Ludhiana witnessed a vibrant celebration of creativity, collaboration, and learning as the GNDEC School of Architecture organised a grand one-day NEXUS event on 21st February 2026 at its campus. The event marked a significant milestone in inter-collegiate academic engagement, with nearly 1000 students from various colleges and universities across Punjab participating, making it one of the largest student-driven architectural gatherings in the region.
NEXUS is a flagship initiative of the National Association of Students of Architecture (NASA India), envisioned as a national platform that connects architecture students beyond institutional boundaries. Built on the philosophy of Connect • Collaborate • Create, NEXUS encourages peer-to-peer learning, leadership, and creative exploration through workshops, discussions, art-based activities, and cultural exchanges. By empowering students to conceptualise and organise events, NEXUS nurtures not only design thinking but also organisational skills, teamwork, and a strong sense of community within the architectural fraternity.
Organised under this national NEXUS framework, the GNDEC SOA event saw participation from prominent institutions including GNDEC School of Architecture, Ludhiana; Giani Zail Singh School of Architecture and Planning, Bathinda; Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar; IK Gujral Punjab Technical University (Mohali Campus-II); Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, Bathinda; CT Institute of Architecture and Planning, Shahpur; and Dev Bhoomi School of Architecture, Planning and Design, among others. The large-scale turnout reflected the growing enthusiasm among students for experiential, interdisciplinary platforms that go beyond conventional classroom teaching.
A major highlight of the day was the “Paint on Canvas” workshop, which transformed the campus into a lively creative studio. Students expressed architectural ideas, heritage motifs, urban landscapes, and imaginative spatial concepts on canvas pouches, exploring architecture through colour, texture, and storytelling. The workshop successfully bridged architecture and fine arts, reinforcing the idea that design is not only technical but also deeply artistic and cultural.
Adding an important intellectual and cultural dimension to the event was an expert session titled “Harmonize Your Space: Vastu Principles for Modern Living” by Vikas Aggarwal, Aura Expert. The session introduced students to the fundamentals of Vastu Shastra and its relevance in contemporary architectural practice. Concepts of spatial balance, orientation, the five elements, and energy flow were explained with practical examples, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session that generated keen interest among participants.
Beyond workshops and lectures, the NEXUS event served as a powerful networking and interaction platform. Students from diverse colleges exchanged ideas, experiences, and perspectives, strengthening inter-institutional bonds across Punjab. Faculty members and organisers emphasised that such initiatives play a vital role in shaping well-rounded future professionals by integrating creativity, cultural awareness, wellness-oriented design thinking, and collaborative learning.
The overwhelming response and smooth execution of the event reaffirmed GNDEC School of Architecture’s commitment to academic excellence, student empowerment, and innovative learning approaches. Overall, the one-day NEXUS event stood out as a celebration of youth, creativity, and collective learning, reinforcing Ludhiana as an emerging hub for academic and cultural exchange in architectural education.
