Vidya Pratishthan's School Of Architecture, Baramati: Nurturing Future Architects From The Heart Of Rural India

In a rapidly urbanizing India, architecture colleges need to empower rural talent with access to world-class infrastructure, practical industry exposure, and a strong foundation in socially conscious design. This approach not only bridges the rural-urban divide but also fosters inclusive development by nurturing architects who understand and can respond to the unique challenges of rural communities. Vidya Pratishthan’s School of Architecture exemplifies this vision, shaping future-ready architects from the heart of rural Maharashtra.

Established in a region that traditionally grappled with droughts and economic challenges, Vidya Pratishthan’s School of Architecture (VPSOA) has grown into a centre of academic excellence, transforming lives through the power of architecture and education. The roots of this institution go back to 1972, when Hon’ble Sharadchandra Pawar, a statesman with far-sighted vision, recognized that education was the only way to change the socio-economic realities of farmers and rural communities. He founded Vidya Pratishthan to provide quality education in English to children from agricultural backgrounds. Since then, the institute has evolved into a 176-acre state-of-the-art educational campus, home to 30 institutions, including the School of Architecture, which was started 16 years ago under the guidance of Hon’ble Ajit Pawar.

Running a professional course like architecture in a Taluka-level town with a population of around 1.5 lakh is no small feat. Faculty recruitment, infrastructure needs, and student awareness pose unique challenges in rural settings. Yet, VPSOA has defied the odds, consistently delivered quality education, and produced industry-ready professionals.

Empowering Rural Youth for the Architecture Industry

VPSOA has made remarkable progress in preparing students for real-world challenges by fostering a dynamic and interdisciplinary learning environment. Situated within a vibrant campus that houses schools and multiple professional colleges, the institute encourages  collaboration and knowledge exchange. Architecture students actively contribute to campus development through hands-on projects in interior design, landscaping, and urban planning, often motivating younger students to explore the field. To bridge the industry-academia gap, this college hosts initiatives like "VP Talk", inviting accomplished alumni and renowned architects to mentor students, share insights, and expose them to evolving trends and career opportunities in architecture.

Furthermore, VPSOA offers a focused B.Arch program with a limited intake of 40 students per batch, ensuring personalized attention and quality education. While following Pune University’s curriculum, the college integrates practical learning through its in-house Research and Consultancy Cell, where students work on real-world projects in landscape and interior design. “Emphasizing leadership and creativity, our institute supports student-led clubs and encourages participation in national competitions.

A dedicated fabrication lab allows our students to create full-scale models, and several innovative designs are currently in the patenting process, reflecting our college’s strong focus on hands-on, industry-relevant training”, says Ar. Rajshree Patil, Principal, VPSOA.

Faculty Excellence in a Rural Setting

Despite being located in a smaller town, VPSOA features a highly qualified faculty with expertise in heritage conservation, urban planning, landscape, interiors, and construction management. The institute provides residential quarters and a supportive work environment to attract and retain top talent. Its infrastructure is equally impressive, with modern labs, workshops, and a central library. A cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence Centre with 3D printing, robotics, and simulation labs is underway. The green, eco-conscious campus also includes the Nakshatra Garden, sports facilities, and separate gyms, offering students a balanced, peaceful, and forward-looking learning environment.

VPSOA empowers young architects with real-world skills, creative confidence, and a deep commitment to socially responsible and future-ready design

VPSOA’s deep commitment to rural education is evident in its extensive scholarship support. In addition to all Maharashtra state scholarships, the VP trust offers special financial aid to economically weaker sections. In cases of personal or family hardship, the management often steps in with flexible fee payment plans or full financial support, ensuring no deserving student drops out due to financial barriers.

Hands-On Learning & Industry Exposure

VPSOA organizes a range of academic and skill-based workshops aligned with seasonal festivals and global issues like sustainability. Students participate in clay modeling, bamboo construction, and earth material workshops. Field visits and internships are integrated into the curriculum, with students placed at renowned architectural firms like Sanjay Puri Architects, Yatin Pandya, Matharoo Associates and Shirish Beri Associates. MOUs with CREDAI, IIA, INTACH, and local industries ensure regular exposure to real-life construction and design practices.

The college takes regular feedback from industry partners to understand skill gaps, which helps fine-tune its pedagogy. Students are trained in software tools, professional etiquette, and portfolio development, making them truly industry-ready by the time they graduate.

The roadmap for VPSOA is ambitious. Plans are in place to establish a dedicated product design cell within the college and expand research in AI-integrated architecture. Alumni who have succeeded in diverse sectors are being invited to mentor students, helping the institute stay updated with evolving industry demands. A key vision is to encourage students to return and practice in rural or Tier-II cities after gaining experience, bringing modern design thinking back to their roots.

In conclusion, the essence of Vidya Pratishthan’s School of Architecture lies in its mission to empower rural youth through holistic, high-quality education. Beyond just structures and design, the institute is building futures. With a national award-winning green campus, exceptional faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a value-driven approach, VPSOA is truly shaping the next generation of socially conscious architects who can design for both global and local contexts.