Parul University’s architecture students recently embarked on an insightful journey to Goa, moving beyond textbooks to witness how architecture interacts with people, culture, and the environment. The experience allowed them to see design as a living process rather than just a subject of study.
The tour, organized by Parul University, transformed Goa into an immersive classroom where every wall, valley, and corner told a story. It highlighted how spaces influence daily life and provided students with a deeper understanding of architecture in real-world contexts.
Key Learnings from the Goa Architecture Tour
Designing with Purpose:
- Interaction with Ar. Gerda De Cunha revealed that designing schools isn’t about just aesthetics, but creating spaces that nurture curiosity and learning.
- Every design decision - from initial sketches to material choices - must consider community needs and natural context.
Sustainable Design Takes Time:
- Students realized that sustainability is not a shortcut but a process requiring patience.
- Sustainable buildings are not about fast construction but thoughtful integration of environment-friendly materials and practices.
The Site as a Design Partner:
- The natural landscape plays a pivotal role in shaping design solutions.
- Slopes, trees, and sunlight guide architects in making space decisions.
- Students observed how designs adapt to the unique characteristics of a site.
Finding Inspiration in Everyday Spaces:
- Even ordinary areas like play schools, courtyards, and simple structures hold immense design value.
- Human-centered design comes alive when attention is paid to small details that impact daily life.
An Interactive Learning Experience:
- The sessions were highly interactive, allowing students to ask questions and engage in meaningful conversations.
- The casual atmosphere fostered better learning and participation.
Highlights of the Goa Architecture Tour
| Activity | Key Takeaway |
| Visit to Nisha's Play School & Shiksha Niketan | Design of educational spaces impacts the learning atmosphere. |
| Workshop with Architect Gerda De Cunha | Purpose-driven design, focus on sustainability. |
| Site Visits across Goa | Nature shapes the architecture - each site tells its own story. |
| Interactive Discussions | Practical learning through engagement, not just theory. |
The Parul University Learning Model - Beyond Goa
Parul University believes in “learning without boundaries.”
- Students frequently step out of the classroom for writer tours in Mumbai, robotics tours in Chennai, leadership tours in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, and biopharma tours in Hyderabad.
- These educational tours encourage students to observe, interact, and apply theory in real-world situations.
Experience is the Best Teacher
Parul University’s architecture tour in Goa exemplified the power of hands-on learning. It showed students that real architectural knowledge doesn’t emerge from textbooks alone but through travel, observation, and thoughtful interaction with space and people.
Each journey becomes a lasting lesson in understanding the profound relationship between design, culture, and the environment.
