The first image that usually comes to mind when we think about architecture is tall skyscrapers, glass buildings, or giant monuments. However, on a Practical Learning Tour to Goa, students of the Faculty of Architecture from Parul University discovered that there is a lot more to architecture. It is not just a question of building, but the history, the culture, the climate, and how the people occupy their areas.
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This concept was central to a lecture given by Leon Morenas, Principal at Goa College of Architecture, who discussed the relationship between history and background and architecture. In his presentation, he reminded the students that design is not created in a blank space, but instead derived through the people, land, and history of a community.
The streets of Goa became an open textbook. There were colonial and local touches as students went exploring: laterite stone walls with balconies in the Portuguese style, red-tiled pitched roofs to keep off monsoons, and open courtyards that allowed light and air into houses.
These were not only aesthetic features. They reflected practical responses to climate and cultural life. The students were able to observe how architecture changes over time to meet local needs by exploring these areas.
The most powerful message of the session was one that was clear: architecture is not only about the design of buildings or monuments. It is about the background, how a city is developed based on its past, how the climate influences the development of a city, and the residents of such places.
Students started to pose new questions instead of concentrating on only the structure or design. Why is this house's roofing sloping? Why do Goan homes have courtyards? How does history affect what is preserved or changed? These observations helped them see architecture as part of a larger conversation between tradition and modern needs.
The tour indicated that knowing history is not all about looking back, but rather using the past to create a stronger future. The architects of today can learn the ancient techniques of using local stone or ventilating buildings naturally, and come up with a sustainable and culturally acceptable design.
This was one of the most important lessons that the students learnt, as they were able to balance between valuing the heritage and embracing modernity.
For many, the tour was more than an academic activity. It was an encouraging experience that expanded their view of architecture. They began to see design as an art that is responsive to people, climate, and history, and not simply a technical undertaking. This view will remain with them in the future as they develop their careers and think about space and design.
It can be the Writers Tour in Mumbai with authors and screenwriters, the Robotics Tour in Chennai exploring automation, the Biopharma Tour in Hyderabad learning about drug innovation, the Leadership Tour in Bangalore with changemakers, the Design Tour in Mumbai mixing art and technology, or any of the other tours. Students have an opportunity to learn in practice.
These are not just tours, they are those moments when you get to know knowledge in the most raw way possible, when theory gets applied, and curiosity faces reality.
Disclaimer: This article has been published as a marketing initiative between Careers360 and Parul University.
On Question asked by student community
No, the application fee at Parul University is generally non-refundable. While the university may have specific refund policies for other fees, the application fee itself is typically not eligible for a refund unless stated otherwise, according to Parul University's official policy.
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Parul University in Vadodara offers a well-rounded Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences program. The university boasts experienced faculty, modern infrastructure, and a diverse curriculum that encourages critical thinking and creativity. Students benefit from various extracurricular activities and strong industry connections. However, it's advisable to check recent student reviews and placement records to get a comprehensive understanding of the program's current standing.
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Hi Aspirant!
Parul University , Gujarat offers a various number of programs in different fields such as Science, medicine , architecture, mathematics, engineering, animation and design, commerce, computer application and IT, Law, management, pharmacy and much more.
The admission to any of these courses is done one the merit basis of 12th score and the guidelines set by the college management. The procedure is very simple, fill out the application form and the staff will reach out to you for further process. To know more, visit here:
https://institutes.paruluniversity.ac.in/admission/admission-process/admission-procedure/
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Hi Aspirant!
As you have tagged the Parul University , Vadodara, so counsidering the same, the college offers various programs in Bachelor of Science. It also offers BSc in Forensic science and there is no such entrance exam which is conducted by Parul University to get admission in BSc courses. The admission is basically done on the basis of score achieved in 12th class. Also, the procedure for applying is quite simple, you can visit out the link given below and fill out the application form with the mandatory details. And then, the college management will reach out to you for further admission process.
The link:
https://paruluniversity.ac.in/how-to-apply
Thankyou!
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