Co-Curricular Activities

First Year Settlement study
FY-D GOKHALE WADA

As we made our way toward Velneshwar, the road meandered through endless rows of swaying coconut and betel nut trees, their shadows dancing in the afternoon sun. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth, blending with the rich aroma of drying betel nuts. It felt as though time had paused for a moment, allowing the past to weave itself into the present. Then, through the green embrace of nature, Gokhale Wada appeared—standing tall, not just as a house but as a guardian of stories, a silent witness to six decades of laughter, love, and life. Chandrakant Gokhale, once a flourishing wholesale shop owner, now found solace in the simple rhythm of tending to his mango, turmeric, and betel nut trade. In the sun- drenched courtyard, housemaids sat on low stools, carefully peeling turmeric leaves, their fingers kissed by the golden hues of spice. The air carried a warmth that wasn’t just from the sun but from the life that pulsed through the home.

Inside, the heart of the house—Grandma’s kitchen—was alive with the scent of simmering spiced ginger curry, a monsoon tradition she had perfected over the years. The fragrance curled through the air, mingling with the gentle clang of copper tumblers being filled with cool, tangy buttermilk—always served with a smile, always offered with
love.

The soul of the home resided in its traditions. Grandpa sat in his favorite chair, watching television, his presence as comforting as the old wooden beams that held the house together. The same walls that had witnessed years of Ganpati celebrations still carried the echoes of prayers, laughter, and whispered childhood secrets. Upstairs, heavy sacks of betel nuts rested in quiet rows, their scent seeping into the wooden planks,

while on the terrace, freshly harvested bettle nuts lay under the sun, waiting patiently, as if absorbing the stories of those who had walked these halls before. The once- bustling cattle shed had been reborn as an Airbnb, where modernity knocked gently at the door of heritage, blending the old with the new.

Life here was in perfect sync with nature’s rhythm. On full moon nights, the sea reached out like an old friend, its waves brushing against the peak of Wadi as if reminiscing about shared memories. During festivals, the courtyard became a haven of joy, filled with the chatter of guests, the rustle of new saris, and the aroma of festive sweets. Children, carefree and wild with laughter, played hide and seek, their footsteps echoing through the corridors, just as they had for generations before them. The grand village fair, once a fifteen-day celebration of colors, flavors, and dreams, had now dwindled to just a day. And yet, beneath the glow of lanterns and the melody of old songs, its magic
remained untouched.

As the evening breeze whispered through the towering palms, the mango and jackfruit trees swayed in gentle harmony. Gokhale Wada stood still, watching over its people, holding their joys, their sorrows, their stories within its aged walls. The shrine at its heart glowed softly, and the old wooden storerooms carried the scent of time itself.

We had come here to learn about its architecture, but somewhere between the scent of spices, the warmth of tradition, and the quiet hum of nostalgia, we discovered something far greater. We found not just a house, but a home. A home wrapped in time, love, and memories that refused to fade.

Visit to Ferrocrete House at Wai, 3rd Year B.Arch Students, 2023-24

Visit by 3rd Year students to a  Steel Residential building, designed by Prof. Athawale at Pune, 2023-24

Visit by 4th Year B .Arch Students to Industrial felicity at Wai,2023-24

visit by 4th year students to a restaurant one in ferrocrete at Wai, 2023-24

Visit by 1st Year students to MKSSS campus to learn types of stone masonary.

Workshop on ‘Elements of Space Making’

Two day Design workshop was conducted for all students of First Year on Friday, 4th April 2025 and Sunday, 6th April 2025.

HANDSON WORKSHOP FOR FIRST YEAR STUDENTS

A 3-day activity was conducted by the Building Construction faculty members at BNCA for all First-year students on 20th, 21st and 27th March 2025. The intent of the workshop was to provide experiential hands-on learning for construction of bamboo pavilion and geodesic dome along with arches, vaults and domes using brick and mud mortar. The students were engrossed in the complete process of building, right from pugging to preparing the mortar and from setting up the formwork to finishing the masonry structures. The students hence understood design application and choice of building material with brick and bamboo. The introduction to geometry in design through construction of geodesic dome was imperative. The joy of building with their own hands induced confidence among the students to apply these materials in design studios as well.

Co-ordinated by – Ar. Deva Prasad, Ar. Sayali Kulkarni

 Mega Jury B. Arch (2024-25)

Mega Jury for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year students was conducted at BNCA on 28th March 2025.

The Mega Jury at BNCA is a platform where students receive constructive feedback to refine their designs and push boundaries. It offers fresh perspectives from expert reviewers, encourages students to articulate and defend design choices and is more of an input session rather than just assessment.

At this stage in the design process, students often seek validation, direction, and motivation to push their concepts forward. The input from panel of reviewers provides valuable insights, helping them navigate challenges and enhance their design thinking.

Jurors: Ar. Anand Deshmukh, Ar. Sagar Kapade, Ar. Mukta Latkar, Ar. Anupama Joshi, Dr. Neeti Trivedi and Ar. Ravindra Rahigude.

Mega Jury Team: Ar. Suvarna Akhegaonkar, Ar. Siddhi Joshi,  Ar. Nilima Dhamal and Ar. Sayali Andhare

2024-2025