Budding architects learn to build with mud 

Apeejay Institute of Technology – School of Architecture and Planning (AITSAP) recently organised a three-day mud workshop for the first year students. The workshop was coordinated by Associate Professor Madhur Prakash.

The objective behind organising such a workshop was to introduce students to vernacular or traditional material like mud, mud-brick used during the building construction process. The idea was to create awareness as well as an interest in the student to understand the importance of these local materials and construction techniques. The workshop further focused on the basic fundamental techniques of making good quality mud brick through hands-on learning. 

During the three-day workshop, budding architects learned the process, construction techniques, bricks laying, framework and mud plaster.The intention was to give them an understanding on how to select material, experiment and explore various working methods, through the right methodology, knowledge and innovating process.  Students also learned the structural concept, applications, feasibility, scope and limitations of technologically advanced systems and techniques.

Through this workshop, students got a diverse knowledge of technology practices applied to real-life problems. They further understood the theoretical and practical aspects of new technology in civil engineering along with the design and management applications. Overall, the workshop fostered skills such as constructive thinking, in-depth investigation, critical analysis and review. 

Another interesting aspect of this three-day engaging workshop was for first year students to learn to compare alternative solutions in building construction technologies (contemporary  versus conventional, sustainable vs non-sustainable, automated versus manual).