Know Your Faculty: ‘I became a professor as I realised the power of academics’ 

Ar Kanika Verma, an Associate Professor with Apeejay Institute of Technology – School of Architecture & Planning (AIT-SAP), always wished to pursue her career in the creative field. When she was in school, her aspiration was to get into a National Institute of Design for higher studies. However, destiny had a different plan for her. “It set me for another adventurous path of architecture, which is said to be the mother of all art, which I believe it truly is,” shares Prof Verma 

For the professor, her professional journey has been really thrilling. While she is a great faculty teaching specialisations such as sustainable architecture, vernacular architecture, design, thesis, Prof Verma  has also worked on some of the key architecture projects that she is proud of. “I have worked on many projects which are meaningful and are stars of my portfolio. But to mention here is a recent project and a competition win titled GNIDA USRP. We were able to give a proposal to Greater Noida authority for some urban scale interventions impacting our own city and its planning,” she highlights.

Read excerpts of the interview:

Did you always aspire to become a professor of architecture? What have been your major learning so far as a professor?

As expected from all architects after graduation, I landed into industry and gained good work experience. But later, I switched to teaching and realised the power of academics. Since then there was no looking back. One academician can influence many budding architects at once. I really appreciate when students implement ideas and concepts valued by me as their teacher, and acknowledge me for the participation I have made in their career. 

How would you describe your teaching style? How are you leveraging technology in your teaching process?

Mutual learning and challenging the existing generic knowledge are two important attributes of my teaching. I motivate students to learn something beyond and question every detail to make sure the applicability of learning is effective. It helps me motivate students and keep my quest of learning alive as well.

Are there any specific goals or objectives you have for the upcoming academic session at AIT-SAP?

I intend to learn new technologies coming in the architectural field and integrate them into my teaching.

Read This: ‘Mentoring students brings rewarding experiences’

Can you share any memorable or inspiring experiences you’ve had as a professor?

It has happened many times when my students bag an award or win any competition, they call me right then. That has always made me proud. You feel content as a teacher when you see them successful.

We are talking about AI, new innovations,  eco-friendly, sustainable practices in architecture. What, according to you, is the future of architecture?

No doubt, AI and other technological advancements are essential to learn and adopt for any architect to be competent in the near future. However, making buildings sustainable or eco-friendly is indispensable; one cannot ignore its pertinence in the built environment. Or else there will be no environment to build upon.

How did you see yourself growing in Apeejay?

At Apeejay, I am always given challenges and tasks which gratify my inquisitiveness and quest to learn more. With the same intent I like to achieve greater heights in my professional pursuits and get the deepest plunge into unfathomable learning.