Overview

The Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture and Environmental Studies was established in 1992 by Upanagar Shikshan Mandal with a grant fromKamla Raheja Foundation. A group of educationist, professionals andartists became involved in envisioning a new direction for this school. In the formulating of this agenda one of the processes involved wasa review of conventionally existing modes of architectural education,research and practice. One of the prime questions that was raisedinvolved the conventional role of the architect as a mere provider ofservices according to the market laws of the demand and supply; or astechnicians providing sound, building solutions. The attempt right fromthe very inception of the school was to open up architecture towardsother disciplines that constitute the expanded field of culturalstudies. This became a primary concern of the formulators of the agendathat the school was to follow. Thus the role of the institute becamedetermined by its attempt to create the appropriate academicenvironment for such an endeavour. The KRVIA since its inception has been deeply involved in issuesconcerning the city. Its location within this bustling metropolis hasgiven it the advantage of becoming a laboratory of sorts that engagesand interacts with the city as it changes. Through its varied researchand consultancy projects, and within the undergraduate curricular andextra-curricular programs, the KRVIA has engaged actively with the cityand provided an important platform for debate and discussion. It hasbecome an important centre for the production of knowledge on urbanity,especially in the Indian context.

Facilities

Location

Vidyanidhi Bhavan II, Vidyanidhi Marg, J.V.P.D. Scheme, Juhu, Mumbai, Mumbai - 400049