Architecture studio is UF's first venture to India

October 2, 2006

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Students from the School of Architecture at University of Florida’s College of Design, Construction and Planning embarked last month on UF’s first international program ever offered in India. Shivjit Sidhu, an assistant professor of architecture, and eight students voyaged to Pune, India, to take part in “The Vertical Studio, India,” a semester-long studio focusing on architecture and urban design.

Incorporating the historical, cultural, physical and conceptual context of the Indian Subcontinent, the studio will prepare undergraduate and graduate students to study and practice contemporary architecture with a global perspective.

Students will help design master plans and charettes for both Pune and Mumbai, India. Both cities are experiencing the pressures of extreme growth due to large economic expansion and have a need for sustainable urban design guidelines. Without proper urban planning and design, the cities will evolve rapidly with short-term considerations that may lead to catastrophic effects on human, social and economic development.

“Hopefully, the work of our students and professional partners can raise awareness of the issue,” Sidhu said.

Upon the group’s arrival in Delhi, UF architecture graduate student Matt Demers said, “The urban environment here is indescribable. Across the group, we share experiences living in places like Hong Kong and Mexico City and New York, but the reaction is still unanimous – we’ve never experienced or imagined a place this intense.”

“The Vertical Studio, India” is a collaboration of UF students and architects, engineers and other consultants across the globe.

“We are very happy the School of Architecture has taken the initiative to include India and UF hopes to add more programs in the future,” said Suzanne Hill, coordinator of study abroad services for UF’s International Center.

The trip is partially funded by Muttha Associates, one of the leading development companies in Pune, India. The company will pay for the students’ airfare, accommodations and studio space, among other items.