Prof. Ar. Rajini Itham is the Principal, Nitte School of Architecture, Planning and Design, Bengaluru. She has more than 25 years of experience in academia and industry combined. With a strong educational foundation from prestigious institutions, including Anna University, Chennai, and the Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology, Ahmedabad, she is recognized for her expertise in diverse endeavors such as master planning projects and high-rise developments. Ar. Rajini is a fellow of esteemed organizations like the Indian Institute of Architects and the Indian Society of Landscape Architects. She actively contributes to academia, overseeing architecture, planning and design programs and serving on various boards and committees. Her professional pursuits further extend through her contributions as a session chair, resource person and jury member in seminars, workshops, and design awards. Her profound expertise is evident through her publications and interviews in print and digital media, establishing her as a prominent figure in the world of architecture, planning and design.
From the Principal’s desk
The power of good design is visible all around us- in the utilitarianism of our everyday objects, the aesthetic comfort of our homes and the functional efficiency of our cities. From time immemorial, long before out-of-the-box thinking and disruptive technology became common parlance, master builders, town planners and innovators have been harnessing the essence of good design by integrating their creative thinking with technical knowledge, to enhance the quality of human life and empower civilizations to reach their full potential. Architects, Planners and Designers, as harbingers of intellectual and social advancements, have played a pivotal role in spearheading several such paradigm shifts.
Today, in a dynamically changing global framework, multidisciplinary trends are evolving at a hitherto unseen pace. Space cities, Megalopolises and Floating townships are no longer limited to science fiction. As boundaries blur between real and virtual worlds to establish a new world order, the ‘Phygital’ universe is an undeniable reality. With the rise of Artificial intelligence in every domain, it is imperative that young minds are encouraged to challenge conventional thought in order to design and implement their ideas in physical and simulated environments. Aspiring techno-creative professionals of today need to be mentored to emerge as the visionaries of tomorrow.
Nitte School of Architecture, Planning and Design (Nitte SAPD), Bengaluru, in sync with this progressive thought, proudly embraces a futuristic approach towards quality education, that defines its undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Architecture, Planning and Design domains. NITTE SAPD was established in the year 2016, under the aegis of Nitte Education Trust. The institution is affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi and is approved by Council of Architecture, New Delhi, AICTE and ITPI. Set in the serene integrated NITTE campus of nearly 24 acres, NITTE SAPD has over 1 lakh square feet of exquisitely designed academic space, dedicated exclusively to Architecture, Planning and Design education. Our curriculum is designed to foster creativity and critical thinking, enriched through a proactive educational environment, extensive professional network and collaborative communication.
The faculty team at NITTE SAPD includes renowned professionals and academicians, who guide our students to develop their design thinking and higher order thinking skills. Students are also trained in effective verbal and graphic communication techniques, personality development, time management and life skills to make them industry ready towards employability and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the state-of-the-art infrastructure at Nitte SAPD is on par with some of the best educational institutions in the world. Our studios and workshops provide an inspiring environment for exploration and innovation through hands-on learning and experiential learning. Our experimental spaces including the AR/VR lab, GIS lab, Climatology/environmental lab, Model making labs, Digital lab and 3D printing facilities among others, are equipped with the latest technology, enabling our students to translate their ideas into tangible design solutions. In addition, our students enjoy a vibrant campus life aimed at promoting holistic growth and development. We encourage our students to engage with real-world issues through social outreach programs and ensure they always honour the beliefs and value systems instilled by the Nitte Education Trust. We are also happy to share that our alumni have pursued their dreams through their startup ideas, research projects and higher studies in prestigious institutions.
As we mentor our students to evolve as the thought leaders, trail blazers and social pioneers of the future, I welcome one and all to be a part of this exciting intellectual expedition at NITTE School of Architecture, Planning and Design and experience the NITTE SAPD edge.