The Faculty of Architecture (FOA), Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute successfully conducted the Rural Study Viva Voce and Resort Design Project Viva Voce, providing B.Arch and B.Des students with a valuable platform to present their academic explorations, research findings, and design innovations.
These viva sessions highlighted the importance of connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical design challenges. Through comprehensive presentations, students showcased their understanding of architecture, culture, sustainability, and user-centered design while demonstrating their ability to critically analyze and develop creative solutions.
Rural Study Viva Voce
The Rural Study Viva Voce focused on students’ field-based investigations into rural settlements, vernacular architecture, community spaces, and traditional building practices. Through detailed documentation, surveys, sketches, and analytical studies, students explored the relationship between architecture, climate, local materials, and cultural heritage.
Key areas of exploration included:
- Vernacular Architecture and Indigenous Building Techniques
- Rural Settlement Patterns and Community Spaces
- Climate-Responsive Design Strategies
- Cultural Heritage and Traditional Knowledge Systems
- Sustainable Living Practices and Resource Management
The presentations reflected a deep appreciation for the wisdom embedded in traditional construction methods and highlighted the role of architects in preserving cultural identity while addressing contemporary rural development challenges.
Resort Design Project Viva Voce
The Resort Design Project Viva Voce showcased students’ creativity and design thinking in developing innovative hospitality environments. Students presented resort concepts inspired by natural landscapes, local culture, sustainability principles, and user experience considerations.
Their projects demonstrated a thoughtful balance between aesthetics, functionality, environmental responsibility, and guest comfort. Through site analysis, conceptual development, zoning studies, and design visualization, students proposed contemporary resort environments that respond effectively to both user needs and ecological contexts.
Key design considerations included:
• Sustainable Resort Planning and Environmental Integration
• User-Centric Hospitality Experiences
• Context-Sensitive Architectural Design
• Landscape and Outdoor Space Development
• Innovative Design Concepts and Spatial Planning
A Celebration of Learning and Innovation
Both viva sessions served as platforms for meaningful academic discussions, critical evaluation, and knowledge sharing. The students demonstrated strong research capabilities, technical competence, design sensitivity, and a growing awareness of responsible architectural practices.
The Faculty of Architecture congratulates all participating students for their dedication, hard work, and outstanding presentations. We also extend our sincere gratitude to the jury members and faculty mentors for their valuable guidance, constructive feedback, and continued support in nurturing future architects and designers committed to creating sustainable, culturally responsive, and innovative built environments.
➤Watch the glimpses on Instagram!