The Rising Scope of Architecture in India

By Prof. Himani Singh

The architects today need to position themselves as partners to this industry and not mere service providers. Scroll down to read more on the role, responsibilities and future scope of architects in India.

Whenever we think of architecture, the first thing that comes to mind is the beautifully designed structures that adorn our living and commercial spaces. But architecture has come a long way from just designing the structure of a building. We, Indians, have always held a certain stature in the matter of designing and building structures as we are famous the world over for our monuments and historical palaces which have unsurpassable right from the very beginning. Our beautiful monuments have always been living examples of our prowess in the coveted field of design and architecture.

However, with the progress in time, the role of architects have evolved into mere pragmatism and has somehow limited the creativity and design to the scope of the job given by the client. But, as a country, there are many developmental agendas that are coming to fore which is paving a pathway towards great architectural scope in the near future. The development of smart cities, affordable homes, improved infrastructure facilities, urban development and transformation, slum rehabilitation, and projects like housing for all, are some of the agendas that are on the fore and project a huge scope for future architects.

What does this mean for all the architects in the making?

According to running estimates, all these initiatives would require a task force of skilled individuals in the real estate and infrastructure sectors in staggering numbers. Keeping this in mind, the role of the architect has never been so highlighted or heightened. However, this also means a heightened responsibility will be placed on the shoulders of the new wave of architects.

There are a few key aspects that the new generation of architects, planners, and designers need to keep in mind while building and working on their skills sets in an evolving environment. They are:

Be prepared for a multifaceted environment

Graduates of Architecture today need to learn to take advantage of the many different roles they are given, such as design architecture, structural architecture, urban planning, property development, involvement with disaster management, disaster relief, rebuilding and rehabilitating communities, and others. For this, it is important that they hone their skills in subjects such as engineering, planning, design, people management, team management, vendor management, client-handling, and excelling expectations. Today the role of an architect has become much more multifaceted. They need to have a thorough understanding of key designing, construction, smart technology, green technology and should possess strong communication and persuasion skills to put forth their vision. Their scope too has spread out right from pre-design services to cost analysis and land-use analysis, feasibility reports, environmental studies to developing the final construction plans, among many others.

Hold an entrepreneur’s mindset

In order to succeed in today’s workplace, it is important to have the mindset of an entrepreneur. Today’s architects need to understand the legalities of their business. A keen understanding of the legal and policy frameworks within which they need to work and thrive is as important as their knowledge of design and planning. A comprehensive understanding of key real estate and planning concepts, municipal and local development regulations, legal issues, the social and urban infrastructure, and the evolving policy framework are all in the job description of an architect today. The architects today need to position themselves as partners to this industry and not mere service providers.

Get high on responsibility

The architects of the future can no longer afford to hide behind their designs and desks. It is now of utmost importance that architects take up the responsibility of making our cities not only smart but also sustainable. They need to integrate technology with effective planning in bringing about “smart” developments. The use of effective construction technology is going to be of prime importance, which will lead to the accomplishment of many upcoming projects, both in the private and the public sectors.

The future architects have the opportunity to shape the future of development of the country. It is hence important that they learn in order to be a part of this big picture. Job prospects are plenty for qualified professionals, especially for those who are creative. With the rise of capitalism, this industry has had a great and unexpected push. But it has also brought with it awareness towards green construction technology. A career in architecture is not always about the money but it is for those who want a creative career in this field. An architect needs to keep in mind the requirements of the target audience and mould each idea into constructive reality.

Give importance to practical creativity

Creativity mingled with effective practical implementation is the reason for structural wonders the world over. Architectural marvels like the Burj-al-Arab in Dubai, Taipei 101 in Taiwan, and our very own Cybertecture Egg in Mumbai are all wonders of the creativity of architects that have worked together with effective implementation.

Job prospects for architects

At the onset of your career as an architect, you will be ideally required to understand all the practical aspects of being on the job and strike the right balance between understanding client requirements and coming out with a design, which is creative and practically correct. Options are available with construction companies, builders, private consultancies, and many more. For those who want to build a career in shaping the country’s future infrastructure, jobs are available in the public sector in departments such as National Institute of Urban Affairs, National Building Organization, Public Works Department, Housing and Urban Development Corporation, Ministry of Defence, Departments of Railways, Post and Telegraphs, Public Sector Undertakings, National Building Construction Corporation Ltd., Town and Country Planning Organization, etc.

About the author

Having lived, worked and studied in different parts of the world, the experience of different cultures and contexts has been very instrumental in Prof. Himani Singh's educational, professional and personal development. Singh has studied and worked in India, Dubai (U.A.E), and The Netherlands. She graduated from School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi in 1994 and subsequently worked with Prof K.T Ravindran, (then) Head of Urban Design at School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi. Himani then moved to Dubai in 1995 where she worked with an architectural firm, DUBARCH for 7 years. In 2002 Prof. Himani moved to The Netherlands where her inclination towards academics culminated in publications and a Masters degree in Architecture, Building and Planning from Technical University, Eindhoven. She moved back to India in 2013 and have been associated with teaching, mentoring & curriculum development since then.