, Contemporary urbanism and planning paradigms, Critical discourse on urban space and form, Influence of socio-political contexts on built environment theories, Conceptual frameworks in architectural and urban design |
| AR-505 | Advanced Urban Design Studio | Core / Studio | 6 | Urban morphology and spatial analysis techniques, Principles of public realm and streetscape design, Master planning strategies for urban areas, Urban regeneration and brownfield development, Design interventions for sustainable urban environments |
| AR-507 | Building Information Modeling (BIM) | Elective | 3 | Introduction to BIM concepts and methodologies, BIM software platforms and applications (e.g., Revit), Parametric design and generative modeling, BIM for construction documentation and collaboration, Facility management integration with BIM |
| AR-E1X | Elective I (e.g., Digital Fabrication in Architecture) | Elective | 3 | Computational design strategies and tools, Digital modeling and prototyping techniques, Robotics and automation in construction, Additive manufacturing (3D printing) for architectural elements, Material exploration and digital workflows |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR-502 | Sustainable Architecture and Climate Responsive Design | Core | 3 | Concepts of green buildings and sustainable design, Energy efficiency strategies in built environments, Passive design principles (solar, wind, daylighting), Climate analysis and site-specific design solutions, Green building certification systems (e.g., LEED, GRIHA) |
| AR-504 | Housing and Community Planning | Core | 3 | National and international housing policies and programs, Affordable housing models and strategies, Community participation in housing development, Planning for informal settlements and slum rehabilitation, Housing finance, economics, and legal frameworks |
| AR-506 | Regional Planning and Development | Core | 3 | Theories and models of regional development, Techniques of regional analysis and assessment, Spatial planning approaches for balanced regional growth, Infrastructure planning and connectivity at regional scale, Rural-urban linkages and regional governance structures |
| AR-508 | Urban Planning Studio | Core / Studio | 6 | Urban surveys, data collection, and analysis, Principles of land use planning and zoning, Development control regulations and planning standards, Preparation of master plans, zonal plans, and local area plans, Implementation strategies and public-private partnerships in planning |
| AR-E2X | Elective II (e.g., Smart Cities and Infrastructure) | Elective | 3 | Smart city concepts, strategies, and global case studies, Integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in urban systems, Intelligent infrastructure development (transport, energy, water), Data analytics and IoT for urban management, Challenges and opportunities in smart city implementation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR-601 | Conservation of Built Heritage | Core | 3 | Definitions and principles of heritage conservation, International charters and guidelines for heritage management, Documentation techniques for historic buildings and sites, Material conservation, repair, and restoration methods, Adaptive reuse strategies for heritage structures |
| AR-603 | GIS and Remote Sensing in Planning | Core | 3 | Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Spatial data acquisition, management, and analysis, Introduction to remote sensing principles and image interpretation, Applications of GIS and Remote Sensing in urban and regional planning, Digital cartography and spatial database creation |
| AR-605 | Master''''s Thesis Part I (Dissertation) | Project | 6 | Detailed literature review and identification of research gaps, Formulation of precise research questions and objectives, Development of robust research methodology and design, Planning for data collection, pilot studies, and ethical considerations, Preliminary analysis of data and initial findings |
| AR-E3X | Elective III (e.g., Landscape Urbanism) | Elective | 3 | Ecological design principles and green infrastructure, Role of landscape in shaping urban form and experience, Water sensitive urban design and stormwater management, Biodiversity conservation and urban ecology, Public space design and community engagement through landscape |
| AR-E4X | Elective IV (e.g., Real Estate Development and Finance) | Elective | 3 | Real estate market analysis and forecasting, Property valuation techniques and investment appraisal, Feasibility studies for development projects, Sources of finance for real estate projects, Legal and regulatory aspects of real estate development |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR-602 | Master''''s Thesis Part II (Dissertation) | Project | 12 | In-depth data analysis and interpretation of results, Development of comprehensive findings and conclusions, Formulation of recommendations and future research directions, Final thesis report writing and submission guidelines, Oral defense and presentation of research work |
| AR-604 | Professional Practice and Ethics | Core | 3 | Professional conduct, ethics, and responsibilities in practice, Project management techniques and contract administration, Legal aspects of architectural and planning practice in India, Role of professional bodies like COA and ITPI, Business development, consultancy, and firm management |




