Aizawl, 8 August 2025: The Department of Planning and Architecture, Mizoram University, successfully conducted a five-day Online Workshop on “Research Methodology in Architecture and Planning” from 4th to 8th August 2025. The workshop brought together eminent experts and scholars from across the country to deliberate on methodological approaches, technical innovations, and interdisciplinary strategies for advancing research in architecture and planning.
The inaugural session began with a welcome address by Dr. Emeline Renthlei, Head of the Department, who introduced the academic vision and activities of the department. Prof. Vineet Shrivastava, Dean of the School of Fine Arts, Architecture and Fashion Technology (SFAA&FT), outlined the objectives of the programme and introduced the invited speakers. The Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dibakar Chandra Deka, highlighted the critical role of research in addressing challenges of the built environment and called for context-specific, innovative solutions.
Over the course of the week, distinguished experts engaged participants with diverse insights:
Prof. Ajay Khare (Founding Director, SPA Bhopal; Fulbright and Charles Wallace Fellow) emphasized that research lies not merely in solutions but in framing meaningful, thought-provoking questions.
Prof. (Dr.) Roopal Deshpande demonstrated the use of Space Syntax tools such as DepthmapX and Agraph, showing how spatial configurations shape social, economic, and environmental dynamics.
Prof. Pratap Raval (COEP Pune) highlighted scenario planning, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive strategies for sustainable futures.
Dr. Janmejoy Gupta (SPA Vijayawada) discussed passive design strategies, energy performance, and simulation tools for environmentally responsible architecture.
Dr. Faiz Ahmed Chundeli (SPA Vijayawada) presented geospatial and microclimate analysis as vital tools for climate-responsive urban development.
Dr. Rahul Shukla illustrated the role of remote sensing and GIS in resilience planning, participatory decision-making, and sustainable urban growth.
Dr. Amit Shankar (IIM Visakhapatnam) conducted hands-on training on Structural Equation Modelling (AMOS), complemented by Prof. Vineet Shrivastava’s application of SEM with geospatial techniques.
Dr. Kamini Sinha integrated perspectives on heritage conservation and sustainable innovation in architectural practices.
The deliberations collectively underscored the importance of interdisciplinarity, data-driven methodologies, technical rigor, and humanistic values in architectural research. Participants were encouraged to bridge theory and practice, draw lessons from historical contexts, and envision sustainable, resilient futures.
The workshop attracted 84 participants, including research scholars and faculty members from across India, and received wide appreciation for its intellectual depth and practical relevance. On the concluding day, Ms. Dwijomala Hanjabam presented a detailed workshop report, followed by a vote of thanks from Dr. Sachin Yadav.
