Academics

Wadiyar Centre for Architecture > Academics

ACADEMICS

People are the most valuable resource of WCFA. The teaching faculty of WCFA consists of a group of Architecture educators, Artists, Urbanists, Social Anthropologists, Planners, Conservationists, Structural Engineers, Interior Designers, Writers, Theorists and Photographers, in addition to many practicing Architects who are passionate academicians and research enthusiasts.

The multi-disciplinary background of the faculty not only helps the students to perceive design through diverse viewpoints but also enables them to approach design comprehensively. The faculty members are encouraged to engage in architectural practice through the Design Cell of the College and also pursue research, which will bring practical and explorative orientation to teaching. The faculty is encouraged to bring integrated design methodology into their tuition. Academic discussions are encouraged between the faculty and also between the students across the classes to make learning a way of life on campus.

"LOOK WITHIN"

Academic ethos of Wadiyar Centre for Architecture, Mysuru

Background:

Wadiyar Centre for Architecture (WCFA) is one of the few institutions in the country set up by a Trust founded and managed by Architects. The College is born out of passion to contribute to the fraternity and the architectural discipline at large. The institution is preceded by a history of collective thinking & discussions on Architecture and Architectural Education among the founders and the fraternity that has influenced the methodology of knowledge transfer in the College. Some of the accomplished members of the fraternity have magnanimously accepted to be in various advisory capacities like the Academic Council that guides the Academic agenda of the College.We accept that the ethos will also evolve over time with social change and with the institution gaining wisdom through practical experience.

Core Ethos: ‘IDENTITY Rooted in Context’

WCFA believes strongly and encourages all its stakeholders to “Look Within” and discover the sense of ‘who one really is & can be, as an architect in India’, as academicians and as an Institution. Through experience and deliberations, the members recognise that in today’s global scenario, “it is only, ‘THE TRULY LOCAL’ work, rooted and committed to a specific context that relates effectively”.

The key academic objectives of WCFA are to build the

  • Architect as a Craftsperson: looking at inherent local strengths & inclinations
  • Architect engaging with the real & practical issues of Society around us

This would necessitate a style of working moving clearly between:

  • Hands-on & practical engagement with a particular place / material
  • Critical assessment looking at different parameters & overall context

Key Implementation Aspects in Pedagogy:

  • Developing Liberal & Critical thinking
    • Exposure to variety of contexts & disciplines, encouraging to develop ‘positions’
    • Isolating a Design Issue and Evolving a narrative / story around it that leads Design
    • Method: Study, Observe, Distil, Write and Discuss writings to bring out approaches
    • Encourage DIVERSITY towards ‘possibilities’, hence giving WCFA & students AGILITY
  • Equal importance to all subjects (not predominance of Space Design) – as an attitude by faculty – with emphasis on the practicality of each of them, encouraged by making / doing
  • Primacy of Settlement Studies / Survey and locating the Design Opportunity in the Settlement as per the local needs, increasing in size/complexity with the maturity / ability of student
  • Allow for intuitive exploration and guide / inquire post-facto,rather than base on instruction or rely excessively on teacher discussion and inclination
  • Develop Faculty Strengths in distinct Streams of Subjects – Aesthetics & Skill-based, Thinking-based, Technology-based and Design (putting together)-based, encouraging Research while constantly stimulating with invited external expertise

WCFA Faculty

Shrutie Shah-Tamboli
Principal & Professor

Shrutie graduated from APIED, Gujarat (1982 – 90) and completed her Masters in Industrial Design – Furniture from National Institute of Design in 1989 – 91. She started practicing architecture in Vistas designers and was a visiting Faculty of Design in CEPT university, Ahmedabad

SRINIVAS S G
Design Chair & Professor

In 1975, he joined Chandavarkar & Thacker Architects, Bangalore, where he worked till 1977. During his time in C&T, he worked on the corporate HQ of Vijaya Bank and CMTI in Bangalore and Triton Valves at Mysore.

Prashant G Pole
Design Chair & Professor

From 1989 onwards he was associated with Naksha Architects, Bangalore, where he worked till 1994. During this tenure he worked on various Architectural and Interior Projects.

Anand Krishnamurthy
Professor

Anand worked at Chandavarkar & Thacker Architects, Bangalore from 1992 to 1999, on various Architectural and Interior Projects. For two years in this period, Anand directed the Architectural works at the C&T office in Muscat, Oman.

Nagesh H D
Professor

In 2001, he joined C-EARTH Pvt Ltd, Calicut, where he worked till 2006. During his stint in C-EARTH Pvt Ltd , he worked on various Architectural, Heritage Conservation and Urban Design Projects.

Nelson Joe Vijai Pais
Professor

He worked as an Urban Designer in Dubai at Amar Consult, Parsons – Harland Bartholomew Associates & at Dubai Municipality as a Senior Planner on various Urban Design & Urban Planning projects including the Structure Plan of Dubai.

B L Manjunath
Associate Professor (Structural)

He studied Master of Engineering (Civil)in Bangalore at University Vishveshwariah College Of Engineering( 1985). In 1985, he joined Umesh B Rao & Co, Bangalore, where he worked till 1994 as senior design Engineer.

Anand Prakash
Adjunct Faculty (Architecture)

Anand joined Naksha Architects,Bangalore, in 1988 and worked upto 1993.At Naksha, he worked on various architectural projects, that included Apartments and Industrial Buildings, among other projects.

Vidyashankar Ramakrishnan
Adjunct Faculty (Architecture)

In 1991, he joined Span Designers, Bangalore, where he worked for a year. During this period, he worked on various residential and interior projects, and was involved in co-ordination of projects.

Kukke Subramanya
Adjunct Faculty (Architecture)

In 1993, he joined Chandavarkar & Thacker Architects, Bangalore, where he worked till 1998. During his stint in C&T, he worked on various Architectural and Interior Projects.

Manoj Ladhad
Adjunct Faculty (Architecture)

Trained and Worked (1994 – 1996) with V.K.Giridhar Architects, Bangalore.
Worked as freelance association with Jaspreet and Sagar Shetty, Bangalore.

Ryan Thomas
Assistant Professor

He worked with Naksha architects, Bangalore from 1998 to 2000. His association with Genesis architects, Bangalore commenced in 2000 where he worked till 2006.

R Kiran Kumar
Associate Professor

R Kiran Kumar, studied Architecture at University School of Design , Mysore, University of Mysore (2003-08) and completed his Master’s in Architecture (Theory and Design) at CEPT, Ahmedabad.

Julie Ann Tharakan
Associate Professor

Julie Ann Tharakan, studied Architecture at University School of Design , Mysore, University of Mysore (2005-10) & completed her Masters of Arts program in Social Anthropology from IGNOU campus program.

Thyagarajan C
Assistant Professor

Thyagarajan completed his undergraduate studies in architecture at Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi (2004-2009). He has earned his master’s degree in Architecture from politectnico di Milano in Milan

Shantesh Kelvekar
Assistant Professor

Shantesh studied and completed B.Arch. at KLS GIT, Belgaum in 2009. After working as an Architect for Oikos, Bangalore, he did his Master of Arts(Landscape Urbanism) from Architectural Association, London, UK in 2011.

Shreyas Baindur
Assistant Professor

Shreyas studied and completed B.Arch. at RV College of Architecture, Bengaluru in 2010. Further, he worked for Studio Mumbai and Total Environment Building Solutions. He did his Masters in History, Theory and Criticism from CEPT University in 2016.

Pallavi Dhomse
Assistant Professor

Pallavi studied Architecture at B.K.P.S. college of Architecture, University of Pune (2006-11) & completed her Masters in Landscape architecture from C.E.P.T. University, Ahmedabad

Anjali Cheriyath
Assistant Professor

Anjali completed Architecture in Dept. of Architecture, Govt. Engg. College, Thrissur in 2011 and Master’s in Conservation from SPA, Delhi in 2014. She was teaching at MES College, Kerala and at Ramaiah College, Bengaluru & she now joins WCFA.

Chinchu Kumar Sreekandan
Adjunct Faculty (Architecture)

Chinchu Kumar studied Architecture at SAP , Anna university, Chennai (2007-12) and he is also a Self Taught Artist. He worked as Associate Architect with Rahul Mehrotra (RMA Architects) Mumbai.

Kavana Kumar
Assistant Professor

Kavana Kumar, studied Architecture at U S D, Mysore, University of Mysore (2008-13). She worked with Design Cooperative, Mumbai, Archohm Consult, N Delhi and Funktion Design, Bengaluru.

Nayantara Harindranath
Assistant Professor

Nayantara Harindranath, studied Architecture at University School of Design , Mysore, University of Mysore and completed her Master’s in Building Engineering and Management from SPA, N Delhi.

Gregory M Anto
Assistant Professor

Gregory Anto completed his undergraduate studies in architecture at S I T, Tumkur (2008-13). During this time, his interest in transportation led to his thesis exploration of an intermodal interchange.

Akash Rai
Assistant Professor

Akash, studied Architecture at Siddaganga institute of technology, Tumkur (2008-13). He did his training at Ochre Architects, Bengaluru. He worked as assistant architect under Ar. H. D. Nagesh, Mysore.

Krishnapriya Rajshekar
Assistant Professor

She completed her undergraduate studies from USD, Mysore in 2014 and Master’s in Architecture from CEPT University in 2017, majoring in History, Theory and Criticism. KP has worked as an Assistant Professor at MSA, Mysuru in 2017-18.

Surendran Aalone
Assistant Professor

Surendran, studied Architecture at Thiagarajar college of Engineering (2007-12) and did his Master degree in Sustainable Design from Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. He is presently working in Manasaram Architects, Bangalore.

Shashank Satish
Assistant Professor

Shashank studied Architecture at SIT, Tumkur, and is the founder of Holy Cow! Studio, Bangalore. He completed his Masters in Experimental Media Art Practices at Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology (2018), where he also taught as faculty till 2020. He is the Principal Investigator of the Experiential Cognition Lab founded in 2017 that situates his practices between Art-Science, Architecture and Education.

Ar. Asijit Khan
Assistant Professor

Asijit has recently completed post-graduation in Architectural Design from CEPT University. He has been practicing architecture for the past 4 years. He has worked on multiple projects of varying scales and requirements in Shatotto, Dhaka and ASAUDP, Kolkata. Presently working as a freelance architect. Also was awarded by NIASA for the Undergraduate thesis on Sunderban.

Chinmayi H Y
Assistant Professor

Chinmayi is a graduate of RV College of Architecture, Bangalore. She started her practice as an architect at Anu and Tara Architects, Mysore. Her interest in Heritage, Culture and History lead her to pursue her education in Masters of Architecture

Manjunatha R
Assistant Professor (Structural)

Manjunatha R , Graduated Bachelor in Civil Engineering and M.Tech in Structural Engineering from VTU-PG Centre Mysore (2012-2014).Worked as a senior site engineer in the BNPM Project.

Sneha S D
Assistant Professor (Structural)

Sneha studied Civil Engineering at P.E.S College Of Engineering, Mandya and completed her M. Tech. in Structural Engineering from National Institute of Engineering college, Mysuru.

Devaraj N
Adjunct Faculty (Civil)

Devaraj N completed BE Civil from BIT, Bangalore University in 1985. He has worked in various Architecture and Product Design firms such Tessaract Designs, V K Giridhar and Rathi Associates.

Rajesh Kumar Jain
Adjunct Faculty (Architecture)

Rajesh Jain, studied Architecture at MCE, Hassan (1996-2001). He is an exponent on low energy environmental friendly construction methods. He has been a visiting faculty in Architecture since 2005.

Dyan Belliappa
Adjunct Faculty (Architecture)

Dyan Belliappa, studied Architecture at REC Nagpur (1985-90) & Urban Planning at CEPT, Ahmedabad (1990-92). Dyan has been teaching for many years at MCE, Hassan.

Sandeep Sen
Adjunct Faculty (Architecture)

Sandeep graduated from MCE Hassan in 1990 and has professional experience of 25 years. He had worked under many well known architects like Charles Correa, Chandavarkar and others. In these office, he handled a range of projects as a Senior architect, a Team leader, a Project Manager and a Director (Chandavarkar & Thacker Architects & Interior designers Bangalore).

Anand Chalawadi
Adjunct Faculty (Architecture)

Anand Chalawadi worked for four years in Naksha Architects (1995-99), Bangalore after graduating from Malnad College of Engineering, University of Mysore. He then worked as a Principal Architect of many national and international project with WS Atkins, International & co, Muscat, JURONG Consultants India Pvt Ltd and others.

Umesh Nuchin
Adjunct Faculty (Architecture)

Umesh completed his B. Arch at Malnad College of Engineering, Hassan. Been a Principle architect for Design Front Architects and have been practicing Architecture in the industry for the past 20 years and worked with professionals in firms like, Vinyas Architects, Bangalore.

Harsha Nayak
Adjunct Faculty (Architecture)

Harsha studied Architecture at MCE, Hassan. Malnad region, which has a great countryside, has inspired him in photography, Music and Travel. This has kept him inspired to introduce sensibilities in the architecture practised.

Anjana Kotamachu
Adjunct Faculty (Art)

Anjana Kotamachu, studied Fine Arts (Sculpture) from Academy of Fine Arts and Crafts (2011), Rachana Sansad, Mumbai. She also has a Bachelor of Psychology from Mumbai University.

Pavan Kikkeri
Adjunct Faculty (Art)

Pavan Kikkeri, studied fine arts (Painting) from CAVA, University of
Mysore (2014), Mysore. Pavan has been part of various National workshops and art programs.

Anil Chandran.P
Adjunct Faculty (Art)

Anil did BFA in Sculpture and MFA in Painting from Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Art, Mysore and was also teaching Visual Arts in Adhiyamaan Engineering College for one academic year 2011-2012

Sujan Ghosh
Adjunct Faculty (Art)

Sujan did his BFA (Painting) and MFA (Sculpture) at CAVA,Mysore. He worked as a 3-D Animator at Paprikaas Studio and he was a Guest Faculty at University School Of Design, Mysore

Suchender. P
Adjunct Faculty (Art)

Suchender did his BFA in Painting at CAVA, Mysore. He has organised many Exhibitions, painting camps and Sculpture camps at many well known Galleries in Delhi, Calcutta, Chennai, Bangalore, Mysore and other cities.

Pavan K J
Adjunct Faculty (Photography)

Pavan is an award-winning multi talented photographer artist, musician and actor with roots in the university town of Mysore.