Kanpur, March 11, 2025: The National Information Centre of Earthquake Engineering (NICEE) at IIT Kanpur successfully concluded its three-day workshop on "Teaching Earthquake-Resistant Structures in Undergraduate Architecture Design Studio," held from March 8-10, 2025. The workshop brought together faculty members from architecture programs across India, aiming to enhance teaching methodologies for seismic-resistant design. With a strong focus on practical application, the event equipped participants with essential knowledge and skills to integrate earthquake-resistant design principles into undergraduate curricula.

The inaugural function was chaired by Prof. Javed N Malik, Department of Earth Sciences, IIT Kanpur, who conveyed his appreciation for NICEE's significant initiative and underscored the timely importance of engaging in pertinent discussions regarding Earthquake Engineering.

The workshop was led by a distinguished panel of experts with extensive experience in the field, including Prof. Keya Mitra from IIEST, Shibpur; Prof. Vasudha Gokhale & Prof. Meera Shirolkar from Dr. B.N. College of Architecture for Women, Pune; Prof. Bhavana Vimawala from Sarvajanik University, Surat; Prof. Ruchira Das, Women's Polytechnic, Chandernagore; and Prof. Atanu Kumar Dutta, Jorhat Engineering College, Jorhat. Their collective expertise provided participants with deep insights into seismic-resistant architectural practices, enhancing their ability to integrate these principles into academic instruction.

Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in a mix of technical lectures and hands-on design studio sessions, receiving expert guidance on implementing earthquake-resistant strategies in their architectural projects.

Prof. Meera Shirolkar introduced the participants to the workshop structure, detailing the hands-on approach that involved architectural design assignments. Participants were tasked with designing a mixed-use complex, assessing seismic performance using RESIST software, and refining their designs based on expert feedback. She encouraged attendees to serve as ambassadors for earthquake-resistant design in their respective institutions.

Prof. Keya Mitra highlighted the significance of such faculty development initiatives, acknowledging the foundational role of the National Programme on Earthquake Engineering Education (NPEEE) in shaping training programs like this one. She emphasized the role of NICEE in broadening faculty networks and expressed gratitude to Professors Sudhir K. Jain, C.V.R. Murty, and Durgesh C. Rai for their instrumental contributions to the field.

Prof. Chinmoy Kolay gave a brief history of NICEE and thanked Prof. Sudhir K. Jain for his contribution to the field of earthquake engineering. He also discussed past earthquakes that occurred in the country that ultimately led to the foundation of the NICEE. This deliberation was further carried out by Prof. CVR Murty, Prof. Javed N Malik and Prof. Durgesh C Rai who advocated that it is buildings that kill, not earthquakes; outlining a necessity to build structures that are earthquake-resistent.

Prof. Durgesh Rai emphasized the workshop’s objective of engaging architects as key stakeholders in earthquake safety. He reiterated NICEE’s commitment to fostering collaboration within the construction sector to promote seismic safety measures.

As part of the workshop’s concluding exercise, participants worked on a residential block design project for Garchuk, Guwahati, located in Seismic Zone V. Their designs were reviewed, and feedback was provided on March 10, 2025, when certificates were also awarded. The studio sessions combined design work with interactive discussions, enabling participants to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.

The workshop was supported by CSIESPL New Delhi and donors of NICEE. In his closing remarks, Cdr Suresh Ailawadi (Retd.) extended a vote of thanks, appreciating the contributions of faculty, participants, and organizers in making the event a success.

About IIT Kanpur:

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, holds the distinction of being recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India through an Act of Parliament. Renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, IIT Kanpur has made significant contributions to research and development over the decades. Its expansive, lush green campus spans 1,050 acres and hosts a rich array of academic and research resources. The institute comprises 19 departments, 26 centers, three interdisciplinary programs, and two specialized schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines. With over 590 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur continues to be a leader in fostering innovation and academic rigor.

For more information, visit www.iitk.ac.in.