‘Teaching is internalising learning’

With a remarkable experience of almost 30 years, Anand Khatri, a distinguished Professor at Apeejay Institute of Technology – School of Architecture & Planning (AIT SAP) in Greater Noida, stands as a beacon of architectural brilliance. Throughout his illustrious journey, he has left an indelible mark on projects encompassing civil, interiors, product design, SIS, and retail, garnering accolades for his innovative approach and creative vision.

As a seasoned professor, Khatri’s passion for research knows no bounds. He delves into the study of villages for MoPR at AITSAP and is currently working on the localization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He is also part of the prestigious G20 T20 2023.

Hailing from a humble Indian family, Prof Khatri’s journey into the realm of architecture commenced with a B Arch from Government College of Architecture, Lucknow, in 1993. He then went on to pursue his M Arch at SPA Delhi, where his academic interests led him to embrace the world of teaching. Under the guidance of esteemed Professors Satish Grover and Malay Chatterjee, he crafted pedagogies and imparted knowledge to eager undergraduates, fostering the next generation of aspiring architects.

However, taking a detour from academia, Prof  Khatri embarked on a professional sojourn, showcasing his expertise on prominent projects for industry giants such as Hewlett Packard, Toshiba, and Tata. The list of achievements is awe-inspiring, including over 500 stores for TATA Chemicals, 200 retail spaces for HP, and a myriad of projects for Samsung IT Division.

In every facet of his life, the Apeejay professor exemplifies dedication, creativity, and a commitment to societal welfare. His relentless pursuit of excellence continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of architecture, inspiring both students and professionals to envision and create a sustainable and harmonious built environment. Read on to learn about his profound research, innovative design solutions, and remarkable contributions to the field of architecture.

Read edited excerpts: 

What led you to pursue a career in academia and particularly architecture?

I was always an academician at heart and left School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi because I was aching to test my academics in the profession. I worked for two decades as an independent professional doing all scales of projects and coming back to academia to impart my professional knowledge to the young, is like a dream come true. I loved to guide young minds. My journey in academia is a walk back home. I spend my days researching the right agendas which young learners can take up in the profession.

 Tell us about your experience of teaching at Apeejay.

Apeejay is growing; it’s unpretentious, green, sensitive, and pure at heart. Teaching at Apeejay is structured. Academia is organised and there is a multilayer academic system in place, which I aid as the Academic Coordinator with guidance of the Director. Students come from a semi-urban catchment and generally belong to the middle class. They come with hopes to grow and Apeejay helps them metamorphose out of their social mores as well as small city customs to become bright professionals. The simplicity of conduct and emotional honesty in institutional practice is what nurtures hope, and this is what enriches my lessons as a teacher.

 How do you engage your students in learning architecture and make the process enjoyable?

Honesty is the only way to engage with the young. They may never say but they can see through us. Students are always willing to etch a bond and trust. They are generally mixed and distracted so the only way to engage them in academics is to talk their distractions off. Once their pressures are eased and their challenges are addressed, academics sink in. We always remembered our teachers who took the side lanes and did not just jump to the textbook my way or the highway. Counseling students and hearing their narratives is very helpful for the bond. I am also a national powerlifting champion and a published poet, so students connect with me in many ways.

Research in architecture is crucial and yet can be tiresome. How to cultivate this among budding architects? 

Research changes the way human beings think. Undertaking research is about re-innovating and reassuring ourselves of what we are. When we change our ways of thinking, reality changes. Architecture has action research and this has grown into academics and education of architecture. It’s because architecture is now the carrier of urbanisation, which in turn is the economic basis of the success of cities.  Cultivating research requires that we hold on to an idea till we see many perspectives on it. Changes in technology, social changes, and transformational needs of cities, all require that architects research well. It needs focus and this can be tiresome. The young follow us. There are many types of research that the Apeejay student groups have done at different forums of NIUA, UVCT, FOP, PJMT, and so on. They are capable and we just need to show them the way.

 What are some common misconceptions students have about architecture?

Very few know that architecture is at the root of all urbanisation. All economic types that get us food, education, employment, administration, etc., are architectural types. The biggest misconception is that students think that it is just about buildings. It is a sea. There are over 25 professional routes after doing B Arch. They can choose to move to newer challenges.  Thinking that graduating as B Arch is the end, is a misconception.

Your achievements at Apeejay so far?

Teaching is internalising learning. Apeejay has given space to my research.  Heading the research cell, I guide students on fresh hypotheses and arguments. I am growing each day with the trust of my students. I often receive a good word when they reach high acclaim or graduate successfully from CEPT, SPA, NUS, AA, and Deakins or are awarded good jobs at international architectural firms.   In my tenure at Apeejay, I have concluded 3 books, 1 G20 T20 policy, 15 researches, 1 report with MoPR, 3 Conference proceedings, and held 6 faculty development lectures. This semester, with the thesis under my coordination, I look forward to learning with my students.