Hyderabad

Architecture can neither be taught nor be learnt in the four walls of classroom. The more one see, observe, experience and get involved with the world around, more one can sense the essence of the Architecture. Following this fact, Architectural education curriculum is designed with a component of related study programmes that give an opportunity to extend the learning horizons to various places of vibrant interests. The major focus of related study programmes is to unveil the tangible as well as intangible attributes of built environment responding to particular historical, socio-cultural and physical conditions. Hyderabad, the city of Nizams, the city of pearls, the city of biryanis, the city of diverse historical background, the city of technocrats…was the destination for this years’ Related study Programme. 7 students of B.Arch. I. Sem II, 75 students of B.Arch. II Sem IV and 83 students of B.Arch. III. Sem VI along with 6 faculties visited Hyderabad and collectively spent a time of one week to explore its Architectural vibrancy that evolved through different cultural background in historical as well as in contemporary context. The major objective of study for second year students was to understand the house forms as well as residential clusters with respect to various aspects, whereas the focus of study for third year students was to understand and analyze the institutions of various scale, size and types built in different periods of time with reference to its historical, contextual, functional, religious, cultural and Architectural determinants. The study area to identify the major Institutions of various types and character was defined around a main spine from Charminar at South to Birla Temple Complex at North of Hyderabad. History, Socio-cultural significance, Architectural expression and Contemporary relevance were the major criteria to select the Institutional building. Whereas, analysis and interpretation of built form as observed and experienced was the major thrust of study along with understanding the evolution of Architectural Ideas and its physical attributes. The identified institutes were : • Religious Institutions: Char Minar, Mecca Masjid, St. George Cathedral • Service Institutions: Eunani Hospital • Educational Institutions: St. George English School of Grammer, City College, Osmania University • Commercial Institutions: Mauzzam Jahi Market • Museums: Salar Jung Museum, Birla Museum of Science. The aspects defined for study are: 1. History and present context 2. Built expression and perceptional image 3. Function and activities 4. Architectural Ideas 5. Elements 6. Materials and construction technology Vibrancy of traditional bazars, leisure and recreational attractions at Husain Sagar lake, dignified identity of Golkonda fort, dynamism of Hi tech city Secundarabad, the amazing wonders of Ramoji Film City and of course the delicious mouthwatering traditional biryanis were equally explored apart from an intense focused study of Institutional Buildings. Though the study in turn takes a break at this documentation, it leaves behind a memorable experience of being with a wonderful city along with an everlasting impact of learning.