Institutional Distinctiveness

Liability to strength:

  • Dr. B N College of Architecture is a women-only educational institute. In the institutes early years in 1990’s, being a girls’ college offering an Architecture course was viewed almost as a liability by the educational fraternity. BNCA has however managed to survive and thrive under such circumstances. The institution since its establishment has proudly embraced its unique identity as a women’s-only college, viewing it as a strength that sets it apart from others. Over the years, the alumni of BNCA have made their mark in various fields, branching out beyond architecture into allied disciplines. This diverse range of career paths highlights the adaptability and versatility of the institution’s graduates, further cementing the college’s reputation for fostering well-rounded professionals.

Women Empowerment: Faculty, Admin and Other Staff:

  • BNCA, part of Maharishi Karve Stree Shikshan Samstha, has championed women’s empowerment for over 125 years. Adopting the philosophy of “for women, by women, of women,” the college has a predominantly female faculty, with women making up 65% of the teaching staff, including six out of nine professors. The non-teaching staff ratio is also heavily female, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to women in both academia and administration. Additionally, the college prioritizes women’s security by employing female security guards, ensuring a safer environment for its students while providing employment opportunities for women.

Celebrating Womanhood:

  • Womanhood is celebrated at many levels. Whilst the core subjects about architecture is generic, the practicing women are largely discussed and involved. Many of our jury members are lady architects from the field, most of them are alumni of our own institute. Apart from academics, our students are encouraged to participate in many competitions like NASA (National Association of Students of Architecture) where they are engaged in various activities with both boys and girls.
  • Our students also excel in performing arts, with all-girls teams ranking in events like Purshottam Karandak, and participate in local processions playing Dhol and Taasha, traditionally male-dominated activities.In sports as well, many of our teams and individuals participate in various games and ensure a rank and medal in those competitions as well. (like Damini Sports, Shear Force, Maidane Jung, etc.). In sports, our teams consistently win medals in events such as Damini Sports and Shear Force.
  • The institute emphasizes holistic development through programs on financial security, self-defense workshops, and health lectures. Additionally, it offers supportive initiatives such as an on-campus crèche facility for faculty and staff.

Institute as a brave space:

The institute is committed to creating a dynamic and versatile learning environment, offering a wide range of elective courses, interdisciplinary programs, and opportunities for students to engage in skill-building initiatives beyond traditional academics. Our goal is to make the institution a brave space where students can explore and grow. To ensure an adaptable and dynamic teaching-learning experience, various initiatives are actively implemented at the institution:

  1. Flexibility for Students and Skill-Building Courses: Skill-building programs like workshops, online courses, and industry partnerships to ensure students are equipped with relevant, up-to-date skills.
  2. Performance Enhancement through Anonymous Feedbacks: Performance enhancement in teaching is significantly influenced by regular feedback mechanisms. Faculty is encouraged to collect anonymous feedback from students to understand their strengths and improve teaching methods.
  3. Teaching Learning Lab and Pedagogical Innovations: A Teaching Learning Lab (TLL) at the institute serves as a space where educators can explore and apply innovative teaching methods to enhance educational effectiveness. This includes integrating new technologies, employing active learning strategies, and incorporating research into the curriculum.
  4. Extensive 2-Year Long Project Defining Course and Program Outcomes: The long-term project aimed at defining course outcomes and aligning them with program outcomes is vital for ensuring that the curriculum meets the desired educational standards. This process involves an in-depth analysis of each course’s objectives, followed by alignment with broader program outcomes.
  5. PhD Faculty Members and Research Encouragement: The institute is committed to cultivating a research-driven culture that enriches the academic experience for both faculty and students, while also supporting the institution’s long-term growth in knowledge and innovation. We are proud to have 21 faculty members with doctoral degrees, contributing to the advancement of research and academic excellence.
  6. Feedback-Driven Improvements: The use of feedback from previous accreditation cycles to drive improvements is a key practice in maintaining and enhancing academic quality. For example, based on feedback, the institution has invested in using QR codes for easy access to course materials, feedback, and other resources.
  7. Formalization of Alumni Cell and Networking: The institute has set up an Alumni Cell to foster engagement with alumni through events, reunions, and collaborative initiatives, strengthening the connection between alumni and the broader institutional community.
  8. Bottom-Up Governance Model: A bottom-up governance model emphasizes active participation from all members of the academic community, including students, faculty, and staff, in decision-making processes. This model encourages inclusivity and transparency, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability.
  9. Environmental and Energy Conservation Initiatives: With an in-house team of experts, and Environmental and Landscape departments, the institution implements sustainable practices that reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental impact.

Local and Global:

  • We believe in teaching and learning beyond the curriculum. Environment, Ecology, Climate-change, and Culture are the aspects that we focus on. All these are shaped largely by architectural practices.
  • At BNCA, our focus is on critical global issues such as the environment, ecology, and climate change, which are all intricately linked to development practices and the built environment. Through a range of initiatives, including projects under the UN Academic Impact program, student clubs like Vanaja, the Center for Cultural Studies (CCS), Live on Katta (LOK), and EduTech (an initiative by the Archineering Cell), we encourage students to deepen their knowledge and explore the interdisciplinary nature of architecture. Our collaborations with organizations such as the Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA) and participation in competitions like Solar Decathlon reflect our commitment to nurturing environmental awareness and empathy in our students.