GITAM varsity launches M Arch

Visakhapatnam: GITAM University launched a new programme in M Arch in sustainable architecture here on Thursday. The university is offering this programme with the approval of Council of Architecture (COA) through GITAM School of Architecture from this academic year.

Inaugurating the programme, Director of GITAM School of Architecture K Mohan disclosed that out of 467 architecture institutions only 86 are offering M Arch in the country.

He said that sustainable architecture would help the smart cities. He said that there are around 800 green buildings in the country and now government was mandated to follow Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) norms of green buildings in the country.

The green buildings operation cost was low and less harm to environment, he added.GITAM University Vice-Chancellor MS Prasada Rao observed that 40 per cent of carbon dioxide emissions were due to buildings and other construction activities and that should be reduced with sustainable architecture. He said that GITAM University is committed to produce quality human resource in the field of architecture with international exposure.

Indian Institute of Architecture (IIA) Visakhapatnam Centre Chairman SLN Sastry stressed the need of research and innovations in the field of architecture. He appreciated the GITAM School of Architecture for starting PG programme in sustainable architecture.

National Institute of Technology (Raipur) associate professor Debashis Sanyal said that the country needs eco-cities and government should initiate such cities, along with smart cities. The country need liveable cities, which provide healthy environment less resource consumption, he added.

GITAM Vice-President M Gangadhara Rao, Pro Vice-Chancellor K Sivaramakrishna, Registrar M Potharaju and School of Architecture deputy director Krishna Kasi were present. As part of the programme, GITAM School of Architecture arranged an exhibition on green buildings.