VES College of Architecture: Shaping Future Architects with Values, Vision, & Global Competence
Dr Prof. Anand Achari, Principal, VES College of Architecture
India has witnessed a significant rise in demand for architectural education, driven by the country’s rapid urban development and the growing need for sustainable design solutions. Architecture colleges across the nation are evolving to meet this demand, focusing not only on technical excellence but also on instilling a sense of social and environmental responsibility in future architects. Among the notable architecture colleges in India is the Vivekanand Education Society’s College of Architecture, commonly known as VESCOA.
Established in 2018, VESCOA is a part of the prestigious Vivekanand Education Society (VES), a respected name in Mumbai’s educational landscape since 1962. The VES Trust, founded by the visionary Shri Hashu Advaniji, has a rich legacy of nurturing academic excellence through its network of 29 educational institutions. The institute was born out of the initiative of senior professionals in Mumbai who envisioned an architecture college rooted in values and committed to building a sustainable and humane world.
Since its inception, VESCOA has made remarkable strides in architectural education. The college boasts a spacious green campus in the heart of Mumbai, offering a peaceful yet stimulating environment for learning. Its faculty comprises highly trained and passionate educators dedicated to mentoring students with a global outlook. With cutting-edge technological tools and modern infrastructure, the institute provides resources that are on par with global standards in architectural education.
The unwavering support from the VES Trust has played a key role in the rapid rise of VESCOA as a respected institution in the field. It has consistently been ranked among the top architecture colleges in the country by various evaluating bodies, recognized for its academic rigor, innovative teaching methods, and commitment to sustainability. The institute continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of architects who are not only technically proficient but also deeply conscious of their role in shaping a better future.
Holistic & Integrated Approach to Architectural Education
VESCOA stands out for its commitment to developing well-rounded professionals equipped to solve real-world architectural challenges with innovation, empathy, and technical expertise. Emphasizing a holistic approach, the college’s curriculum is centered around integrated design thinking, ensuring students develop a deep understanding of the design process. Its pedagogical model is built around a unique ‘Integrated Module System’. This system brings together diverse subjects, such as materials, structural design, services, interior and landscape design, into cohesive, application-based modules.
Each semester’s studio program consolidates learning across these areas, allowing students to apply interdisciplinary knowledge in a practical, scaled manner throughout their academic journey. This method ensures graduates are not only proficient in their core subjects but also capable of integrating varied domains into thoughtful design solutions.
Skill development is also a key focus at VESCOA. Students are trained in essential competencies such as design thinking, advanced calculation, communication, project management, visual thinking, and digital literacy. A strong emphasis is placed on human-centric values, nurturing empathy and compassion in the design process, qualities essential for architects shaping sustainable and inclusive environments. By fostering innovation, integration, and compassion in both students and faculty, VESCOA continues to emerge as a progressive force in architectural education, preparing future architects to lead with knowledge, creativity, and responsibility.
”VESCOA stands out for its commitment to developing well-rounded professionals equipped to solve real-world architectural challenges with innovation, empathy, and technical expertise”
Industry-Integrated & Student-Centric Approach
VESCOA is committed to nurturing not only academic excellence but also the professional and holistic growth of its students. Rooted in a student-centric, outcome-based education model, it seamlessly integrates industry relevance with academic learning, preparing graduates for the dynamic demands of the architectural profession.
A cornerstone of VESCOA’s approach is its strong engagement with industry. The college collaborates with over 25 organizations through formal agreements to ensure continuous interaction between students and professionals. This involvement ranges from recruiting specialized faculty from industry backgrounds to hosting expert-led seminars, workshops, and certified training programs. Students benefit from exposure to cutting-edge practices in areas such as green building design, advanced software tools, interior and tall building design, as well as hands-on learning through product displays, site visits, and factory tours aligned with studio projects.
Value-added programs like the ‘Abhivrudhhi’ series provide short- and long-term certified professional courses in collaboration with leading experts and organizations. These programs explore diverse subjects including Remote Sensing & GIS, Climate Responsive Design, Biomimicry, Arbitration Techniques, and Interior Landscape Design, equipping students with niche skills that enhance their portfolios and employability.
VESCOA emphasizes Continuous Professional Development (CPD), offering webinars, elective courses, and practical projects that promote research, innovation, and real-world application. The institute’s Research and Design Consultancy Cell furthers this by allowing students and faculty to collaborate on live projects, delivering sustainable and research-backed solutions.
Additionally, it fosters professional networking through institutional memberships with IIA, IIID, IGBC, and USGBC, and through collaborative programs with organizations like ISRO, Hafele India Pvt. Ltd., and ASSOCHAM. These partnerships provide students with access to mentoring, placement opportunities, and industry insights, ensuring they graduate with both the competence and confidence to succeed. By integrating academic rigor with real-world experience, the institute continues to shape future architects who are industry-ready, socially aware, and creatively empowered.
Envisioning a Sustainable & Globally-Engaged Architectural Future
The principal of VESCOA envisions transforming the institution into a leading hub of architectural education through research, innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. The college aims to expand its academic offerings with autonomous, credit-based courses to equip students with future-ready skills. Emphasis is being placed on establishing new research centers and promoting faculty and student research, supported by the campus innovation and incubation cell.
Strengthening industry ties remains a key focus through extended partnerships, faculty exchanges, and student internships. Infrastructure is being continuously upgraded, with ICT-enabled classrooms, advanced labs, and 3D simulation technologies enhancing the learning environment. Sustainability is central to VESCOA’s mission, with initiatives like green roofing, waste management, and rainwater harvesting creating an eco-conscious campus.
A Divyangjan-friendly campus is in development to foster inclusivity. International collaborations are also being pursued to broaden global exposure. These initiatives aim to create responsible, skilled, and globally aware architectural professionals. Through its forward-looking vision and commitment to excellence, VESCOA is set to shape architects who are not only skilled professionals but also compassionate leaders driving sustainable and inclusive change.
Established in 2018, VESCOA is a part of the prestigious Vivekanand Education Society (VES), a respected name in Mumbai’s educational landscape since 1962. The VES Trust, founded by the visionary Shri Hashu Advaniji, has a rich legacy of nurturing academic excellence through its network of 29 educational institutions. The institute was born out of the initiative of senior professionals in Mumbai who envisioned an architecture college rooted in values and committed to building a sustainable and humane world.
Since its inception, VESCOA has made remarkable strides in architectural education. The college boasts a spacious green campus in the heart of Mumbai, offering a peaceful yet stimulating environment for learning. Its faculty comprises highly trained and passionate educators dedicated to mentoring students with a global outlook. With cutting-edge technological tools and modern infrastructure, the institute provides resources that are on par with global standards in architectural education.
The unwavering support from the VES Trust has played a key role in the rapid rise of VESCOA as a respected institution in the field. It has consistently been ranked among the top architecture colleges in the country by various evaluating bodies, recognized for its academic rigor, innovative teaching methods, and commitment to sustainability. The institute continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of architects who are not only technically proficient but also deeply conscious of their role in shaping a better future.
Holistic & Integrated Approach to Architectural Education
VESCOA stands out for its commitment to developing well-rounded professionals equipped to solve real-world architectural challenges with innovation, empathy, and technical expertise. Emphasizing a holistic approach, the college’s curriculum is centered around integrated design thinking, ensuring students develop a deep understanding of the design process. Its pedagogical model is built around a unique ‘Integrated Module System’. This system brings together diverse subjects, such as materials, structural design, services, interior and landscape design, into cohesive, application-based modules.
Each semester’s studio program consolidates learning across these areas, allowing students to apply interdisciplinary knowledge in a practical, scaled manner throughout their academic journey. This method ensures graduates are not only proficient in their core subjects but also capable of integrating varied domains into thoughtful design solutions.
Skill development is also a key focus at VESCOA. Students are trained in essential competencies such as design thinking, advanced calculation, communication, project management, visual thinking, and digital literacy. A strong emphasis is placed on human-centric values, nurturing empathy and compassion in the design process, qualities essential for architects shaping sustainable and inclusive environments. By fostering innovation, integration, and compassion in both students and faculty, VESCOA continues to emerge as a progressive force in architectural education, preparing future architects to lead with knowledge, creativity, and responsibility.
”VESCOA stands out for its commitment to developing well-rounded professionals equipped to solve real-world architectural challenges with innovation, empathy, and technical expertise”
Industry-Integrated & Student-Centric Approach
VESCOA is committed to nurturing not only academic excellence but also the professional and holistic growth of its students. Rooted in a student-centric, outcome-based education model, it seamlessly integrates industry relevance with academic learning, preparing graduates for the dynamic demands of the architectural profession.
A cornerstone of VESCOA’s approach is its strong engagement with industry. The college collaborates with over 25 organizations through formal agreements to ensure continuous interaction between students and professionals. This involvement ranges from recruiting specialized faculty from industry backgrounds to hosting expert-led seminars, workshops, and certified training programs. Students benefit from exposure to cutting-edge practices in areas such as green building design, advanced software tools, interior and tall building design, as well as hands-on learning through product displays, site visits, and factory tours aligned with studio projects.
Value-added programs like the ‘Abhivrudhhi’ series provide short- and long-term certified professional courses in collaboration with leading experts and organizations. These programs explore diverse subjects including Remote Sensing & GIS, Climate Responsive Design, Biomimicry, Arbitration Techniques, and Interior Landscape Design, equipping students with niche skills that enhance their portfolios and employability.
VESCOA emphasizes Continuous Professional Development (CPD), offering webinars, elective courses, and practical projects that promote research, innovation, and real-world application. The institute’s Research and Design Consultancy Cell furthers this by allowing students and faculty to collaborate on live projects, delivering sustainable and research-backed solutions.
Additionally, it fosters professional networking through institutional memberships with IIA, IIID, IGBC, and USGBC, and through collaborative programs with organizations like ISRO, Hafele India Pvt. Ltd., and ASSOCHAM. These partnerships provide students with access to mentoring, placement opportunities, and industry insights, ensuring they graduate with both the competence and confidence to succeed. By integrating academic rigor with real-world experience, the institute continues to shape future architects who are industry-ready, socially aware, and creatively empowered.
Envisioning a Sustainable & Globally-Engaged Architectural Future
The principal of VESCOA envisions transforming the institution into a leading hub of architectural education through research, innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. The college aims to expand its academic offerings with autonomous, credit-based courses to equip students with future-ready skills. Emphasis is being placed on establishing new research centers and promoting faculty and student research, supported by the campus innovation and incubation cell.
Strengthening industry ties remains a key focus through extended partnerships, faculty exchanges, and student internships. Infrastructure is being continuously upgraded, with ICT-enabled classrooms, advanced labs, and 3D simulation technologies enhancing the learning environment. Sustainability is central to VESCOA’s mission, with initiatives like green roofing, waste management, and rainwater harvesting creating an eco-conscious campus.
A Divyangjan-friendly campus is in development to foster inclusivity. International collaborations are also being pursued to broaden global exposure. These initiatives aim to create responsible, skilled, and globally aware architectural professionals. Through its forward-looking vision and commitment to excellence, VESCOA is set to shape architects who are not only skilled professionals but also compassionate leaders driving sustainable and inclusive change.
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