In India, urban design is still a relatively young discipline, and it might be difficult to identify colleges that specialise in it. A list of the finest urban design institutes in India, as well as their admission requirements, can be found here.

List of the Top Urban Design (M.Arch) Colleges in India

UDL Thesis Publication 2024

Curating the best thesis Globally !

School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Delhi

New Delhi
urban design
The School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Delhi, stands as a beacon of excellence in architectural and planning education in India. Established with the mission to foster a holistic understanding of urban environments, SPA Delhi’s M.Arch in Urban Design is designed for those who aspire to play a pivotal role in shaping urban landscapes. This program is distinguished by its rigorous curriculum that merges theoretical knowledge with practical application, aiming to address the multifaceted challenges of contemporary urbanization.
 

School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal

Bhopal
urban design
The School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal is a higher education institute in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, specializing in education and research in the field of Urban Planning, Architecture and Design.
 
Urban Design Programme at School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal is a four-semester course of two years duration and leading to a degree of Master of in Urban Design. Each semester consists of wide range of theory and studio subjects ranging from history, sociology, ecology and legislation, sequentially increasing in their complexity to make students well versed with urban design issues and approaches of universal values. Urban design programme at SPA Bhopal will explore ways to design, create and sustain the rich and productive urban environments.

School of Planning and Architecture, Vijaywada

Vijaywada
urban design
The School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Vijayawada, is another illustrious institution within the SPA family, dedicated to excellence in education and research in the fields of planning and architecture. SPA Vijayawada, established with the vision of fostering innovative and sustainable solutions to complex urban and architectural challenges, offers a vibrant academic environment for its students. The M.Arch in Urban Design program at SPA Vijayawada is tailored to address the nuanced aspects of urban development and design, preparing students to make meaningful contributions to the built environment.
 
This institution emphasizes a holistic approach to urban design, integrating aspects of sustainability, social equity, and technological advancements into the curriculum. The program encourages students to explore creative design strategies, urban policy, and planning methodologies that promote sustainable and resilient urban spaces. Through a combination of theoretical lectures, design studios, and research projects, students are immersed in the process of understanding and designing urban environments that cater to the needs of diverse communities.

Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology, CEPT

Ahmedabad
urban design
The Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT) University in Ahmedabad offers a prestigious Urban Design program that stands out for its emphasis on understanding cities as a dynamic and complex network of spaces. CEPT’s Urban Design program focuses on equipping students with the skills and knowledge to design urban spaces that are sustainable, inclusive, and responsive to local contexts and global challenges. The program encourages an interdisciplinary approach, drawing upon the fields of architecture, planning, environmental science, and public policy to provide a comprehensive understanding of urban design. CEPT’s unique pedagogy includes fieldwork, studios, and thesis projects, encouraging students to engage with real-world urban issues, conduct in-depth research, and propose innovative design solutions. Graduates of the program are known for their ability to critically analyze urban problems and design spaces that enhance the quality of urban life, making them highly sought after in the field of urban planning and design.

Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute of Architecture and Environmental Studies - KRVIA

Mumbai
urban design
The Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture and Environmental Studies (KRVIA) in Mumbai offers an Urban Design program that seeks to challenge and expand the traditional boundaries of urban design by integrating critical thinking, design experimentation, and research into its curriculum. KRVIA’s focus on urban design is particularly significant given Mumbai’s complex urban fabric and its leadership role in addressing urban issues in India. The program is designed to prepare students for the multifaceted challenges of urban growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity through a comprehensive approach that combines theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience.

Sushant School of Art and Architecture

Gurugram
urban design
Nestled in the rapidly growing urban landscape of Gurgaon, Sushant University, formerly known as Ansal University, is a private university that has carved a niche in architecture and design education. The M.Arch in Urban Design program at Sushant University is particularly notable for its innovative curriculum that combines theoretical studies with hands-on practical experiences through workshops, internships, and live projects. This approach ensures that graduates are not just thinkers but doers capable of envisioning and executing sustainable urban solutions. The faculty comprises seasoned professionals and academicians who bring a wealth of knowledge and industry insights, enriching the learning experience. The university also emphasizes research, encouraging students to delve into uncharted areas of urban design to contribute valuable insights to the field.
 

Manipal School of Architecture and Planning

Manipal
urban design
The Manipal School of Architecture and Planning, part of the prestigious Manipal Academy of Higher Education, stands out for its emphasis on a global perspective in architectural education. The M.Arch in Urban Design program is crafted to address global urban challenges while considering local contexts and sustainability. Students are exposed to international best practices through faculty exchange programs, international workshops, and seminars. The curriculum is dynamic, reflecting the latest trends and challenges in urban design. MSAP boasts of advanced technological resources, including state-of-the-art labs and design studios, enabling students to explore innovative design solutions. Collaborations with industry leaders and international universities further enhance the educational experience, providing students with unparalleled exposure and opportunities to learn from the best in the field.

SPA Mysore - School of Planning and Architecture University of Mysore

Mysore
Top Urban Design Colleges in India - 2024 8
SPA Mysore represents a blend of traditional wisdom and modern innovation in architectural education. Established to address the increasing demand for skilled planners and designers, SPA Mysore’s M.Arch in Urban Design program is designed around the concept of ‘learning by doing.’ The curriculum encourages critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and sustainable design practices. Students work on live projects that allow them to apply their learning in real-world contexts, preparing them for the complexities of modern urban challenges. The program also emphasizes the importance of cultural and historical contexts in urban design, ensuring that students appreciate the value of heritage in shaping future cities.

College of Engineering, Trivandrum

Trivandrum
urban design
The College of Engineering, Trivandrum, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest and most prestigious engineering colleges in Kerala. Its M.Arch program in Urban Design is aimed at producing skilled architects who can contribute to the sustainable development of urban spaces. The department encourages a multidisciplinary approach to learning and design

Sarvajanik College of Engineering and Technology

Surat
urban design
Part of the Sarvajanik Education Society, this college in Surat offers an M.Arch in Urban Design that combines technical proficiency with creative problem-solving. The program is known for its emphasis on real-world applications of urban design principles and sustainability. 
 
The graduates will be trained to contribute to the development in India at the same time envisaging to address key global issues such as climate change, environmental sustainability, social cities, digital design and its application that are the need of the hour and have a wide spread application.
 
The course intends to become the epicentre for documentation and research on Urban Design to generate and augment vital data, especially of the rich Indian urban history and cities developed in India and the learning from the same is intended to be applied to real life situations and further research.

Pillai's College of Architecture

Mumbai
urban design
Pillai’s College of Architecture (PiCA) in Mumbai is recognized for its forward-thinking curriculum and emphasis on design innovation. The M.Arch in Urban Design program prepares students to address the complexities of urban environments with creative and sustainable solutions. PiCA boasts a blend of academic rigor and practical exposure. 
 

RV College of Architecture

Bangalore
urban design
RV College of Architecture (RVCA), situated in Bangalore, is esteemed for its contribution to architectural education in India. If RVCA offers an urban design course, it likely focuses on imparting comprehensive knowledge and skills pertinent to the planning, design, and management of urban spaces. Such a course would typically cover sustainable urban development, the intricacies of urban infrastructure, public spaces, and the socio-economic dynamics of cities. Students might engage in a blend of theoretical coursework, design studios, workshops, and possibly community projects, ensuring a holistic understanding of urban design principles and their application. 

UDL Thesis Publication 2024

Curating the best thesis Globally !

Top Urban Design Colleges in India - 2024 14

Urban Design Lab

About the Author

This is the admin account of Urban Design Lab. This account publishes articles written by team members, contributions from guest writers, and other occasional submissions. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or comments.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related articles

UDL Thesis Publication 2024

Curating the Best Thesis Projects Globally !

UDL Illustrator

Masterclass

Visualizing Urban and Architecture Diagrams

Session Dates

21st-22nd Dec 2024

Empower Your Creativity with UDL Digital Resources

Thesis Report Writing for Architecture and Urban Studies

Join the largest social media community!

Join Our WhatsApp Group

Recent Posts

Sign up for our Newsletter

“Let’s explore the new avenues of Urban environment together “