The event brought together talented students from various institutions, offering a vibrant platform for creativity, teamwork, sportsmanship, and cultural expression. Our students demonstrated exceptional skill and enthusiasm across multiple events, ultimately securing the Overall Championship Title, making it a proud moment for the institution.

Event Highlights

The competition witnessed remarkable performances from our students in both creative and sports categories:

• 1st and 2nd Place – Design Competition
• 1st Place – Dance Competition
• 1st Place – Fashion Show
• Runner-up – Football
• Runner-up – Volleyball
• Runner-up – Basketball
• Special Appreciation for enthusiastic participation across various events

Their achievements reflect the diverse talents of our students, who excel not only in academic and design-based competitions but also in cultural and sports activities.

Acknowledging Leadership and Support

We extend our sincere gratitude to our Honourable President A. C. S. Arunkumar for his constant encouragement and support in motivating students to participate in intercollegiate platforms and showcase their talents beyond the classroom.

We also express our heartfelt thanks to the institution’s leadership and academic heads for their continuous guidance, as well as to all faculty and staff members whose motivation and support played a vital role in this success.

Faculty Mentors

Special appreciation goes to our dedicated faculty members for mentoring and supporting the students throughout the event:

• Velraj
• Santhana Divya
• Saravanan
• Harinya Meenu

Their guidance and encouragement helped students perform confidently and bring laurels to the institution.

A Moment of Pride

Winning the Overall Championship at FAB 26 – DWELL highlights the spirit, creativity, and determination of our students. Their achievements reflect the institution’s commitment to nurturing holistic development, leadership, and excellence.

We congratulate all the participants for their dedication and remarkable performance and look forward to many more successes in the future.

➤Watch the glimpses on Instagram!

The Faculty of Architecture, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute participated in an International Architectural Bootcamp organised by Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). The team comprised 2 faculty members and 17 students, engaging in an academically enriching international exposure program.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to our Honourable President Er. A.C.S. Arunkumar Sir for his constant support and for fostering meaningful international collaborations.

Day 0 | Journey Begins

The academic tour commenced on 15th January, with the team departing from Chennai to Kuala Lumpur, marking the beginning of an enriching international exposure.

Day 1 | Arrival & Cultural Orientation

The team arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport and was warmly welcomed by the USIM team. After reaching Youth City Residence, Nilai, the group visited Galeria Serajah Negeri Sembilan, gaining insights into the evolution of Malaysian architecture. The day concluded with a visit to Port Dickson Beach, observing coastal landscapes and public spaces.

Day 2 | Urban & Cultural Exploration

Visits included Batu Caves, where students studied the integration of natural landforms with religious architecture. Later, Central Market, Petaling Street, and Chinatown offered exposure to traditional urban fabric and street-scale commerce.
The day concluded at Petronas Twin Towers and Suria KLCC, highlighting contemporary high-rise architecture and modern urban design.

Day 3 | Heritage Study – Melaka

The team traveled to Melaka, experiencing the Melaka River Cruise, Stadthuys, and Portuguese Settlement. These visits provided understanding of colonial architecture, heritage conservation, and waterfront development. A visit to Melaka Beach highlighted coastal planning and tourism-oriented development.

Day 4 | Academic Exchange at USIM

At Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, faculty and students participated in interactive sessions discussing curriculum structure, studio culture, and design pedagogy.
Architecture studios were visited, followed by student presentations from both institutions. Discussions between the Deans focused on future academic collaborations.

Day 5 | Putrajaya – Planned City Study

The team visited Putra Mosque and Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque, studying Islamic architectural principles and modern construction techniques.
An official session at Putrajaya Corporation provided insights into urban planning, zoning, and city-scale design strategies.

Day 6 | Professional Exposure

A professional interaction was held at VERITAS Design Group, where students learned about architectural practice, studio workflow, and career pathways. The visit included the Saloma Link Bridge, enabling firsthand experience of urban connectivity and structural design.

The team departed for Chennai from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, successfully concluding the international academic program.

Day 7 | Industry Visit & Return Journey

The day began with breakfast, followed by a visit to VERITAS Design Group. The team interacted with the professionals and learned about the firm’s projects, design approach, and office working culture. Students gained practical insight into professional architectural practice and teamwork.

Later, the team visited the Saloma Link Bridge, designed by VERITAS, to understand its structure, spatial experience, and role in connecting the city.

In the evening, the team departed for Kuala Lumpur International Airport and boarded the return flight to Chennai, marking the successful completion of the international academic tour.

Acknowledgement

Special thanks to OIR Director Dr. Dhinesh Sir and his team for ideating, planning, and executing the bootcamp seamlessly.
Sincere appreciation to Team FoA for their coordination and execution throughout the program.

➤Watch the glimpses on Instagram!

➤Watch the glimpses on Instagram!

Celebrating Excellence in Sustainable Design

Second Year students Ar. George and Ar. Aliya emerged as Winners of the national-level competition, securing a cash prize of ₹25,000. Their outstanding performance showcased creativity, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of sustainable interior environments.

Adding to the accolades, First Year student Ar. Sameer received a Special Mention along with a cash award of ₹15,000, further highlighting the depth of talent and innovation nurtured at FOA.

Projects that Made a Difference

The award-winning projects stood out for their:

• Innovative green building strategies
• Environmentally responsible material selection
• Energy-efficient and climate-responsive design solutions
• Integration of sustainability principles in interior architecture

The students demonstrated how thoughtful interior design can contribute meaningfully to ecological balance while maintaining functionality, aesthetics, and user comfort.

A Testament to FOA’s Vision

This achievement reflects FOA’s continued commitment to:

• Promoting sustainable architectural practices
• Encouraging research-driven and socially responsible design
• Preparing students to become environmentally conscious design leaders

Participating and winning at a national platform like the IGBC Conference reinforces the institution’s focus on real-world relevance, industry engagement, and green innovation.

A proud achievement that truly reflects the spirit of innovation, leadership, and environmental responsibility at FOA!

➤ Watch the glimpses on Instagram!

The session began with an insightful exploration of Correa’s design philosophy, focusing on his human-centric approach to architecture, sensitivity to climate, and commitment to inclusive urban development. Students were introduced to the principles of barrier-free design through compelling case studies that demonstrated how architecture can promote accessibility, dignity, and social equity in public spaces.

A dynamic vertical studio followed, bringing together students from different academic years to collaborate and exchange ideas. This cross-learning environment encouraged diverse perspectives and fostered teamwork. The highlight of the day was an intensive one-hour placemaking challenge, where students reimagined urban spaces with a focus on inclusivity, functionality, and community engagement.

The creative outcomes reflected innovation, critical thinking, and a strong understanding of contextual design. From accessible pathways to interactive public nodes, the proposals showcased how thoughtful design can transform everyday spaces into meaningful urban experiences.

The event not only deepened students’ understanding of Correa’s vision but also inspired them to approach architecture as a tool for social change. It reinforced the importance of designing spaces that respond to people, place, and purpose.

FOA extends heartfelt gratitude to all faculty members for their continuous guidance and support in making the session a success.

FOA Charles Correa Ambassador: Afrin Sahana (3rd Year)
Faculty Coordinator: Ar. Karthickharish S

👉Watch the glimpses on Instagram!

Outstanding Achievements

The team secured:

• 1st Prize in the Design Competition
• 2nd Prize in the Design Competition
• 2nd Prize in Shark Tank
• 2nd Prize in Group Dance
• 2nd Prize in Fashion Walk

These achievements reflect not only their creativity and innovation but also their confidence, presentation skills, and teamwork. From conceptual design solutions to dynamic stage performances, our students proved their versatility across multiple domains.

Beyond Academics: Nurturing Holistic Growth

Participation in events like Level Up 2.0 – Vortex highlights the importance of experiential learning beyond classroom education. While academic excellence forms the foundation, such inter-college competitions provide a platform to explore leadership, entrepreneurship, artistic expression, and collaborative skills.

Our dedicated faculty coordinators played a vital role in mentoring and guiding the students throughout their preparation, ensuring they performed with clarity, confidence, and creativity.

Words of Appreciation

Our Honourable President, A.C.S. Arunkumar, congratulated the students for their remarkable accomplishments. He personally felicitated them with certificates, appreciating their hard work and encouraging them to continue striving for excellence in every endeavor. His words of motivation reinforced the institution’s commitment to nurturing talent that excels both within and beyond the academic sphere.

This proud moment stands as a testament to the passion, perseverance, and potential of our students. We celebrate their success and look forward to many more milestones in the journey ahead.

Watch the glimpses on Instagram!

The session bridged academic research with professional practice, enabling students to understand the transition from theory to real-world landscape applications. Participants explored deeper approaches to concept development, site responsiveness, and contextual design thinking.

Practical strategies were shared on transforming ideas into meaningful and sustainable landscape interventions. The interactive discussion encouraged critical thinking and instilled confidence, guiding students toward a more focused and successful thesis journey.

👉Watch the glimpses on Instagram!

The Faculty of Architecture, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute University, recently organized an insightful Expert Guest Lecture on “Exploring and Experiencing Interior Photography” for the M.Arch Interior Architecture students.

The session was delivered by Ms. Smrithika K Sasidhaar, Founder of SIMMZ Capturez – Photography and Videography, who served as the Expert Resource Person. With her professional expertise and creative approach, she introduced students to the dynamic relationship between interior design and photography.

Bridging Design and Visual Storytelling

The lecture focused on the essential fundamentals of photography, including lighting techniques, composition principles, spatial understanding, perspective control, and the nuances of editing interior spaces. Students gained clarity on how thoughtful photography can transform interior design projects into compelling visual narratives.

Emphasis was placed on:

• Understanding natural and artificial lighting
• Capturing depth and proportion within interior spaces
• Selecting the right angles and perspectives
• Using composition techniques to enhance visual balance
• Refining images through effective editing practices

An Interactive and Hands-On Experience

What made the session particularly impactful was its interactive format. Students actively participated in live demonstrations and engaged in creative experimentation. They explored phone camera settings, tested lighting conditions, and analyzed real-time shots to understand how minor adjustments can dramatically influence the final image.

The discussions encouraged students to think beyond documentation and view photography as a powerful medium of storytelling in architecture and interior design.

A Platform for Interdisciplinary Learning

The session not only enhanced technical knowledge but also broadened student’s creative perspectives, reinforcing the importance of visual communication in architectural practice.

The Faculty of Architecture extends heartfelt gratitude to The President of Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute University, the FOA Director, the Dean, the Panel of Heads, and the Faculty In-charge for organizing this enriching academic initiative and fostering an environment that promotes interdisciplinary learning and professional exposure.

👉Watch the glimpses on Instagram!

This special occasion celebrated not just academic achievement, but the years of dedication, creativity, and perseverance that define architectural education. Each graduate standing on the convocation stage carried with them stories of exploration, learning, and growth — shaped by design studios, site visits, workshops, and collaborative learning.

Architecture is more than a profession; it is a way of thinking. Throughout their academic years, students learn to observe, question, design, and respond to the built environment with responsibility and imagination. The convocation was a reflection of this transformation — honouring young architects who are ready to contribute meaningfully to society through thoughtful and sustainable design.

The event brought together faculty members, families, and peers, all sharing in the pride of seeing dreams take shape. For the teachers and mentors, it was a moment to witness the success of students they have guided through challenges and creative breakthroughs. For families, it was a celebration of commitment and belief. For the graduates, it was the beginning of a new chapter.

As these young architects step into professional practice, higher studies, research, and diverse design fields, they carry forward the values instilled during their education — innovation, ethics, cultural sensitivity, and purpose-driven design.

We congratulate all the graduates of the 34th Convocation of the Faculty of Architecture and wish them a future filled with creativity, confidence, and success. May they continue to design spaces that inspire, uplift, and shape a better tomorrow.

👉Watch the glimpses on Instagram!

Architecture education begins with understanding materials—their properties, performance, and role in shaping spaces. For architecture students, materials form the backbone of design thinking and construction knowledge.

As part of their academic learning, 2nd year B.Arch students explored the Material Museum, engaging closely with a wide range of traditional and contemporary building materials. The museum functioned as an interactive learning environment where theoretical concepts were translated into tangible understanding.

Students examined materials such as stone, brick, wood, metals, glass, and innovative composites, gaining insights into their strength, texture, durability, sustainability, and architectural applications. Each material demonstrated how informed choices influence structural stability, visual appeal, and long-term performance.

A major highlight was the student-driven discussion and knowledge sharing, where learners exchanged observations and related materials to real-world architectural scenarios. This collaborative approach encouraged critical thinking and strengthened practical awareness beyond classroom learning.

The Material Museum experience enhanced students appreciation of material selection as a key design decision. Such hands-on exposure plays a vital role in developing material sensitivity and preparing future architects to create thoughtful, efficient, and sustainable built environments.

👉Watch the glimpses on Instagram!

Working in collaborative groups, students interpreted sacred architectural forms such as the Temple, Mosque, Cathedral, and Church. Instead of literal representation, they focused on expressing structure, symbolism, rhythm, and texture through layered threads. Variations in colour, density, and direction helped convey the essence of each form, allowing architecture to be experienced beyond drawings and models.

The workshop strengthened students understanding of craftsmanship, teamwork, and cultural representation. By engaging with a non-traditional medium, students developed patience, precision, and creative confidence. Tapestry in Threads successfully introduced first-year students to design thinking by blending art, architecture, and collaboration into a meaningful learning experience.

👉Watch the glimpses on Instagram!