SOCIETAL CONCERN
IDEAS works extensively to engage with the local community to increase awareness and appreciation of architectural work and heritage. As a institute of architecture in Nagpur it strives to make people aware of the often misunderstood and overlooked profession by organizing exhibitions and interacting with the community. It also promotes better dialogue between architects and craftsmen by organizing demonstrations and workshops.
Exhibition And Book Launch
The institute believes in knowledge sharing with the local community. The studies carried out by the students are exhibited for the general public every semester. This promotes an understanding of architecture as a profession. Books on urban and rural studies have been launched for the general public. Thus the knowledge gathered by the students during their course is transferred to the community.
Heritage Awareness Programs
The institute is at the forefront of preserving valuable architectural and cultural heritage in the region. Students spend on an average two weeks every semester studying, documenting and understanding ancient monuments that have otherwise been overlooked. They interact with the local community and present their work in the form of drawings, talks or plays so that the people are made aware of the true value of the buildings that surround them and the culture that is preserved within them.
Heritage Walks
The institute collaborates with Studio Sakha to organize ‘The Nagpur Tales’ a series of heritage walks in the city. These establish a platform of conducting a ‘dialogue’ among the students and professional participants, the local residents, heritage property owners, invited scholars, professionals and academicians. It narrates the glorious history of the city and also discusses the resents conditions, building a study which can be seen as a base for futuristic developments for these heritage cores of Nagpur.
Engaging with Craftsman
The institute encourages dialogue between students and craftsmen to promote deeper understanding of materials and techniques. Various workshops are organized between the designer and the executer. They are also a source for knowledge sharing.
Redevelopment Projects
The institute has always been conscious of its responsibility to the community. Over the years it has contributed expertise, time and finance towards various redevelopment projects to improve the lives of the local community within the city of Nagpur as well as surrounding rural areas.
Involving Students
The role of the architect in society is one of high responsibility. Yet in todays rapidly globalized world there is an increased disconnection of the professional body and the issues that plague the country. We at IDEAS thus believe that it is essential to instill among students an interest in critical social issues and inculcate strong human values coupled with professional integrity so that they are motivated to working for the society and the country.
This is a achieved by involving them in social activities as part of the various committees and also through the student council. Added to this are two student bodies aimed at working for society:
