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BMS College of Architecture, Design & Planning (BMSCA D&P), Bengaluru, is a recognized Research Centre (RC) under Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi, Karnataka (https://vtu.ac.in/en/about-vtu/)
The Doctoral Programme leading to the award of the Ph.D. degree in the Faculty of Architecture commenced in 2010 as department under BMSCE. In 2017, the institution received recognition from VTU as a Research Centre.
The Research Centre is supported by a strong academic environment, with 12 faculty members holding doctoral degrees, of whom 5 are recognized as Research Supervisors under VTU. At present, 10 research scholars are actively pursuing doctoral research at the Centre, and 5 scholars have successfully been awarded the Ph.D. degree in the preceding years. The Director Dr. Prof. Vidya Srikanth foresees a strong research-induced ecosystem and spearheads the RC with an encouraging stride to rigorous, value based and innovative research.
Research towards advancing knowledge is encouraged across a wide spectrum of domains, including, but not limited to, Architecture, Urban Design, Sustainable Design, Building Science, Environmental Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architectural Pedagogy, Interior Design, and related interdisciplinary fields.
The Research Centre is supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure that provides a highly conducive environment for advanced research and innovation. Facilities include well-equipped laboratories with contemporary tools such as a 3D Printer and Laser Cutting Machine, a Computer Laboratory with the latest licensed and up-to-date software, and a comprehensive Library and Resource Centre. The library houses over 12,000 titles of recent and relevant publications, subscribes to more than 50 reputed national and international print journals, and offers access to a wide range of e-resources, supporting in-depth research across multiple domains.
Director & Professor
Chairperson of RAC’s (Research Advisor Committees)
Area of research & expertise: Architectural Pedagogy
Professor,
Expertise: Urban & Regional Planning
Professor,
Expertise:Climate Responsive Architecture
Professor & Academic Research-Lead,
Expertise: Inclusive Urban Design
Associate Professor,
Expertise: Urban Planning & Design
Associate Professor,
Expertise: Bioclimatic Architecture
All research activities at the Centre are governed by the Ph.D. Regulations stipulated by Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi, which may be accessed at:
https://vtu.ac.in/en/ph-d/. Additional information may be accessed through the VTU website under the Research tab: https://vtu.ac.in/en/#
The University periodically revises and updates these regulations, clearly outlining all provisions—from eligibility criteria and admission procedures to the systematic progression of research stages leading to the award of the doctoral degree. Aspiring research scholars are strongly encouraged to review the latest VTU regulations and amendment circulars to gain a comprehensive understanding of the application, admission, and qualification processes for the Doctoral Programme.
There are 10 Research Scholars currently pursuing the Ph D. degree at BMSCA.
Sl No. |
Research Scholar name |
USN |
Research Supervisor |
Research topic/ title |
1 |
Shwetha Purohit |
1CF22PAT02 |
Dr. Lekha Hegde |
Impact of urban expansion on Bird Sanctuaries in the Kaveri Belt |
2 |
Chidambar Shridhar Dudgikar |
1CF19PAT04 |
Dr. Shobha M N |
Public Realm Development and its Socio-Economic Benefits in Smart City: A Case of Pune |
3 |
Tejaswini.H |
1CF20PAT04 |
The Tangible and Intangible effects of Culture in Art and Architecture of India |
|
4 |
Rukhsana Algur |
1CF21PAT03 |
Reimagining the Historical Precinct in current urban scenario |
|
5 |
K Shalini Vailaya |
1CF20PAT01 |
Strategic Implementation Plan for Mega Projects in a Built Environment |
|
6 |
Jananee R |
1CF21PAT01 |
Dr. Dakshayini R Patil |
Bengaluru Liveable v/s Sustainable city |
7 |
Shree Lalitha |
1CF22PAT01 |
Efficacy of expedient of vernacular houses in improving the micro-climate: A case example of Chettinad architecture |
|
8 |
Srikanth K S |
1CF22PAT03 |
To formulate a Resilience evaluation framework at neighborhood level for sustainable urban development |
|
9 |
Renuka M |
1CF23PAT01 |
Urban Regeneration through resilient architecture; strategies for retrofitting the existing urban fabric to enhance resilience |
|
10 |
Rohit A |
1CF21PAT02 |
Dr. Leena Thombre |
Understanding the role of Urban commons in a fast-growing city |
Dr. Neetha S N, Associate Professor, BMSCA D&P under Research Supervisor Dr. Mamatha P Raj received Doctoral degree certificate at VTU Convocation held on February 2nd, 2026.
Dr. Madhumati P (Associate Prof & Head, Architecture, SIT, Tumkuru) was awarded the Ph D degree at VTU Convocation held in February 8th, 2025 under Research Supervisor Dr. Lekha Hegde
Two scholars Dr. Anup Naik (Director, Urban Frames, Bengaluru) & Dr. Tanuja K C (Then, HOD, Architecture, SIT Tumkuru) under Research Supervisor Dr. Mamatha P Raj were awarded PhD Degree at the VTU Convocation held on July 31st, 2023.
Lalitha, S., & Patil, D. R. (2024). A review paper on sustainability in built environment. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research, 11(6), 512-520. https://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2406954.pdf
Lalitha, S., & Patil, D. R. (Jan-June 2024). Climate-Responsive Vernacular Architecture of the Himalayan Regions. Energy Future: the complete energy magazine. TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute). 12 (2,3) (combined issue). 28-37. https://bookstore.teri.res.in/magazines/2278-7186
Lalitha, S & Patil, D. R. (2024). Lighting and Ventilation in Contemporary Religious Architecture: A case example of Iskcon Temple Goshala, Bengaluru. Paper presented at International Conference on Religious Architecture (ICAR) organized by Dept of Architecture & Planning, National Institute of Technology, Patna on 29th to 30th December, 2024. Book of Abstracts & Proceedings full paper. pp 755- 765. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387740533_Lighting_and_Ventilation_in_Contemporary_Religious_Architecture_A_case_example_of_ISKCON_Temple_Goshala_Bengaluru
Jananee, R & Patil, D. R. (2025). Soft Mobility as a Livability Enabler: Lessons from Global Cities for Bengaluru. Paper presented online at the International Symposium on Smart Mobility for Differently Abled (SDMA) 2025, organized by Department of Planning and Architecture, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Odisha held on 5th to 7th December 2025. Book of Abstracts, pp 47- 50.
Jananee, R & Patil, D. R. (2025). Building Resilient Cities: Exploring the Role of CPTED in enhancing Urban Safety & Adaptability. Paper presented at 3rd International Conference on ‘Trends in Architecture & Construction’ organized by the University Institute of Architecture, in collaboration with Gdańsk University of Technology- Polland, RMIT University-Australia, Università degli Studi di Firenze - UniFI and Centro de Estudos Sociais - Universidade de Coimbra at Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, India on 27th-28th March,2025.
Renuka, M & Patil, D. R. (2025). Envisioning a Resilient Bengaluru: Technology Driven Transformations for Inclusive Public Spaces. Paper presented at the Council of Architecture- International Conference – Transformations 2025: Co - scripting Change with Disruptive Technologies in Architecture, Design, and Urbanism, organized in collaboration with the D.Y. Patil School of Architecture, held on 26th, 27th and 28th June 2025 at D.Y. Patil Deemed to be University, School of Architecture, Navi Mumbai. Book of Abstracts, pp 11-12.
Renuka M & Patil, D. R. (2025). Climate-responsive Resilience in Built Environment for Coastal Cities: A Study of Chennai, India. Paper presented at International Conference titled ‘Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), Built Environment and Southern Urbanism’ organised by Kamala Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture and Environmental Studies (KRVIA), Mumbai with University of Florida at KVRIA, Mumbai on 8th & 9th January 2025. Book of Abstracts only, Page no 62.
Purohit, A. S. K. (2025). Analysis on urban impacts on Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: Biodiversity, conservation, and eco-tourism. Anusandhanvallari. Published July 19, 2025. https://psvmkendra.com/index.php/journal/article/view/445
Purohit, S. K. (2025). Walking through the culture of Basavanagudi, Bengaluru – Bridging the tradition and urbanism through heritage trails. Anusandhanvallari. Published July 17, 2025. https://psvmkendra.com/index.php/journal/article/view/595
Patil, D. R. (2025). Re-imagining vernacular courtyard logic in contemporary architectural engineering: Towards climate-responsive design in the Indian context. Journal of Umm Al-Qura University for Engineering and Architecture. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43995-025-00231-z
Patil, D.R. & Raj, M. R. (2024). Strategies for Acoustical Resilience towards Liveable and Sustainable Urban Neighborhoods, A Case Study of Bangalore City, India. International Review for Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development (IRSPSD), SPSD Press, Kanazawa. JSTAGE. 12(3). https://doi.org/10.14246/irspsd.12.3_16
Patil, D.R. & Raj, M. R. (2023). Semiotics in architecture of public spaces: contemporary city-centers; case of Bangalore, India.Journal of Umm Al-Qura University for Engineering and Architecture, Umm Al-Qura University (Saudi Arabia). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43995-023-00031-3
Patil, D. R., & Raj, M. P. (2023). ‘Waste to wealth, art of reuse’—Learnings from innovations in urban public space designs. Journal of Advanced Research in Construction & Urban Architecture, 8(1), 13–22. https://doi.org/10.24321/2456.9925.202302
Thombre, L., & Kapshe, C. (2022). Verification of connection between legibility and conviviality of public open spaces: A case of New Market, Bhopal. Ecology, Environment & Conservation, 28(1), 219–226. https://www.envirobiotechjournals.com/EEC/vol28issue1/EEC-29.pdf
Thombre L, Kapshe C (2021), Role of aesthetics in conviviality of public open spaces in new market, Bhopal: A case study. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Urban Design and Planning, Vol. 174 No. 4 pp. 133–144, doi: https://doi.org/10.1680/jurdp.21.00015
Patil, D. R. (2021). COVID-19 and urban public spaces: Rethinking design for safe social interaction and resilient neighbourhoods. Field Collection, 41(2). National Institute of Urban Affairs. https://niua.in/field-collection/field-article/215
Hegde, L. (2019). Vernacular architecture of South Kanara and sustainability. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR), 6(6). http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1907G84.pdf
Patil, D. R., & Raj, M. P. (2019). The architecture of airport terminals: Gateway to a city. Creative Space, 7(1), 11–18. https://doi.org/10.15415/cs.2019.71002
A Research Meet of all Registered Doctoral Scholars & Supervisors was held on 05/02/2026. /
Address by the Director Dr. Prof. Vidya Srikanth as Chairperson of all Research Advisory Committees (RAC)
Research presentations by Scholars to the assembly & deliberations
Research Action Plan Deliberations & closing word by Director.
With the objective of giving fundamental understandings of Research and coursework preparations, a series of Talks & Workshops is conducted by the Research Centre for the benefit of all the registered scholars & faculty at large by inviting eminent resource persons periodically.
Online Teacher’s Training Program (TTP) of 5-days was held in collaboration with COA-TRC Pune titled ‘Interdisciplinary Research & Practice in Architecture’ in July 2023 was conducted successfully to widen understanding on scope of research in architecture. The addition of latest books on various aspects of research to library is a regular process along with provision of other support for conduction of quality & timely research such as software and lab equipment.
Apart from regular University stipulated periodic activities of reviews and open seminars, the Research Center adopts & embarks on a series of completed and ongoing activities to foster academic research as follows- Short Seminars 'Researcher’s Enclave' presented by Scholars open to all students, faculty & researchers at the college. Following are few glimpses of the Seminar sessions.
Ph D Scholar Ar. Jananee R (Asst Prof, BMSCA D &P) presenting her seminar ‘Future-Ready Urban Liveability concepts’
Ph D Scholar Ar. Rohit A (Asst Prof, BMSCA D &P) presenting his seminar titled 'Traditional Occupations Amid Rapid Urban Growth'
Ph D Scholar Ar. Shalini V (Architect & Habitat Designer) presenting her seminar titled ‘AI in Urban Planning’
Ph D Scholar Ar. H Tejaswini (Associate Professor, Architecture, MSRIT) presenting the seminar titled ‘Effects of Tangible and Intangible Culture in Art & Architecture’
All scholars are advised, encouraged and ensured to undertake quality online MOOC’s, SWAYAM & other courses to enhance knowledge base & get certification as well.
Any further queries regarding the Ph D program at BMSCA Research Centre may be directed to - info@bmsca.org
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