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M-ARCH in Architectural Design at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Architectural Design at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This Architectural Design program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on developing advanced design capabilities and critical thinking for complex architectural and urban challenges. It integrates contemporary theories, sustainable practices, and cutting-edge technologies relevant to the evolving Indian construction and design industry, preparing graduates for leadership roles.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor of Architecture graduates aiming to deepen their design knowledge and research skills. It caters to aspiring architects seeking specialized expertise in areas like sustainable urbanism, conservation, and advanced building technologies. It also suits professionals desiring to elevate their practice and contribute to significant design projects.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in leading architectural firms, urban planning agencies, conservation organizations, and real estate development companies across India. Roles may include Senior Architect, Urban Designer, Conservation Architect, or Design Consultant, with potential starting salaries ranging from INR 5-8 LPA and significant growth trajectories.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Design Fundamentals and Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to understanding advanced design theories and architectural research methodologies. Engage actively in studio projects, focusing on contextual analysis and user-centric design. Develop strong conceptualization and presentation skills, and actively seek feedback from faculty and peers to refine your approach.
Tools & Resources
Rhino, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Architectural journals, Peer review groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation in design and research is crucial for tackling complex projects and forms the basis for all advanced architectural roles, ensuring you can articulate and defend design decisions effectively.
Embrace Climate-Responsive and Sustainable Design- (Semester 1-2)
Integrate principles of climate-responsive architecture and sustainable urbanism into all design studios. Explore passive strategies, material selection, and energy efficiency. Participate in workshops on green building certifications and sustainable technologies to gain practical knowledge and apply it to Indian contexts.
Tools & Resources
EnergyPlus, Grasshopper, Green building codes, IGBC/GRIHA resources
Career Connection
Sustainability is a growing demand in Indian architecture. Expertise in this area makes you highly marketable for eco-conscious firms and projects, aligning with national development goals.
Network and Engage with Professional Bodies- (Semester 1-2)
Attend webinars, seminars, and local chapters of professional bodies like the Council of Architecture (CoA) and Indian Institute of Architects (IIA). Network with practicing architects, academics, and alumni to gain insights into industry trends and potential career paths in India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, IIA local events, CoA student initiatives
Career Connection
Early networking can lead to mentorship, internship opportunities, and a better understanding of the professional landscape, providing a significant advantage in the job market.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize through Electives and Advanced Tools- (Semester 2-3)
Strategically choose electives that align with your career aspirations, whether in digital architecture, conservation, or urban planning. Become proficient in advanced software like BIM for integrated project delivery and collaborate on interdisciplinary projects to enhance your technical skill set.
Tools & Resources
Revit, ArchiCAD, Lumion, 3ds Max, Specialized workshops
Career Connection
Specialized skills and advanced software proficiency are key differentiators in the competitive Indian job market, opening doors to niche roles and higher-paying opportunities.
Undertake Industry-Relevant Design Challenges- (Semester 2-3)
Actively seek opportunities to work on live projects or participate in national design competitions, applying advanced architectural theories and urban design principles. Focus on developing innovative solutions for contemporary Indian urban and rural development challenges, preparing a strong portfolio.
Tools & Resources
Design competitions (e.g., FOAID, HUDCO), Industry collaborations
Career Connection
Practical experience on challenging projects enhances your portfolio and demonstrates problem-solving abilities, which are highly valued by architectural firms and clients in India.
Begin Dissertation Research and Planning- (Semester 3)
Start identifying a research topic early, aligned with your specialization and faculty expertise. Develop a robust research methodology and begin comprehensive literature reviews, laying a strong foundation for your dissertation. Seek guidance from supervisors regularly.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley, Zotero, Research databases, Faculty consultations
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation showcases your ability for independent research and critical thinking, which is essential for academic careers, advanced research roles, and strategic design positions.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation Execution and Presentation- (Semester 4)
Focus intensely on data collection, analysis, and the synthesis of your research findings into a high-quality dissertation. Refine your writing and visual presentation skills for the final submission and viva-voce, ensuring clarity and impact of your work.
Tools & Resources
Adobe InDesign, PowerPoint/Keynote, Presentation coaching
Career Connection
A compelling dissertation is a testament to your expertise and can significantly boost your academic profile or appeal to research-oriented design practices and policy-making bodies.
Build a Professional Portfolio and CV- (Semester 4)
Curate a professional portfolio showcasing your best design studio work, research projects, and specialized skills. Tailor your CV to highlight relevant experiences, software proficiencies, and project contributions, focusing on roles in architectural design and urban development.
Tools & Resources
Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Portfolio websites (Behance, Issuu)
Career Connection
A polished portfolio and targeted CV are indispensable for securing interviews and demonstrating your capabilities to potential employers in the competitive Indian architectural landscape.
Engage in Placement Preparation and Mock Interviews- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in career services workshops for interview preparation, group discussions, and aptitude tests. Practice mock interviews, focusing on architectural concepts, technical questions, and behavioral aspects, specifically for roles in leading Indian and international firms with a presence in India.
Tools & Resources
SRM Placement Cell, Mock interview platforms, Industry insights reports
Career Connection
Thorough preparation for placements significantly increases your chances of securing desirable positions in top architectural firms or government planning departments immediately after graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Arch degree with a minimum of 50% marks, and a valid score in NATA / TANCET / GATE or any other equivalent examination, with a minimum of 50% in the qualifying examination.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 70 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAAD21101 | Advanced Architectural Design Studio I | Core | 9 | Advanced design concepts, Contextual studies, User requirements analysis, Design process methodologies, Site planning strategies |
| MAAD21102 | Architectural Research Methodologies | Core | 3 | Research types and paradigms, Data collection methods, Literature review techniques, Research proposal writing, Ethical considerations in research |
| MAAD21103 | Contemporary Architectural Theories | Core | 3 | Modernism and Postmodernism, Deconstructivism and Phenomenology, Regionalism and Critical Regionalism, Sustainability and Green architecture theories, Digital and Parametric architecture |
| MAAD21104 | Climate Responsive Architecture | Core | 3 | Microclimate analysis, Passive cooling and heating strategies, Daylighting and ventilation techniques, Building materials for climate adaptation, Energy efficiency in design |
| MAAD21105 | Urban Design and Planning Studio | Core | 4 | Urban morphology and spatial structure, Public space and street design, Master planning principles, Infrastructure integration in urban areas, Urban regeneration and conservation |
| MAAD21106 | Elective I | Elective | 3 | Advanced building materials, Project management and law, Digital architecture applications, Housing and community planning, Smart cities concepts |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAAD21201 | Advanced Architectural Design Studio II | Core | 9 | Complex building typologies, Structural system integration, Building services coordination, Advanced representation techniques, Detailed design development |
| MAAD21202 | Advanced Building Services | Core | 3 | HVAC and air conditioning systems, Electrical power distribution, Water supply and sanitation systems, Fire detection and suppression, Vertical transportation systems |
| MAAD21203 | Architectural Conservation and Heritage Management | Core | 3 | Heritage definitions and values, Conservation principles and charters, Restoration and renovation techniques, Documentation and condition assessment, Adaptive reuse strategies |
| MAAD21204 | Building Information Modeling (BIM) | Core | 3 | BIM concepts and workflows, Parametric modeling techniques, Collaboration and data exchange, Clash detection and analysis, Digital fabrication integration |
| MAAD21205 | Sustainable Urbanism | Core | 4 | Green infrastructure planning, Urban ecology and biodiversity, Transit-oriented development (TOD), Sustainable waste management, Urban policy frameworks for sustainability |
| MAAD21206 | Elective II | Elective | 3 | Interior design and space planning, Landscape architecture principles, Real estate development and valuation, Building economics and cost control, Architectural journalism and criticism |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAAD21301 | Advanced Architectural Design Studio III | Core | 9 | Research-driven design methodologies, Integrated project delivery strategies, Advanced sustainability measures in design, Speculative and experimental design, Professional practice and ethics |
| MAAD21302 | Dissertation I (Research Formulation) | Core | 4 | Problem identification and scope, Hypothesis formulation, Research methodology design, Data analysis plan development, Comprehensive literature review |
| MAAD21303 | Construction Project Management | Core | 3 | Project life cycle and phases, Planning and scheduling techniques, Cost estimation and control, Quality management in construction, Risk management in projects |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAAD21401 | Dissertation II (Project Execution and Viva) | Core | 4 | Data collection and empirical analysis, Thesis writing and structuring, Presentation techniques for research, Viva-voce preparation and defense, Dissemination of research findings |
