The Council of Architecture (CoA) has announced a five-day Online Training Program (OTP) titled “Arts & Craft Documentation: Methods, Tools and Pedagogical Integration.” The program is being organised in collaboration with the Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, through its School of Architecture, Urban Development, Planning and Design.
The training program will be conducted from 23–27 March 2026, with two sessions each day (10:30 AM – 1:45 PM) in an online format. An End of Program Test (EoPT) is scheduled on 27 March 2026 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Program Focus
India’s diverse cultural landscape includes a rich tradition of arts, crafts, and building practices rooted in regional knowledge systems. The workshop aims to equip educators and professionals with systematic methods for documenting traditional arts and crafts, and integrating this knowledge into architectural education through experiential and studio-based learning.
The program intends to strengthen the documentation, preservation, and academic integration of traditional knowledge systems within architectural pedagogy.
Key Objectives
The workshop will focus on several academic and professional objectives, including:
- Developing an understanding of arts and craft documentation using visual, measured, and narrative methods.
- Introducing digital tools and techniques for archiving and representing traditional knowledge.
- Promoting curriculum integration of craft studies through studio-based learning frameworks.
- Encouraging research, reflection, and innovation in documenting traditional practices.
Key Areas of Discussion
Participants will explore a wide range of thematic areas such as:
- Foundations of Arts and Craft Documentation within Indian Knowledge Systems
- Documentation of built forms and living traditions
- Contemporary visual and digital documentation practices
- Integrating craft documentation into teaching–learning frameworks
- Research methodologies and reflective practice in craft studies
Expert Speakers
The training program features a distinguished panel of experts from leading institutions, including:
- Dr. Joy Sen, IIT Kharagpur
- Dr. Smriti Saraswat, IIT Roorkee
- Dr. Rajdeep Routh, Woxsen University
- Dr. Navin Piplani, Sushant University
- Prof. Nina Sabnani, Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology (MAHE)
- Ar. Jay Thakkar, CEPT University
- Ar. Rahul Bhushan, Nagger (Himachal Pradesh)
- Ar. Rishav Jain, CEPT University
- Dr. Kailash Rao, SPA Bhopal
Eligibility and Registration
The program is designed primarily for faculty members and professionals from architecture, planning, design, fine arts, craft studies, and heritage disciplines.
Participants may register under the Collaborative Training Program (CTP) 2025–26 of the Council of Architecture or as independent participants.
- Registration Fee: ₹1500
- Registration Link:
- Last Date for Registration: 20 March 2026
E-certificates will be issued to participants upon successful completion of the sessions, assignments, the EoPT, and submission of feedback.
Program Coordination
The training program is convened by Prof. Jayashree Deshpande, Director of CoA-TRC Pune, with coordination by Dr. Gauri Shiurkar, Director SAUDPDD, Symbiosis Skills and Professional University.