Prof. Dr. Ar. Chandran Rekha Jetty is the Director at Nitte School of Architecture Planning and Design, Bangalore. She is an Architect, Researcher, Director and Founder Principal of the institute. She has completed her graduation and Masters along with an MBA in Operations and Supply Chain, and Ph.D. in Architecture and Planning. She is trained in 6 Sigma Black Belt and QMS Lead Auditor. She has an Advanced Diploma in Web and E.Com Technologies. She has 33 years of experience in Architectural Education and the Profession, as a Quality and Multimedia consultant. Currently engaged in Research in the areas of Sustainable Artificially Intelligent Nano Materials, NeuroArchitecture, Intangible Values in Architecture.

NITTE SAPD

Describe your experience in the education sector?

“A great time to be a part of this field with increased awareness”

Education in Architecture and design in the current century is evolving at a rapid pace. It will look very different from what it looked like a decade ago. The evolution in the field of design education is something that I have closely witnessed since my early years as a faculty member and practising professional. In recent times, students and family members are increasingly aware of the potential and possibilities of this field. More and more collaborative enterprises have begun to challenge designers to further enhance their ability to integrate a diverse set of skills and knowledge. 

What are the major challenges of this field?

“Ensuring continuous education with best available resources in these times”

As the demands of practice change at an unprecedented pace, it is crucial to have an educational environment that supports innovative learning. To meet the challenges of the future, our students shall work with state-of-the-art design and technologies including fabrication, engagement with faculty members and visitors. The COVID-19 pandemic is also having a profound impact on how they learn, work and live. We try our best to tailor our sessions to make sure that everyone is enriched and motivated, an array of activities and fun learning sessions are organized.

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In what ways have faculties and students of Nitte SAPD won various accolades?

“We are deemed as Most Promising and Innovative Architecture School of the Year 2021” 

The list of our collaborations and the number of resource people we have connected with is something that really holds us apart

  • In 2018, we were funded under the AICTE ISTE scheme to conduct a Faculty Development Programme on Skill Mapping Training and Orientation based on a proposal submitted by us. 
  • In 2019, we had the unique opportunity to host Bigathon in collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and Facilio to release the Building Innovation Guide.
  • Along with the CIC as mentioned before, Nitte SAPD is also designated as the Regional Nodal Centre of CEGR for Karnataka with myself as the Regional Director.
  • Our students have been performing remarkably in NASA competitions (National Association for Students of Architecture) and marking their place in the fraternity.
  • Under the directives of MHRD of Govt. of India, NITTE SAPD has established Institution Innovation Council (IIC) in collaboration with AICTE to systematically foster the culture of innovation and start-up ecosystem of our institution to give multiple levels of support for the student innovators.

Earlier this year, we were also awarded the prestigious National Educational Excellence Awards in 3 categories - 

  • Most Promising and Innovative Architecture School of the Year 2021” Karnataka Award under “Quality Education, Domain Exposure and Administration”
  • Excellence in Architecture and Design Education by Virtual Mode during Pandemic”
  • Dr. Chandran Rekha Jetty won the category of “Outstanding Contribution in Educational Domain and Innovative Approach in Administration” Category for the year 2021. 

What are the next 5-year plans for Nitte SAPD?

“We are working towards fostering a culture of innovation and start-up ecosystem”

  • Industry-Academia interaction has been a focus in our institution and we truly believe that it can be a game-changer in the career path of the students.
  • Through the IIC set-up, it ensures that the required resources are mobilized and seed funding to help students and faculty are provided to convert their ideas into demonstrable proof of concepts. 
  • We also give the required pre-incubation support for the budding student entrepreneurs aspiring to start business ventures/start-ups based on their innovative ideas. 
  • Through the collaborations with IIC, MSME, IGBC etc. we are creating as many opportunities as possible to engage students in a competitive environment.
  • Our focus would be to engage faculty and students into using advanced sustainable and technological segments of building performance.

What are the marketing and branding activities carried out by the Nitte School?

“Conduct NATA awareness programs for individuals interested in planning and design”

The experience we facilitate here at Nitte SAPD and our students is what takes our name far and wide. We engage in activities that ensure the holistic development of our existing students. We also take an interest and effort to guide parents and students who are interested in planning and design by conducting NATA awareness programs. Additionally, the systems we follow like skill mapping and 3 tier proctorial process is one aspect that sets us apart. The exclusive design review process is another system that brings our institution to the forefront.

What are some of the biggest challenges for the higher education sector?

“Bridge the gap between studio sessions conducted virtually and learning”

The post-pandemic architecture education in India shall need to confront not only the challenges of adapting to blended teaching but also take into account the recommendations of the New Education Policy (NEP), 2020. In the design vertical of education, our challenge is to bridge the gap that might occur in case studio sessions are happening virtually. We are working on strategies and coming up with a framework that will minimize this gap as far as possible.

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What are the prerequisites and what one can expect after completing a Bachelor degree?

“In terms of leadership competency, design thinking and creativity comes first”

Today, creative thinking is the driving force for innovation and economic growth and creativity with technical know-how is in demand. A recent survey across the countries has come out with results that confirm that creativity is the first criteria for ‘leadership competency’. The opportunities are vast and to meet the global demand for innovation and problem solving, design thinking is definitely the way forward.