Hyderabad: Origami Workshop Sparks Creativity Among First-Year Students at GITAM
The GITAM School of Architecture, Hyderabad recently hosted an inspiring Origami Workshop, designed to introduce first-year students to the intricate art of paper folding and its architectural applications.
Led by Mr. Arun Desai, Associate Professor of Mathematics and India’s only Paper Engineer, the workshop provided students with a unique blend of creativity, cultural heritage, and technical skill development. Through hands-on activities, participants explored the Cut-Fold-Construct approach to Paper Construction and Geometric Forms Inspired by Nature, with a special focus on Surface Development techniques.
Students also delved into the fascinating world of 3D pop-up structures, gaining insights into their practical applications in architectural design. The workshop not only enhanced their creativity and fine motor skills but also fostered teamwork and innovative thinking—essential qualities for aspiring architects.
The event, expertly coordinated by Assistant Professors Shruti Gawali and Niharika Kamisetty, reflects GITAM School of Architecture’s commitment to providing enriching, experiential learning opportunities.
GITAM Hosts “ShramA – Empowering Construction Workers” Workshop
GITAM School of Architecture, Hyderabad recently organized “ShramA – Empowering Construction Workers,” a transformative workshop curated by Gita Balakrishnan of Ethos Foundation. The event served as a dynamic platform fostering meaningful engagement between architecture students and construction workers, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world construction challenges.
Through interactive tasks, presentations, and site visits, students gained firsthand exposure to the complexities of the construction industry. Icebreaker games and structured sessions facilitated mutual understanding and respect, creating an inclusive learning environment. Gita Balakrishnan’s sensitization talks on worker settlements further sparked insightful discussions on the living conditions and challenges faced by construction workers.
Students expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to step beyond theoretical learning and directly engage with construction workers, gaining deeper insights into their skills, struggles, and contributions to the field. Activities such as quizzes, team presentations, and feedback sessions with a jury panel encouraged collaboration and dialogue, reinforcing the importance of empathy and communication in architectural practice.
The “ShramA” workshop successfully highlighted the significance of worker-friendly design solutions and the necessity of integrating such experiential learning initiatives into architectural education. Students unanimously advocated for incorporating similar workshops into the academic curriculum to promote a holistic and socially responsible approach to architecture.
This impactful workshop was expertly coordinated by Faculty Coordinators Associate Professor Dr. Souporni Paul and Assistant Professor Dr. Amit Bhattacharya.
