Graduates Urged to Embrace Ethics and Sustainability in Architecture

Architecture Must Blend Excellence, Ethics and Sustainability, Expert Tells SPA Vijayawada Graduates

Call for socially responsible design at SPA Vijayawada convocation

Delivering the convocation address at the 10th convocation of the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Vijayawada, on Wednesday, Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, former Director of the National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, urged graduating architects and planners to integrate professional excellence with ethics, compassion, and sustainability. He emphasised the need for architecture to transcend aesthetics and functionality, addressing critical challenges like climate change and nature conservation.

Dr. Mande called on the graduates to develop inclusive and sustainable solutions to societal issues, stressing that true success lies in upholding integrity and human values. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi’s Seven Social Sins, he encouraged them to prioritise character, morality, and responsibility in their professional and personal lives.

AI as a tool, not a crutch: Chairperson's advice

Amogh Kumar Gupta, Chairperson of the Board of Governors, congratulated the 262 graduating students and urged them to view Artificial Intelligence as a tool to enhance creativity rather than a substitute for critical thinking. He highlighted the importance of balancing technology with ethics and creativity, guided by the principles of the "Three D’s"—Decide, Dare, and Develop—and the "Three F’s"—Faith, Focus, and Fortitude.

Achievements and milestones of SPA Vijayawada

The convocation marked a significant milestone for SPA Vijayawada, with degrees conferred across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes. Among the 262 graduates were 102 Bachelor of Architecture students, 23 Bachelor of Planning students, and a range of postgraduate and doctoral scholars specialising in fields like Sustainable Architecture, Urban Design, and Environmental Planning. Twelve students received gold medals for academic excellence, while 12 others were honoured with Best Thesis Awards.

Director Ramesh Srikonda, presenting the annual report, highlighted the institute’s achievements during the academic year 2025-26. SPA Vijayawada expanded its global reach through collaborations with institutions like École Bleue Global Design, Paris, and Université de Lille, France. The AMRUT Centre of Excellence in Urban Planning Capacity Building, recognised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, completed seven research projects on climate-sensitive urban planning in South India and trained over 185 government officials. Additionally, the institute’s Design and Innovation Centre filed 44 patents during the year.

National recognition and a call to action

SPA Vijayawada also achieved national accolades, securing second place in the NASA rankings and first place in NOSPLAN 2026. Prof. Srikonda congratulated the graduates and urged them to contribute to building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient communities while upholding the values of integrity, creativity, and innovation.

The convocation underscored the institute’s commitment to producing socially responsible architects and planners equipped to address pressing global challenges.

Source: The Hindu