Category Architecture

What is the secret behind Roman concrete?

Researchers have solved a long-standing riddle to explain why Roman concrete is so durable.

There’s no denying that the ancient Romans were masters of engineering. They constructed vast networks of roads, ducts, ports, and buildings, whose remains have survived for two millennia. Rome’s famous Pantheon, which has the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome, has stood the test of time for nearly 2,000 years and remains intact.

All this is in stark contrast to modern concrete structures that have crumbled after just a few decades. While researchers have spent decades trying to figure out the secrets behind this ultra-durable ancient construction material, a team from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, and labs in Italy and Switzerland has made some progress. Their findings were published in the journal Science Advances in January 2023.

Role of lime clasts

Close examination of these ancient samples revealed that they contain small, distinctive, bright white mineral features, recognised as a ubiquitous component of Roman concretes. Referred to as “lime clasts”, these white chunks originate from lime, another key component of the ancient concrete mix.

While these lime clasts have previously been disregarded as evidence of sloppy mixing practices or even poor-quality raw materials, this study suggests that it was these lime clasts that gave the concrete self-healing capabilities that were unrecognised so far.

Quicklime’s effect

Researchers wondered if the Romans directly used lime in its more reactive form, quicklime, rather than slaked lime (calcium oxide mixed with water). Studying the samples showed certain inclusions and clues that these would have formed at extreme temperatures. This bode well for their hypothesis as extreme temperatures are expected from exothermic reactions produced by using quicklime, as opposed to, or in addition to, the slaked lime in the mixture. The team concluded that hot-mixing played a pivotal role in the super-durable nature of the concrete.

To prove that this is the case, the team then created samples of hot-mixed concrete that incorporated both modern and ancient formulations. These were then deliberately cracked and water was made to run through the cracks.

The self-healing nature of concrete thus created meant that the cracks completely healed within two weeks due to the reaction with water and water could no longer flow. In the case of an identical slab of concrete made without quicklime, it never healed and the water kept flowing.

The success of these tests have prompted the team to try and commercialise their modified cement material. The extended lifespan of these concrete forms can help reduce the environmental impact of cement production, which currently accounts for nearly 8% of global greenhouse emissions.

Picture Credit : Google 

Which is the highest gateway in India?

Buland Darwaza, prime monument of Mughal architecture, is the highest gateway in the world. Buland Darwaza was built by the emperor Akbar in memory of his victory over Gujarat. The 15-storey-high gateway is the southern entrance to Fatehpur Sikri, which is a city, located 43 km away from Agra. It was formerly called Fatahabad, derived from the Persian word Fatah meaning victory. The city flourished as Akbar’s capital till 1585. During that year, it was abandoned because it was near the Rajputana neighbourhood with limited water resources. Subsequently, the capital was changed to Agra and Fatehpur Sikri became a ghost town.

Standing tall in the courtyard of the mosque, Buland Darwaza is a prominent monument in Fatehpur Sikri. The central face of Buland Darwaza carries an inscription that talks about Akbar’s religious tolerance and how broad-minded he was. The eastern archway of Buland Darwaza has a Persian inscription, which is a record of Akbar’s conquest of the Deccan in 1601 AD. Along with decorations in carving and inlaying of white and black marble, it has 42 approach steps and is 53.63 metres high and 35 metres wide. It has a consolidated height of about 54 metres from the ground level.

Picture Credit : Google 

What is the role of cultural heritage in our life?

Heritage plays a crucial role in the life of every individual. Museums and historical sites are your gateways to knowledge and prepare you for appreciating the cultural diversity of the world. How can heritage change you? Well, read on to find out!

Heritage, in simple words, is what we have inherited, what has been passed on to us over centuries. The ancient buildings, temples and the natural wealth around us tell us who we were once and how we have changed over time. Historic sites like Keezhadi and Machu Picchu teach us about our great art, culture and architecture. Old inscriptions educate us on how languages came by. Plants and animals (think Galapagos) point to our evolution. Knowing our heritage inspires us to do better. It tells us what we can achieve. When we damage or wipe out our past, we take away from future generations the right to see and experience them. Here are a few things you can do as children to explore the heritage of our land.

1. Ask questions. Connect with your heritage.

Start asking questions about old buildings in your neighbourhood. When was it built? Who lived there? How is it different from the other buildings? A sixty-year-old house in my area has a 12-foot-high ceiling, a red mud floor that feels cool underfoot and rooms built around an open courtyard. The Triplicane police station on Wallajah Road in Chennai, a heritage structure according to the Archaeological Survey of India, has a plaque that says it was opened in 1890.

Who was the Governor of Madras at that time? (Lord Connemara) Who was the Commissioner of Police? (Col T Weldon) Who designed it? (Henry Irwin, a famous architect) In what style of architecture? (Indo-Saracenic). Its history says the building was a shed for chariots before it became a police station. And why was Chennai’s Besant Nagar called Amaiyur?

2.  Visit

Wherever you are travelling, visit the local museum. You will find extra-ordinary insights about the area’s past – its people, their lives. home, food, clothing, music and dance, healthcare and traditions. For instance, the Egmore museum has a wonderful collection of Chola bronzes.

Set up in 1972, the Bastar Anthropological Museum in Jagadalpur, Chattisgarh, houses a rare collection including head-caps, shoes, jewellery, musical instruments, clothing, paintings, wood-carvings, weapons, masks, handicraft and a wide variety of objects used in daily life. It serves as a window to the living and ethnic cultures of various tribes in Bastar. Go to Kaziranga National Park, the world heritage site for the one-homed rhinoceros. If you pass through Chhatrapathi Shivaji rail terminus, find out why it is a world heritage site.

Indian Railways is the proud owner of these UNESCO World Heritage trains and routes viz the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Nilgiri Mountain Railway and Kalka Shimla Railway. Have you ever travelled in them? Did you know that in Europe, a path taken by pilgrims is now a World Heritage site?

3. Participate: Talk Read, write, Promote

Participate in any heritage-discovering activity. Join city/tree walks in your town. Sketch and note down in a diary what you see and hear. Watch movies that discuss your heritage. What does Ponniyin Selvan say about the Chola rule? You can spend an afternoon reading the words below the statues on Marina beach and learn a whole lot of history. Take part in art competitions that ask you to draw monuments. Organise heritage quizzes at school and family gatherings. For instance, a friend gives prizes to her kolu visitors who answer questions on her display of mythological stories. (e.g. Name the characters).

Write letters to friends/family abroad about a heritage symbol (place of worship. old building, natural wonder). Show your visiting cousins your city’s historic sights. Never miss a chance to participate in old fairs and festivals. The dragon festival is 2000 years old; the 300-year-old Raksha Bandhan festival has a wonderful story about its origin.

4. Preserve:

Worldwide, there are efforts to preserve the past. Cities were restored after World War II bombings. Fearing the Aswan High Dam in Egypt would flood the nearby valley containing the Abu Simbel temples. UNESCO got them removed and reassembled it stone by stone on higher ground.

When students of Geology. Presidency College, cleaned up the imposing statue on a landing, they discovered that it was the figure of their founder-principal, Powell, carved by John Adams-Acton in 1838 in London. The plaque below read, “erected by many Rajahs, Zamindars, former pupils and friends to mark their respect for his character and their grateful appreciation of his services in the cause of higher education for than 30 years. The students found that among the 200+ tiles around the statue, each had a different pattern! Here is an activity. On national days, after the flag-hoisting, clean up a historical statue in your town. Help clean up an old library. Paint heritage structures on the walls.

Trees are a part of heritage too! Look for old trees wherever you go. A police station in my neighbourhood is built around an ancient peepal tree. The Adyar Banyan tree (Adyar Aalamaram), located in the Theosophical society campus, Chennai, is believed to be 450 years old and is estimated to occupy 40,000 square feet. Report to the town authorities if you see trees getting cut.

5. Pledge

World Heritage Week is celebrated from November 19-25 every year to create awareness about the rich cultural heritage of the country among the general public, students and children. One activity during this time that you can indulge in is to renew the pledge: “I will not scribble on, deface or encroach upon any monument I will respect all monuments, which are a part of my country’s heritage: I will render all possible help to conserve and preserve our heritage.”

Tell people of the importance of preserving these invaluable sites by sharing news and links through social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Volunteer in NGOs that organise efforts to clean up heritage areas. Listen to talks on heritage viz. Sangam Talks, Center for Indic Studies, We Care Trust, Upword, Prachyam. You could also collect donations to support UNESCO and its projects.

And above all: Would you like to study for and become a heritage conservationist? Well, think about it.

Bridges of the world

Bridges are timeless wonders that reflect the culture of a land. We introduce some of the unique bridges in the world.

Rialto Bridge-Venice, Italy

In the heart of Venice is the centuries-old Rialto Bridge. An engineering marvel designed and built in the 16th century, it is the oldest bridge surviving across the Grand Canal in the city. A peaked Venetian architecture has been given which allows ships to pass beneath the bridge.

Khaju Bridge-Isfahan, Iran

 Built in 1650 during the Safavid dynasty, the Khaju Bridge in Iran is noted for its architecture. The bridge sports 23 arches and also encompasses a dam with locks that regulate water flow.

Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco, California

All cloaked in an orange vermilion colour, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the iconic structures in the world. Spanning the Golden Gate strait, the bridge opened in 1937 was the tallest and longest suspension bridge in the world then.

Chengyang Bridge China

A bridge constructed without nails, the Chengyang Bridge is a Wind and Rain Bridge. Built in 1912 using cedar and stone, the bridge has five pavilions with covered walkways and the wood is connected by dovetailing.

Double Decker Bridge- Meghalaya, India

Deep in the forests of Meghalaya, these bridges are being made by weaving and folding together the roots of ficus trees. These are the ancient, living bridges that grow stronger with time. A creation of both man and nature, the double-decker root bridge in Nongriat village is an architectural wonder. Many such natural bridges are being made by the villagers.

Picture Credit : Google 

Twist in the skyscraper tale

China has unveiled the world’s most twisted tower. Here’s a look at what play of light and architectural detailing can do to make some skyscrapers look twisted.

The Dance of Light skyscraper in Chongqing is located in xingfu Plaza in Jiangbei district. The 180-metre tall tower has been designed by architecture firm Aedas. According to the firm, double-curved facades have been used to create an impression of a twisted building.

The design has been inspired by the northern lights that is often seen in the Arctic. However, here light plays a key role in the twisted shape of the ‘Dance of Light’.

The reflection of light on the tower gives the tower a different look from different angles. Meanwhile, the vertical lines have emphasised the minimalistic form and the reflection and refraction from the glass has created a design statement.

MORE TWISTED STOREYS

Turning Torso

The world’s first twisted tower, Turning Torso, was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Ofificially opened in 2005 in Malmo, Sweden, the tower’s height is 190 metres. The building is shaped like a twisted human being.

Absolute World Towers

Absolute World is a residential condominium twin tower complex in the five-tower Absolute City Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Built by MAD Architects, the towers are 176 metres and 158 metres tall respectively. It was completed in 2012. Interestingly, the towers have been dubbed as the ‘Marilyn Monroe’ towers due to their form.

Cayan Tower

The 306-metre tall Cayan Tower in Dubai, was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and completed in 2013. In 2013, it became the world’s tallest high-rise building with a twist of 90 degrees but was later surpassed by the Shanghai Tower. The twisting design of this tower was made by rotating each floor 1.2 degrees around a cylindrical elevator and service core.

Shanghai Tower

Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and the world’s third-tallest building by height to the architectural top. It was designed by the American architectural firm Gensler. The tower is in the form of nine cylindrical buildings standing atop each other. It has a total of 128 floors, all enclosed by glass facade.

Picture Credit : Google 

How does howrah bridge stands without any support of pillars?

Howrah Bridge is a long and heavy bridge but it has no support in the centre. Rabindra Setu, popularly known as Howrah Bridge, links the cities of Howrah and Kolkata. It is a 705-metre long cantilever bridge. A cantilever is a structure that juts out way beyond its base. The branch of a tree is a natural cantilever, a beam of metal jutting out from a wall to support a balcony is a cantilever, the diving board of a swimming pool may be a cantilever. In all these examples, the support exists only at one end. In a cantilever bridge, the cantilever juts out over the river from a supporting structure known as a pier. A similar cantilever juts out from a supporting structure on the opposite side of the river. The two arms meet to form the spanof the bridge. The piers at either end of the bridge support the load that a cantilever bridge has to carry so there is no need for a support in the centre.

Picture Credit : Google 

AN AMALGAM OF THE EAST AND THE WEST

Chettinad art and architecture is distinct for its unique mix of European and Indian styles.

Tiled carpets

One can find many gems of Indian art and culture in Tamil Nadu’s renowned Chettinad region. Known for its distinct style of architecture, Chettinad’s temples and stately mansions testify to the prosperity and artistic traditions of the local Chettiar community.

The village of Athangudi, here specialises in the manufacture of handcrafted tiles. The Chettiars, who travelled overseas, for trade, in the 19th century, were inspired by European ideas of interior decoration and infused them in their homes. The Athangudi tiles are an expression of this unique blend of the east and the west.

Elaborate

Making these tiles is a time-consuming process. Each tile is made individually on a square sheet of glass. A metal stencil, with the desired motif, is placed on the glass. A slurry of cement and coloured oxides is poured into the spaces of the stencil and spread evenly. The workman, then removes the stencil and sprinkles a layer of dry sand on it after which he lays a thick layer of a wet mixture of cement, sand and small stone aggregates or jelly. The tile is dried in the sun before immersing it in water for several days. When the tile dries out, the glass sheet slips away. leaving behind a smooth, glistening tile with a colourful ornate design.

Athangudi tiles are usually in geometric or floral designs in earthy colours such as red. blue, green and ochre. When laid out, they look like an exotic tiled carpet.

Mosaics of Ravenna

The port city of Ravenna was the seat of ancient Italy’s Byzantine Empire. An immortal legacy of that era is the city’s collection of exquisite mosaics of early Christian art, said to be the best examples of Byzantine art outside of Istanbul. UNESCO has granted World Heritage status to eight early Christian monuments of Ravenna, each of which boasts of outstanding mosaics dating back to the fifth and sixth centuries. The mosaics in the Basilica of San Vitale, depict figures from the Old and New Testaments along with the reigning monarchs, archbishops and bishops of the time. Interiors with richly decorated motifs of angels, flora, and fauna, a great triumphal arch embellished with mosaic medallions depicting Jesus Christ and the 12 Apostles, are but some magnificent fixtures found here.

In the Basilica of Sant Apollinare Nuovo, Jesus is portrayed as a Byzantine emperor. The ornate panels describe his miracles and parables, as well as the Passion and Resurrection.

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia has the best preserved mosaics in the area. The most famous of them is called Christ as the Good Shepherd. It shows the haloed figure of Christ draped in gold and purple tending to his flock.

Picture Credit : Google 

ARE STALACTITES AND STALAGMITES ALWAYS FOUND IN PAIRS?

No, stalactites and stalagmites can occur singly. However, it is true that stalagmites are usually formed on the ground from the same drip source that creates a stalactite on the ceiling of the cave. The simplest stalactite takes the form of a thin straw. As more and more of the mineral calcite is deposited, the downward growth takes the form of a cone. The calcite drip that reaches the ground forms a stalagmite, a bit like a spike with a rounded tip. It is possible that, over time, the stalagmite and stalactite may meet to form a column that extends from floor to ceiling.

Stalagmites have thicker proportions and grow up on the bottom of a cavern from the same drip-water source, the mineral from which is deposited after the water droplet falls across the open space in the rock. Not every stalactite has a complementary stalagmite, and many of the latter may have no stalactite above them. Where the paired relation exists, however, continual elongation of one or both may eventually result in a junction and the formation of a column.

Credit: Britannica

Picture Credit : Google 

WHICH IS THE LONGEST STALACTITE IN THE WORLD?

The 8.2-m-long limestone stalactite thought to be the longest in the world is in Jeita Grotto, a limestone cave complex, 18 km north of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. It was discovered in 1836.

Jeita grotto, a monumental underground karstic wonderland and also the water source for over a million citizens of Beirut, is about 18 kilometers north of the Lebanese capital. It is an extraordinary site which could be one of the wonders of the world but remains an intimate experience. It is a system of two separate, but interconnected, karstic limestone caves spanning an overall length of nearly 9 kilometres, making it the longest cave system in the Middle East. The Lower Cave is home to an underground river some 6.2 kilometers long, while the Upper Cave features innumerable dazzling rock formations including one of the largest hanging stalactites in the world, measuring 8.2 metres (27 feet).

Credit: Indosphere

Picture Credit : Google 

CAN STALACTITES APPEAR UNDERWATER?

Yes, stalactites, also called ‘hanging speleothems’, have been found underwater, for example the Hells Bells in Mexico. They are hollow structures that expand conically downwards. In addition to the carbonate that builds stalactites and stalagmites, bacteria and algae help in the formation of these underwater stalactites.

Hanging speleothems, also called stalactites, develop through physicochemical processes in which calcium carbonate-rich water dries up. Normally, they rejuvenate and form a tip at the lower end from which drops of water fall to the cave floor. The formations in the El Zapote cave, which are up to two metres long, expand conically downward and are hollow, with round, elliptical or horseshoe-shaped cross-sections. Not only are they unique in shape and size, but also their mode of growth, according to Prof. Stinnesbeck. They grow in a lightless environment near the base of a 30 m freshwater unit immediately above a zone of oxygen-depleted and sulfide-rich toxic saltwater.

Credit: phys.org

Picture Credit : Google 

HOW OLD ARE THE OLDEST STALACTITES AND STALAGMITES?

Limestone stalactites and stalagmites are formed extremely slowly: possibly only about 10 cm over a thousand years. Scientific studies have shown some to be very old, forming for as long as 190,000 years!

Stalactites form when water containing dissolved calcium bicarbonate from the limestone rock drips from the ceiling of a cave. As the water comes into contact with the air, some of the calcium bicarbonate precipitates back into limestone to form a tiny ring, which gradually elongates to form a stalactite.

Stalagmites grow upwards from the drips that fall to the floor. They spread outwards more, so they have a wider, flatter shape than stalactites, but they gain mass at roughly the same rate. Limestone stalactites form extremely slowly – usually less than 10cm every thousand years – and radiometric dating has shown that some are over 190,000 years old.

Stalactites can also form by a different chemical process when water drips through concrete, and this is much faster. Stalactites under concrete bridges can grow as fast as a centimetre per year.

Credit: Science Focus

Picture Credit : Google 

WHAT IS THE STUDY OF CAVES CALLED?

 

Speleology, scientific discipline that is concerned with all aspects of caves and cave systems. Exploration and description of caves and their features are the principal focus of speleology, but much work on the chemical solution of limestone, rates of formation of stalagmites and stalactites, the influence of groundwater and hydrologic conditions generally, and on modes of cave development has been accomplished within this discipline. Speleology requires, essentially, the application of geological and hydrological knowledge to problems associated with underground cavern systems. Amateur exploration of caves, as a hobby, is called spelunking.

Credit: Britannica

Picture Credit : Google 

WHAT DO THE WORDS ‘STALACTITE’ AND ‘STALAGMITE’ MEAN?

Both ‘stalactite’ and ‘stalagmite’ originate from the Greek word stalassein meaning ‘to drip’. The first use of both words goes back to the 17th century. Both stalactites and stalagmites are also called dripstones as they form from minerals in dripping water.

Stalactites are the mineral formations that hang down like rock icicles, while stalagmites rise up from the floor. The word stalactite comes from the Greek word for “dripping,” stalaktos, which in turn comes from the verb stalassein, “to trickle,” which is how stalactites are formed. Water comes down through the top of the cave, bringing rock minerals with it that eventually form those pointy stalactites.

A stalagmite is the pointed formation that rises from the floor of a cave. When you go spelunking, or cave exploring, you’ll have to avoid the areas where stalagmites have formed.

Stalagmites are thin piles of mineral deposits that have fallen from the roof to the floor of a cave. They’re sometimes connected to the stalactites that dangle down from the top. Because stalagmites form from drops of water combined with minerals, they get their name from the Greek stalagmos, “a dropping,” and share a root with stalactite — the Greek stalassein, “to trickle.”

Credit: vocabulary.com

Picture Credit : Google 

Where is Rani-ki-Vav also known as Queen’s stepwell located?

Rani-ki-Vav is an underground stepwell located in Patan, Gujarat. Situated on the banks of the river Saraswati, this spectacular stepwell was built in the 11th century AD by Queen Udayamati of the Solanki dynasty in memory of her husband King Bhimdev 1.

A stepwell is a multi-tiered well with water that can be reached by descending a series of steps. Rani-ki-Vav has seven storeys of stairs and hundreds of intricately carved sculptures of Vishnu and other deities adoming its walls. It is over 65m long from the entrance to the well, 20m wide and 27m deep. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2014. Did you know the site, before being unearthed by the Archaeological Survey of India in the 1980s, remained covered in mud and slush because of it being flooded by the river Saraswati for around 800 years?

Step wells of India have always mesmerized tourists from far and wide, for their unique architecture and carvings. Not only does Rani ki vav in Gujarat belong to this class of picturesque landmarks of India, it also has a special historical beginning to it. Read more to explore and quench your thirst about the ancient architecture of India. If you are travelling here for the first time, you might get confused as you won’t see a tall museum or the remains of a ruin because it is built inside an opening in the ground, which makes it special. The east facing well constructed in seven storeys is approximately 64m long, 20m wide & 27m deep. As you go down, you will see over 800 sculptures in the seven galleries, majority of which are devoted to lord Vishnu. It is amongst the finest step wells in India, and one of the most famous legacies of the ancient capital city. Various pillars and walls which are beautifully sculpted in Maru-Gurjara architectural style are a mesmerizing sight. The lowermost level of the well is blocked by stones and silt now but earlier it was used as an escape route to the neighbouring villages. It is one of the largest and the most sumptuous structures of its type. Rani-Ki-Vav is now considered to be the queen among the step wells of India. It is said that the size of the Rani Ki Vav is so huge that the tourists appear as ants climbing an anthill.

Picture Credit : Google 

WHICH ROCKS ARE COMMONLY USED FOR BUILDINGS?

Many types of stones are available such as basalt, marble, limestone, sandstone, quartzite, travertine, slate, gneiss, laterite, and granite, which can be used as construction materials. The stones used for building construction should be hard, durable, tough, and should be free from weathered soft patches of material, cracks, and other defects that are responsible for the reduction of strength and durability. Stones for construction purposes are obtained by quarrying from massive solid rocks.

Each type of stone lends itself to various construction applications based on its properties. For instance, certain types like basalt and granite have superior characteristics like high compressive strength and durability and hence employed in major construction works. However, there are stones that their characteristic makes them suitable for minor construction works, for example, gneiss. So, stones are used as a building material and also for decorative purposes.

TYPES OF BUILDING STONES

Some of the common building stones which are used for different purposes in India are as follows:

GRANITE

It is a deep-seated igneous rock, which is hard, durable and available in various colours. It has a high value of crushing strength and is capable of bearing high weathering.

BASALT AND TRAP

They are originated from igneous rocks in the absence of pressure by the rapid cooling of the magma.

TRAP STONE

They have the same uses as granite. Deccan trap is a popular stone of this group in South India.

LIMESTONE

Limestone is used for flooring, roofing, pavements and as a base material for cement. It is found in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

SANDSTONE

This stone is another form of sedimentary rock formed by the action of mechanical sediments. It has a sandy structure which is low in strength and easy to dress.

Credit: cmpstone.com

Picture credit: Google

What is the career in the field of sustainable architecture?

“A building is alive, like a man… Its maker gives it the soul and every wall, window and stairway to express it.” – Ayn Rand, “The Fountainhead”.

And it’s the architects who breathe life into buildings.

With the recent push towards sustainability, there is growing awareness around mindful construction in conjunction with nature. This has given rise to a fresh wave of architects who are designing eco-friendly spaces.

What is sustainable architecture?

The building and construction industry is one of the major contributors of greenhouse gas emissions. So sustainable architecture seeks to reduce the impact on the environment at every stage. This is done using locally available resources, natural materials, energy efficient and climate-friendly methods.

What to study?

To work as an architect, aspirants need a Bachelors in Architecture (B.Arch) and Masters in Architecture (M.Arch). Students from the science stream are eligible to pursue these degrees. Recently, many institutes have been offering  postgraduate specialisations in Sustainable or Green Architecture. Some institutes also provide one year diploma or short-term courses on specific subjects such as energy efficiency, rainwater harvesting, water management, sustainable building materials and waste management.

Where to study

India

  • National Institute of Technology, Calicut: B.Arch
  • School of Planning and Architecture, Vijaywada: M.Arch in Sustainable Architecture
  • Rachna Sansad’s Institute of Environment, Mumbai: Masters in Environmental Architecture
  • National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu: M.Arch in Energy Efficient and Sustainable Architecture.
  • Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune: M. Arch (Sustainable Architecture).
  • Centre for Environmental Planning and Technologuy University, Ahmedabad: Masters in Urban Design, and M.Arch in Conservation and Regeneration
  • Sir J.J.School of Architecture, Mumbai: B.Arch and M. Arch

Abroad:

  • Nottingham University, the U.K.: M.Arch (Architecture and Sustainable Design)
  • University of Greenwich, the U.K.: M.Sc (Sustainable Building Design and Engineering)
  • University of Leeds, School of Earth & Environment, the U.K.: M.Sc (Sustainable Cities)
  • Centre for Alternative Technology, Graduate School of the Environment, the U.K.: M.Sc Sustainability and adaptation in the Built Environment; M.Sc Green Building, and M. Arch (Sustainable Architecture).
  • National University of Singapore: Masters in Urban Design

Required skills

  • Enhanced design abilities
  • Technical and software skills
  • A holistic perspective of environmental sustainability
  • Knowledge of global and local environmental issues
  • Ability to come up with innovative solutions

DID YOU KNOW?

In India, green building rating systems such as the Indian Green Building Council’s rating system and Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment offer training courses and opportunities to accreditation for green building professionals.

 

Picture Credit : Google

What is the career in the Sustainable architecture?

Imagine a wall mounted with a vertical garden, harboring different species of plants that act as a natural air filter, counter tops made from recycled made from recycled glass; solar and wind-powered heating and cooling systems. These are the houses of the future. I the face climate change, architects are coming up with creative designs that minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings. This is known as sustainable or green architecture. Modern buildings are responsible for around 19% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Designing sustainable buildings helps reduce emissions, and mitigate the effects of climate change. So if you are interested in making the world a better place, sustainable architecture could be your calling.

How it works

Sustainable architecture uses a conscious approach to energy and ecological conservation in the design of buildings and cities. This is to ensure that our actions and decisions do not have a negative impact on our beloved planet. The role of sustainable architects is to reduce the impact on environment at every stage of building. They make moderate use of materials and energy, and reduce waste. They look for greener alternatives to raw materials that harm the environment, and opt for clean energy to reduce the carbon footprint of the structures.

Required skills

** Understanding of environmental sustainability

** Knowledge of construction and building technology

** Adopting sustainable design to climate change and other environmental challenges

** Expertise in CAD (computer-aided design)

Scope

The field of sustainable building design has gained global importance in the last two decades. Most countries in the world have developed a green rating system for buildings. In some countries sustainable architecture has become mandatory. And so, sustainable architects are in demands in both public and private sectors. The U.S. Green Building Council developed the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) programme that certifies qualified individuals as LEED) Green associates. As a LEED Green Associate, you can find job opportunity in architecture firms, consulting services, educational services, engineering services, building, developing and general contracting across the world.

What to study?

Master of Architecture (M.Arch)-Sustainable Architecture is a pre-requisite to work in this field.

Where

India

** College of Architecture, Bhratiya Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune: One of the oldest institutes to offer a two-year M.Arch (Sustainable Architecture).

** School of architecture and Planning Vijayawada: Tagged as an institute of national importance by the Ministry of Human Resource Development it offers M.Arch (Sustainable Architecture).

** National Institute of Technology. Hamirpur, Himchal Pradesh: It is one of the few institutes in the country to offer both B.Arch as well as M.Arch in Sustainable Architecture.

Abroad

** Norwegian University of Science and technology M.Sc in sustainable Architecture

** Sheffield University, the U.K: M.Sc in sustainable Architecture Studies

** Yale School of Architecture, the U.S: a specialization in Environmental Design is available under M.Arch.

 

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What is the career in the field of naval architecture?

From Vasco da Gama’s Sao Gabriel and Christopher Columbus’ Santa Maria to the Mayflower, ships have played an important part in history. These vessels have been part of epic voyages, great bottles and discovery of new homelands. Building these mammoth structures to survive fiercestorms and giant waves is the job of naval architects. They are responsible for the design, construction and the repair of the ships and other marine vessels, including offshore and floating structures. Militaries, commercial ships and maritime companies need ships that are sea-worthy and environment-friendly, and this has driven the demand for naval architects. So if you have a fascination for marine vessels and an eye for detail, the field of naval architecture could be the perfect choice.

How it works

Naval architecture is the science of designing and manufacturing of sea-going vessels. It is a branch of marine engineering. Naval architects can build a variety of marine vessels, including fishing boats, barges, submarines and ships. They take the ultimate responsibility of the safety of the vessel.

Building a ship is a team effort that requires inputs from different types of engineers and professionals. The naval architect ensures that all of them work together to build a strong and sturdy vessel.

Required skills

  • Knowledge of different branches of engineering
  • Mathematical ability
  • Creativity and eye for detail
  • Ability to co-ordinate with other professionals
  • Communication skills
  • Patience and time management
  • Sound judgment and leadership skills

Scope

Naval architects are involved in a variety of work that can be classified into design, construction and repair, consultancy, marketing and sales. Ships and yacht builders, offshore companies and engineering and design consultants need naval architects to design new vessels. Major equipment manufactures also employ naval architects to design products such as propulsion systems and auxiliary systems. A naval architect also oversees ship yards where marine vessels are built, repaired, inspected and tested.

What to study?

Several engineering institutes offer Bachelor and Master of technology (B. Tech and M. tech) in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering. You need to clear the Joint Entrance Examinations (JEE) for admissions, while some have their entrance examinations.

Where

  • Indian Maritime University, Visakhapatnam: B. Tech and M. Tech in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering; B.Sc Ship Building and Repair
  • Indian Institute of Technology, Madras: B. Tech and M. Tech in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering.
  •  Cochin University of Science and Technology: B. Tech in Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding.

Abroad:

  • Newcastle University, the U.K.: M.Sc and PG Diploma in Naval Architecture.
  • University of Southampton, the U.K.: M.Sc in Marine Technology.
  • University of Strathclyde, Glasgow: M.Sc in Naval Architecture.
  • University of New Orleans, the U.S.: B.Sc and M.Sc in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.

 

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