Ar. Anurakti Yadav is an Assistant Professor at SMEF’s Brick School of Architecture. She holds a B.Arch degree from IPS Academy, Indore, after which she went on to earn a master’s degree in Construction Technology and Management from LNCT College, Bhopal. With thirteen years of experience, she has participated in a wide range of projects, from planning and design to execution.

Ar. Yadav has worked on both commercial and institutional buildings, as well as residential and industrial projects. Some of her notable clients are the Housing Board for Air Force and Navy Bhubaneshwar, ICTS Campus Bangalore, and SPITI Campus Solapur, among others. She started working as an Architect at M.S. Yadav, after which she took up the position of Senior Architect at AKA Consultant Pvt. Ltd. in Indore. Thereafter, she ventured into academia and has been working in it for the past nine years. She actively participates in workshops and guest lectures at leading architecture institutes and also writes papers in renowned journals.

SMEF's Brick Group of Institutes

You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What keeps you connected with the Education Sector and how has your experience been so far with the institute? 

Throughout my professional journey, I have held significant positions within educational institutions, and my enduring connection with the education sector is deeply rooted in my perception of it as a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences with the younger generation. This connection operates as a mutually beneficial endeavour. It not only allows me to actively participate in guiding the direction in which I believe education should evolve but also provides valuable insights into the aspirations of youth, helping them shape their future.

While working in this sector, I relish the opportunity to connect with the future generation, a process that keeps me continuously updated and engaged.

I've been a part of this institute for over five years, and my experience has been exceedingly gratifying. The institute offers a conducive environment for teaching, and it values and encourages personal growth. The management's support and appreciation have been instrumental in my satisfaction. What sets this institute apart is the sense of unity and camaraderie that permeates the entire campus. Irrespective of one's position or age, whether among the management, faculty, students, or staff, we operate as a close-knit family. This atmosphere of inclusivity and positivity has been a cornerstone of my time here, contributing significantly to my sense of fulfillment and dedication to the institution.

Being the Professor at Brick School of Architecture, what are your roles and responsibilities towards the students? 

As a professor at Brick School of Architecture, my roles and responsibilities towards the students encompass a multifaceted approach aimed at nurturing and guiding them to become future-ready professionals. My foremost responsibility is to foster the development of students who are not only academically proficient but also equipped with the practical skills necessary for their careers. This involves enhancing their overall performance in design by imparting innovative yet climate-responsive ideas that can be applied in real-world contexts. It is essential to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and its practical applicability, ensuring that students can effectively contribute to their field upon graduation.

In addition to academic and practical skills, I consider it vital to instil a sense of social responsibility in my students. Encouraging them to be sensitive to the needs and challenges of society is a key facet of my role. By doing so, I aim to nurture architects who are not just technically skilled but also socially conscious and capable of creating designs that positively impact communities and the environment.

Do you have any extracurricular activities/ programs to enhance the skills of the students or expose them to the real-world challenges?

At Brick School of Architecture, we are committed to offering a holistic educational experience that goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. We have implemented a range of extracurricular activities and programs designed to enhance our students' skills and expose them to real-world challenges. One of our key initiatives involves forging partnerships with a variety of industries and skill-building organisations. These collaborations provide our students with invaluable opportunities to gain practical experience and connect with professionals in their respective fields. Annually, we also organise a diverse array of workshops like Mud Workshop, Tie and Die Workshop, Street Design Workshop, and Drama/Dance Workshop. These workshops provide students with hands-on experiences, foster societal connections, and expose them to a wide range of allied activities. 

To further facilitate exposure to experts in different fields, we host Brick Conversations, allowing our students to engage in dialogue and discussion with professionals to provide insights into various issues, growth prospects, thoughts, and real-world projects shared by these experts.

In addition, our Initiative Program encourages students to collaborate throughout the year on related projects. Currently, we are actively participating in the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, which aligns with our commitment to community engagement and societal development.

How does the curriculum of Brick School of Architecture ensure that the students are being prepared for the future? 

The curriculum at Brick School of Architecture is carefully designed to ensure that our students are not only well-prepared for the present but also for the future. We follow a holistic educational approach that integrates various elements to provide a comprehensive and forward-looking educational experience. Our curriculum seamlessly blends design teaching, research, live debates, social engagement, detailing, practical application, and consideration of the economic aspects of architecture. This multifaceted pedagogy is instrumental in exposing our students to a wide range of essential aspects that are critical for their future success. We place a strong emphasis on design teaching, allowing students to cultivate their creative and analytical thinking skills. This forms the foundation of their architectural education and future careers. 

We encourage students to engage in research activities, fostering a spirit of inquiry and innovation as it equips them with the ability to adapt to evolving trends and technologies in the architectural field. We emphasize the importance of social engagement, instilling in our students a sense of social responsibility that ensures that they are not just architects but also active contributors to the betterment of society. Attention to detail is a cornerstone of our curriculum. It prepares students to create architectural solutions that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally sound and structurally robust. Our curriculum incorporates practical application, providing students with hands-on experience and exposure to real-world architectural challenges. This equips them with the skills needed to excel in their careers.

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How do you try to bring in practical approach towards subjects and make it industry oriented? 

Bringing a practical and industry-oriented approach to subjects, particularly those related to construction, is a key focus of my teaching methodology. It is imperative that students not only grasp theoretical concepts but also understand how to apply them in real-world scenarios. I firmly believe in connecting every subject with real-time projects. Whether it's a site for a design and construction studio or a research topic for thinking studios, I ensure that students are exposed to actual projects and scenarios. This approach allows them to bridge the gap between theory and practise and gain firsthand experience. In our studio sessions, we encourage students to work on proposals that can be presented to local governing bodies or relevant authorities. This exposes them to the current issues and intricacies of the professional work culture. To ensure that students are well-prepared for the dynamic architectural landscape, I encourage them to experiment with the latest and most contemporary trends. This includes exploring innovative design concepts and construction techniques. By doing so, students are better equipped to adapt to industry changes and stay ahead of the curve.

What are the interventions and approaches you bring in apart from curriculum to train/teach the students? 

Our institution is committed to offering an education that transcends the confines of a rigid curriculum. I firmly believe in the importance of going beyond the prescribed coursework and have actively pursued innovative teaching methodologies with the full support of our management. One notable initiative I've undertaken recently is the collaboration with another college and industrial experts for a fourth-year studio project. This collaborative effort provided our students with a holistic learning experience, exposing them to diverse perspectives and real-world challenges. I am an advocate for an integrated approach to education. In all subjects within the same year, I encourage an interdisciplinary approach where all discussions and explorations revolve around a common project or theme. This approach allows students to recognize the interconnectedness of different subjects and fosters a deeper understanding of the material. Beyond the classroom, I prioritise real-time projects whenever feasible. These hands-on experiences empower students to apply their theoretical knowledge and skills to actual architectural projects, effectively bridging the gap between theory and practise.

What would you like people to know about your institute they may not know? 

While our institute has gained recognition and a strong presence, there are some lesser-known aspects that deserve highlighting. At our institute, we take immense pride in the profound teaching and learning experience it offers. The bond between our dedicated faculty and motivated students is truly exceptional. This collaborative and supportive environment extends beyond the classroom, ensuring that students receive personalised mentorship and guidance to excel academically and professionally. What sets us apart is the remarkable success of our alumni, who have ventured into prestigious international firms and are making significant contributions to the field of architecture through their innovative projects. Their accomplishments stand as a testament to the high-quality education and comprehensive preparation they have received at our institute. In essence, our institute is more than just an educational institution; it's a tightly-knit community that fosters enduring connections, nurtures individual growth, and empowers graduates to leave a lasting impact on the global stage. 

What do you see as the greatest strengths of the Brick School of Architecture? 

The Brick School of Architecture boasts a range of formidable strengths that contribute to its excellence in architectural education. Our institution takes pride in its modern and inclusive infrastructure. We provide not only state-of-the-art classrooms and studios but also spaces designed for informal interaction and collaborative learning. These areas play a pivotal role in cultivating strong bonds among students and fostering a conducive learning environment. We have strategically developed three distinct labs: the design lab, the construction lab, and the thinking lab, each led by a team of specialised faculty members. This approach ensures that students receive tailored instruction and hands-on experience aligned with the specific objectives of each lab. At Brick School of Architecture, we are committed to providing equal opportunities for creative growth to all our students. Our institution celebrates diversity and ensures that every creative mind, regardless of background or experience, has the chance to flourish. This inclusivity enhances the richness of ideas and perspectives within our community.

What are some of the biggest challenges you see, both for higher education in general and for Brick School of Architecture specifically? 

Both higher education in general and the Brick School of Architecture specifically face several significant challenges. In the digital age, students have access to an overwhelming amount of information from various sources. The challenge is to teach them critical thinking and information evaluation skills to discern credible and reliable sources from unreliable ones. With the ease of access to online content, plagiarism has become a concern. Institutions need to continually educate students about academic integrity and develop mechanisms to detect and prevent plagiarism. The rapid evolution of technology requires educational institutions to continually adapt their teaching methods and infrastructure to stay current and provide effective digital learning experiences. 

Having achieved a prominent position, our primary challenge is to sustain and enhance the quality of education and research, ensuring that the institution continues to excel in its field. As the educational landscape evolves, competition among architecture schools increases. Staying ahead in terms of innovative curriculum, faculty expertise, and infrastructure is crucial. Our institute is working actively towards understanding these challenges and removing them from our system.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students? 

Pursue careers that genuinely ignite your passion for lasting satisfaction. Set precise short-term and long-term goals to navigate your path effectively. Cultivate the skill of critical thinking to make informed decisions. Build a professional network to create opportunities and foster growth. Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success and stay resilient. In a fast-changing world, prioritise adaptability and open-mindedness. Seek guidance from experienced mentors for valuable insights. Prioritise physical and mental health to fuel your journey. Contribute to your community and society for a meaningful impact.