Chitkara School of Planning & Architecture (CSPA), Chitkara University, Punjab, stands as a centre of excellence committed to nurturing innovative, sensitive, and future-ready architects. The school blends rigorous academic training with hands-on learning, research-driven pedagogy, and strong industry collaborations.
With state-of-the-art studios, advanced laboratories, a strong heritage research cell, and a focus on sustainability-driven design, CSPA provides an environment where students explore creativity, critical thinking, and professional competence. We strive to prepare our students not only as architects, but also as thoughtful creators who can design spaces that are sustainable, meaningful, and deeply connected to their cultural identity.
Key Initiatives – Heritage Documentation & Research Excellence
CSPA has emerged as a leader in heritage-oriented research, documentation, and cultural conservation initiatives. These initiatives strengthen academic discourse while contributing meaningfully to India’s architectural heritage ecosystem.
MAATI Convention Contributions +
Active participation in the MAATI Convention 2025
Under faculty mentorship, CSPA students documented significant heritage structures in Narnaul and Jhunjhunu, Punjab, demonstrating their growing expertise in architectural heritage research.
Faculty and academic leaders presented this extensive heritage documentation at the MAATI Convention in Ahmedabad from October 3–5.
Presentations covered three key typologies:
Tracing the Legacy of Traditional Water Structures in Narnaul, presented by Asst. Prof. Kritika Arora and Assoc. Prof. Jasmeet Kaur.
Documenting Havelis: The Incredible Cultural Resources of Narnaul, presented by Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Harveen Bhandari
The Abundant Cultural Heritage – Water Structures of Jhunjhunu presented by Dean Academics & Dean M.Plan, Prof. (Dr.) Kanika Bansal
Strengthened collaborative engagement with ICICH, ICOMOS, and ICOMOS India.
Heritage Competitions & National Platforms +
Active participation in heritage documentation competitions hosted by Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), with students securing awards, recognitions, and shortlisted entries.
Students developed rigorous, research-based heritage portfolios that reflect their analytical and documentation capabilities.
As part of the Conservation of Historic Buildings curriculum, students also undertake detailed measured drawings and heritage documentation of significant sites such as Mehrauli Fort and Lodhi Fort in Punjab were the sites documented by the 4th year students from September – November 2025.
Through this academic engagement, students gain hands-on experience in heritage grading systems, documentation methodologies, and analytical techniques essential to conservation practice.
MAATI Photography Competition +
Student participation in Heritage Photography.
Display of winning photographs and documentation work
Visual representation of under-recognised heritage
CSPA’s dedication to safeguarding cultural assets through research and active engagement with national and international heritage networks.
Exploring SDGs Through Architecture & Heritage +
CSPA integrates the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into academic experiences, study tours, lectures, and hands-on explorations. Through immersive field-based learning, students understand how heritage, urban development, climate responsiveness, and sustainable architecture intersect.
Students explored the architectural intelligence of Mughal and Rajput traditions through iconic monuments and historic urban complexes. The tour focused on understanding spatial grammar, craftsmanship, and cultural symbolism embedded in these masterpieces. Hands-on sketching and documentation exercises helped students connect historical design principles with contemporary learning.
Students explored Ahmedabad’s unique blend of modernist architecture, historic precincts, and contemporary urban development. Visits to works by B.V. Doshi and Charles Correa deepened understanding of materiality, form, and climate responsiveness. The tour provided valuable exposure to conservation practices, modern urban renewal efforts, and evolving city-making strategies.
This tour immersed students in Rajasthan’s palatial architecture, lake systems, and heritage-driven urban morphology. Visiting the famous Kumbhalgarh, Amer and Nahargarh forts and understanding the historical fortification and its conservation. Learners examined how traditional planning, climate-responsive design, and landscape integration shape resilient historic cities. Through structured documentation, students gained insights into sustainable urbanism rooted in cultural identity.
Sustainable Architecture Lecture at Chitkara International School, Panchkula +
Expert session “Exploring Green Architecture: Understanding Sustainability Beyond the Studio”
IGBC-aligned building features & environmental performance
Understanding real-world green building practices
CSPA cultivates climate-conscious designers who understand the value of context and place.
Students learn to create architecture that is both environmentally responsible and deeply connected to the communities it serves.
Publications+
This section highlights the academic strength of CSPA through faculty and student publications.
Suggested Inclusions:
Research papers presented at national and international conferences
Published work from the MAATI Convention, CUDC, WADE Asia, and others
Articles, journals, book chapters authored by faculty
Urban Study conducted on the urban village -Attawa, located in Sector 42, Chandigarh.
Student research outcomes from terminal year thesis competitions
Recognition & Awards+
6.1 Faculty Achievements
Jury roles in WADE Asia
Conference recognitions
Research grants and invitations as session chairs/experts
6.2 Student Awards
Kajaria Meritorious Award
Heritage competition finalists
Competition wins in photography, design, and documentation
6.3 Institutional Milestones
Partnerships and MoUs
Chitkara School of Planning & Architecture has been consecutively recognized as the top-performing institution for three consecutive quarters—Q1 (July–September 2024), Q2 (October–December 2024), and Q3 (January–March 2025)—for achieving the highest participation in Arcause Club activities conducted by Arcause, ETHOS Foundation, a platform dedicated to social impact and design awareness. In recognition of its sustained commitment and active engagement, the department received cash awards for Q1 and Q2.
