City School of Architecture started its journey 35 years ago as a course of lectures leading to the dual exams (part-1 & 2) held by the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects. The part-1 course was launched in 1986, while the part-2 course was later offered in 1991. The local university system had limited entry. The institute is accredited to Board of Architectural Education (BAE), of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA). It received The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) full accreditation for its Parts-I & II Courses in January 2011 and was unconditionally re-accredited in March 2016 for the next five years. CSA students successfully completing the Parts-I & II Courses and Examinations will receive the internationally reputed exemption of the RIBA Part-I & II Professional qualifications. This qualification will enable students to apply for RIBA International Membership.
Right from the first day itself, the primary goal of the school was to include those who were disadvantaged by various restrictions within the higher education university intake. And over the years, as the institute upgraded its features to facilitate a higher level of education, and by doing that, they were able to offer a holistic learning experience to the students. Also, at a time when the cost of higher education and international higher education in specific is reaching record highs, City School of Architecture wanted to be a change-bringer by offering top-notch architecture education to students from all walks of life. And this is something that has helped them to stand-out from the rest. Their pioneering vision to nurture inspired learners who can have a positive impact on the society as a whole has proven to be a success, with many of their students clocking- in impressive success in their respective careers. Apart from that, this pioneering educational institution has received Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) recognition, which acts as a testament to their quality. Afterwards, tie-ups and affiliations with foreign universities further diversified the available courses provided by the institute, while at the same time giving a boost for the recognition of the diplomas provided. These affiliations gave CSA the opportunity to offer transnational degrees in addition to the higher diplomas. All these just goes off to show City School of Architecture's unwavering passion to not just ensure their students success, but their drive to ensure that the institute continues to grow at a steady pace.
Thriving on Top-notch Teaching Pedagogies
The school operates from the premises at no 104, Kitulwatte Road, Colombo 8 and is equipped with state-of-the-art design studios, a computer lab, seminar rooms, workshops, library, cafeteria and other studen's facilities. To ensure proper real-world exposure to the students, the institute regularly conducts filed visits to historic buildings, building sites, laboratories, factories and production yards. To ensure that the students are able to train in an inclusive learning environment, City School of Architecture also offers counselling services to the students through welfare counsellors and practical training counsellors. To promote high standards in education, students of the institute are also encouraged by the recognition of good academic performance through Excellence in Design Awards, Overall Best Performance Awards, Research. All this helps the students of City School of Architecture to remain motivated and to strive for consistent improvement through constant learning and development.
"As of now, we offer two programs - The part-1 is the Bachelors in Architecture, while part-2 is the Masters in Architecture and Environmental design. These two degrees are offered by the University of the West of England Bristol, UK. In the Guardian University Guide, UWE is currently ranked as 11 out of 47 Institutions which offer Architecture programme. The partnership was negotiated in 2012. RIBA gives accreditations once every five years; and close associations with SLIA is maintained by CSA. Considering the nature of each intake, each batch consists of 50 students. Applications are issued during the month of August to September. Considering the current situation, Application submission deadline is extended to 31st October 2022 and enrollment occurs before 25th November and finally, classes will commence on the 2nd of December 2022", adds Archt. Jayantha Perera who is the Founder-Chairman of City School of Architecture while talking more about the institute.
Once a student graduates from City School of Architecture, he/she is recognized as a chartered architect without haste. A widely accepted British degree is offered. Given the strategic location of the institute, expert architects can easily visit and share inspiration and motivation with the students. The students of the institute have international recognition. And the Commonwealth nations readily accommodate their students in their Masters courses or offer post-graduate degrees for those who are considering to receive higher-specialized qualifications and accreditation.
"Regular practice sessions are held with the slia team. Apart from cricket, table tennis, carom, badminton and futsal are available as recreational activities"
Emphasizing on Holistic Learning
The duration of studies for CSA students is six years, since two years are allocated for part-time work. Students are required to receive on-field work experience within this two years. That is to become a Chartered Architect. In total, the duration for academic work is six years. This implies that the students create a strong bond with the staff. 1-1 tutoring is the best mode to deliver education when design training is concerned, and such an atmosphere is ever-present within CSA. Student Counselors are present, but technically, every staff member can pose as a counselor, since such an understanding and mutual connection is built between lecturer and student.
City School of Architecture prioritizes on the holistic development of their students, and owing this, the institute gives prominence for extra-curricular activities as well. The school has a cricket team which can pose a challenge to formidable opponents. Regular practice sessions are held with the SLIA team. Apart from cricket, table tennis, carom, badminton and futsal are available as recreational activities. Regular field visit (both for academic and non-academic purposes) is undertaken as leisurely excursions. Students organize social events amongst themselves to socialize. Jamborees organized by the SLIA creates a link between students of CSA and the students of the University of Moratuwa, SLIIT & KDU. The outward-bound programs and social work conducted with close association with these entities act as positive influence for the students. An annual talent show is held at the start of each year to appreciate the hidden talent within the students of CSA. It is evident that the life of a student at CSA is never dull nor monotonous. And all this helps the students to not only hone their skills in a perfect learning environment, but this co-curricular exposure also allows them to develop their critical thinking capabilities as well.
Evolving with the changing times, City School of Architecture aspires to continue being a change-bringer in the international architecture education space and nurture more students who will be capable of making the world a better place. And to ensure this, the institute is in it's own path to achieve academic excellence through consistent improvement.
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