RTF presents

Historic Travelgram

Understanding Spaces through Architectural Storytelling

Rethinking The Future in collaboration with the mentor
Lipi Agarwal introduces a unique course Historic Travelgram that aims to introduce History of Architecture & Cultural Anthropology of some of the most important Architectural/ Urban Spaces of India through a unique methodology of Storytelling with a series of narratives holding different aspects of History.

RTF presents

Historic Travelgram

Understanding Spaces through Architectural Storytelling

Rethinking The Future in collaboration with the mentor Lipi Agarwal introduces a unique course Historic Travelgram that aims to introduce History of Architecture & Cultural Anthropology of some of the most important Architectural/ Urban Spaces of India through a unique methodology of Storytelling with a series of narratives holding different aspects of History.

Get to the next level in your understanding of Indian Culture, Travel, Tourism and History.

‏‏‎ ‎
This workshop is for you if you are enthusiastic about:

  • Architecture and Culture: You are a teacher or student of Architecture, Arts & Culture, Interior Design, Humanities, History, Theory & Criticism.
  • Travel: You love to travel and explore new lands. You define yourself as a Traveler,  Backpacker, Expat and Explorer.

Get to the next level in your understanding of Indian Culture, Travel, Tourism and History.

‏‏‎ ‎
This workshop is for you if you are enthusiastic about:

  • Architecture and Culture: You are a teacher or student of Architecture, Arts & Culture, Interior Design, Humanities, History, Theory & Criticism.
  • Travel: You love to travel and explore new lands. You define yourself as a Traveler,  Backpacker, Expat and Explorer.

Reviews from Previous Sessions

Reviews from Previous Sessions

You're learning History of Architecture the wrong way!

Historic Travelgram offers an interactive way of learning with Storytelling as a teaching methodology making you learn the History! While designing one needs to look at the broader aspect of the project in hand. It is not just the brief received but as a designer, one needs to look at the overall context, history and narratives associated with it. The course is designed to help the designers connect the dots as a response to design. The Program is further designed to assist students with a more profound understanding of the Indian Architecture and Cultural Anthropology which they can use in their academic and professional research.

You're learning History of Architecture the wrong way!

Historic Travelgram offers an interactive way of learning with Storytelling as a teaching methodology making you learn the History! While designing one needs to look at the broader aspect of the project in hand. It is not just the brief received but as a designer, one needs to look at the overall context, history and narratives associated with it. The course is designed to help the designers connect the dots as a response to design. The Program is further designed to assist students with a more profound understanding of the Indian Architecture and Cultural Anthropology which they can use in their academic and professional research.

‏‏‎ ‎Takeaways / Benefits

  1. A better knowledge of Important Indian Architectural/ Urban Heritage and the Narratives around it.
  2. The participants will acquire knowledge about discursive thinking and employing it in the design process.
  3. The participants will gain an understanding of the visual and spatial aspects of the spaces and their physiological impact on users.
  4. The course helps to learn about the role of narratives in shaping any built-environment.
  5. The course will help to draw inferences from the built environment through the lens of cultural influence.
  6. Students of Architecture, Planning, and other Design related fields will learn about the Cultural Anthropology of Indian Architecture/ Urban Spaces.
  7. Students of Psychology, History, and other related fields will get to know more about India through various narratives.

Takeaways / Benefits

  1. A better knowledge of Important Indian Architectural/ Urban Heritage and the Narratives around it.
  2. The participants will acquire knowledge about discursive thinking and employing it in the design process.
  3. The participants will gain an understanding of the visual and spatial aspects of the spaces and their physiological impact on users.
  4. The course helps to learn about the role of narratives in shaping any built-environment.
  5. The course will help to draw inferences from the built environment through the lens of cultural influence.
  6. Students of Architecture, Planning, and other Design related fields will learn about the Cultural Anthropology of Indian Architecture/ Urban Spaces.
  7. Students of Psychology, History, and other related fields will get to know more about India through various narratives.

‏‏‎ ‎Teaching methodology

The course is taught with Storytelling as a medium to engage participants. Each topic talks about the built-environment of a particular region. Each built-environment represents the cultural phenomenon of the respective region viz climate, living style, food, festival, etc. and participants are encouraged to relate and compare it to their own built space.

Each class will be conducted on one of the topics as mentioned below.

‏‏‎ ‎Teaching methodology

The course is taught with Storytelling as a medium to engage participants. Each topic talks about the built-environment of a particular region. Each built-environment represents the cultural phenomenon of the respective region viz climate, living style, food, festival, etc. and participants are encouraged to relate and compare it to their own built space.

Each class will be conducted on one of the topics as mentioned below.

‏‏‎ ‎Schedule

Session 01
Britisher’s role in developing hill-stations of India

Saturday 19th September  | 7 pm IST | 9:30 am ET

This topic will cover the role of Britishers in developing the Hill stations of India. It will touch on the following factors-

  • The reason behind developing hill stations and the reason they were meant for.
  • The time period during which they were developed.
  • The architecture of the built environment and the common elements that are found in all of these places.
  • Financial aspects associated with them.

Session 02
Taj Mahal in U.P.

Sunday 20th September  | 7 pm IST | 9:30 am ET

This topic will talk about the basic history around the Taj Mahal. It will also encompass the following mentioned :

  • The reason that led to the construction of the Taj Mahal.
  • The controversial stories that have come into existence pertaining to the historiographyofTaj Mahal or Tejo Mahal.
  • The architecture that makes it fall under one of the seven among the list of Wonders of the World.
  • Arts and crafts that are associated with the construction of the Taj Mahal.

Session 03
Food lanes of Delhi

Friday 25th September  | 7 pm IST | 9:30 am ET

Delhi’ – a historic city that is a result of the culmination of different cultures. And thus, it offers cuisine from across India. The mentioned below will be covered in this topic-

  • A brief history of Delhi and its seven cities.
  • Introduction to the food lanes that exist in Delhi.
  • What are the cultural influences on the cuisines being served here?
  • Evolution of eating joints from- local to the plush eating environment.

Session 04
Palaces & Forts of Rajasthan

Saturday 26th September  | 7 pm IST | 9:30 am ET

This state is famous for its desert climate; attracts domestic and foreign travelers. The topic will talk about the following-

  • What makes it a tourist attraction?
  • How has the culture influenced the built environment?
  • What are the architectural features of Palaces and Forts?
  • How have the natural geographical features made every city stand-out?

Session 05
Chawls of Mumbai

Sunday 27th September  | 7 pm IST | 9:30 am ET

Introduction to the cosmopolitan culture of Mumbai. The story will revolve around the below-mentioned points:

  • Typology of Chawls in Mumbai.
  • The culture that prevails in the Chawls.
  • Discussion on the movies that have displayed the life of people in the Chawls.
  • Use of the Chawls as ‘Theme’ in the recreational spaces and the authenticity being brought in the interiors.

Session 06
The geographical significance of Madhya Pradesh and Scindia Palace

Saturday 3rd October  | 7 pm IST | 9:30 am ET

Discussion on the culture of Madhya Pradesh and the brief history of Scindia Palace. The story will cover the following points-

  • How is the geographical location of Madhya Pradesh plays a vital role in making it a point of interest?
  • Historical monuments of M.P. and their significance.
  • What makes Scindia palace an Architectural marvel? What are the exclusive features and elements inside the palace?
  • Adaptive reuse of the palace into public space.

Session 07
Role of Nizam in shaping Hyderabad

Sunday 4th October  | 7 pm IST | 9:30 am ET

Discussion on the prevalent culture of Hyderabad. The story will talk all about Nizams and their role during the period of independence. This topic will talk on-

  • The dialects that exist in Hyderabad and where have they evolved from?
  • The communities living in Hyderabad and their respective cultures
  • The architectural features of Nizam palace.

Session 08
Portuguese Houses of Goa

Friday 9th October  | 7 pm IST | 9:30 am ET

This topic will talk about the Portuguese influence on the culture of Goa. Following points will give a clear picture on the culture that exists in Goa:

  • The living style of locals and their culture.
  • The architectural elements of Portuguese houses.
  • A glimpse on the interiors of the hip and happening bars of Goa.
  • Why does it attract folks of people from around the world?

Session 09
Chettinad houses of Tamil Nadu

Saturday 10th October  | 7 pm IST | 9:30 am ET

A discussion on the very famous residential typology of Chettinad houses. The following aspects will be covered in the story of Tamil Nadu:

  • Culture of the people residing in the region of Tamil Nadu.
  • The influence of the culture of people on the typology of houses.
  • Arts and crafts of Chettinad houses.
  • How was it once the source of employment for people?

Session 10
Four Religious Places ( Dhaam ) of India

Sunday 11th October  | 7 pm IST | 9:30 am ET

Discussion on the sacred places of India, The story on this topic will talk all about Hinduism.

  • What all places are considered as Dhaam in India?
  • The mention of these places in Vedas and their strategic locations.
  • Role of Shankaracharya in establishing these spots into religious centers.
  • Which sect of Hinduism are these Dhaams attributed to and thereby their significance?

‎‎‏‏‎ ‎Batch Strength

Maximum 25 students
The sessions are designed so that every participant gets the most out of it.

‏‏‎ ‎Medium + Language of Instruction

Online | English

‏‏‎ ‎Registration Fee

Earlybird Fee: $100 | 5000 INR
Standard Fee: $125 | 6000 INR

‏‏‎ ‎Registration Deadline

Early Bird: 1st September 2020 | 12:30 PM ET | 10 PM IST
Standard Fee: 18th September 2020 | 7:30 AM ET | 5pm IST

Culture taught through stories

The oldest and most effective method of propagating valuable knowledge and information known to man.

Schedule

Session 01

Britisher’s role in developing hill-stations of India

Saturday 19th September  | 7 pm IST | 9:30 am EST

This topic will cover the role of Britishers in developing the Hill stations of India. It will touch on the following factors-

  • The reason behind developing hill stations and the reason they were meant for.
  • The time period during which they were developed.
  • The architecture of the built environment and the common elements that are found in all of these places.
  • Financial aspects associated with them.

Session 02

Taj Mahal in U.P.

Sunday 20th September  | 7 pm IST | 9:30 am EST

This topic will talk about the basic history around the Taj Mahal. It will also encompass the following mentioned :

  • The reason that led to the construction of the Taj Mahal.
  • The controversial stories that have come into existence pertaining to the historiographyofTaj Mahal or Tejo Mahal.
  • The architecture that makes it fall under one of the seven among the list of Wonders of the World.
  • Arts and crafts that are associated with the construction of the Taj Mahal.

Session 03

Food lanes of Delhi

Friday 25th September  | 7 pm IST | 9:30 am EST

Delhi’ – a historic city that is a result of the culmination of different cultures. And thus, it offers cuisine from across India. The mentioned below will be covered in this topic-

  • A brief history of Delhi and its seven cities.
  • Introduction to the food lanes that exist in Delhi.
  • What are the cultural influences on the cuisines being served here?
  • Evolution of eating joints from- local to the plush eating environment.

Session 04

Palaces & Forts of Rajasthan

Saturday 26th September  | 7 pm IST | 9:30 am EST

This state is famous for its desert climate; attracts domestic and foreign travelers. The topic will talk about the following-

  • What makes it a tourist attraction?
  • How has the culture influenced the built environment?
  • What are the architectural features of Palaces and Forts?
  • How have the natural geographical features made every city stand-out?

Session 05

Chawls of Mumbai

Sunday 27th September  | 7 pm IST | 9:30 am EST

Introduction to the cosmopolitan culture of Mumbai. The story will revolve around the below-mentioned points:

  • Typology of Chawls in Mumbai.
  • The culture that prevails in the Chawls.
  • Discussion on the movies that have displayed the life of people in the Chawls.
  • Use of the Chawls as ‘Theme’ in the recreational spaces and the authenticity being brought in the interiors.

Session 06

The geographical significance of Madhya Pradesh and Scindia Palace

Saturday 3rd October | 7 pm IST | 9:30 am EST

Discussion on the culture of Madhya Pradesh and the brief history of Scindia Palace. The story will cover the following points-

  • How is the geographical location of Madhya Pradesh plays a vital role in making it a point of interest?
  • Historical monuments of M.P. and their significance.
  • What makes Scindia palace an Architectural marvel? What are the exclusive features and elements inside the palace?
  • Adaptive reuse of the palace into public space.

Session 07

Role of Nizam in shaping Hyderabad

Sunday 4th October  | 7 pm IST | 9:30 am EST

Discussion on the prevalent culture of Hyderabad. The story will talk all about Nizams and their role during the period of independence. This topic will talk on-

  • The dialects that exist in Hyderabad and where have they evolved from?
  • The communities living in Hyderabad and their respective cultures
  • The architectural features of Nizam palace.

Session 08

Portuguese Houses of Goa

Friday 9th October  | 7 pm IST | 9:30 am EST

This topic will talk about the Portuguese influence on the culture of Goa. Following points will give a clear picture on the culture that exists in Goa:

  • The living style of locals and their culture.
  • The architectural elements of Portuguese houses.
  • A glimpse on the interiors of the hip and happening bars of Goa.
  • Why does it attract folks of people from around the world?

Session 09

Chettinad houses of Tamil Nadu

Saturday 10th October  | 7 pm IST | 9:30 am EST

A discussion on the very famous residential typology of Chettinad houses. The following aspects will be covered in the story of Tamil Nadu:

  • Culture of the people residing in the region of Tamil Nadu.
  • The influence of the culture of people on the typology of houses.
  • Arts and crafts of Chettinad houses.
  • How was it once the source of employment for people?

Session 10

Four Religious Places (Dhaam) of India

Sunday 11th October | 7 pm IST | 9:30 am EST

Discussion on the sacred places of India, The story on this topic will talk all about Hinduism.

  • What all places are considered as Dhaam in India?
  • The mention of these places in Vedas and their strategic locations.
  • Role of Shankaracharya in establishing these spots into religious centers.
  • Which sect of Hinduism are these Dhaams attributed to and thereby their significance?

Batch Strength

Maximum 25 students
The sessions are designed so that every participant gets the most out of it.

Medium + Language of Instruction

Online | English

Registration Fee

Earlybird Fee: $100 | 5000 INR
Standard Fee: $125 | 6000 INR

Registration Deadline

Early Bird: 1st September 2020 | 12:30 PM ET | 10 PM IST
Standard Fee: 18th September 2020 | 7:30 AM ET | 5pm IST

Culture taught through stories

The oldest and most effective method of propagating valuable knowledge and information known to man.

RTF Education Program

RTF means quality learning & teaching experience

RTF believes that online learning is the best medium of education, especially in a post-pandemic future. For over more than half a decade Rethinking the Future has been a leading organization committed to providing an international platform not only to recognize and acknowledge design talents from all over the world but also to celebrate and share the knowledge created through a plethora of awards, events and academic dialogues in the field of architecture and design.

Mentor

Mentor

Lipi-Agarwal-Architect

Lipi Agarwal

Architectural Journalist & Storyteller
Masters in Interior Architecture & Design,
CEPT University, Ahmedabad

Lipi Agarwal is a practicing architect who has been penning for prestigious magazines like insite, design detail and surfaces reporter. She has also worked as an Academic Associate in the Faculty of Design at CEPT University. She completed her Masters in Interior Architecture and design from CEPT University as well and her research interests span across Indian culture, theme-based spaces, and the role of crafts in interiors. She has also received the best paper award at an international conference on ‘Research in Architecture: crossroads’.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the final date for Registration?

The final date of registration is 3rd September 2020.

What is the Registration Fee?

5000 INR | $100

Will I be getting a Certificate of this Course?

Yes, on successful completion of all 10 sessions, a certificate will be issued from the RTF. A soft copy of certificates will be emailed to the participants.

What is the maximum batch size?

The maximum batch size is 25 Students. Registrations will be closed, once the batch is full.

Can we register as a group?

Each individual has to register separately.

I’m a student, can I participate?

Yes. We welcome students.

Participants can be anyone who has a keen interest in Culture, Travel, Tourism, History, Historiography. Anyone who belongs to the tribe of —
Travel: Travellers, Backpackers, Tour guides, Expats, Explorers
Education: Humanities, Arts & Culture, History, Theory & Criticism, Architecture, Interior Design, Exchange program students

I’m a professional, can I participate?

Yes. We welcome Professionals.

Participants can be anyone who has a keen interest in Culture, Travel, Tourism, History, Historiography. Anyone who belongs to the tribe of —
Travel: Travellers, Backpackers, Tour guides, Expats, Explorers
Education: Humanities, Arts & Culture, History, Theory & Criticism, Architecture, Interior Design, Exchange program students

.

Where can I ask further questions?

Kindly direct all your queries to rtf@re-thinkingthefuture.com

Register before the Batch is full.

This is the best chance to learn about the History of Architecture and Urban Spaces with Cultural Anthropology tied through the series of Narratives with the most unique methodology of teaching i.e; Storytelling. Also, you’ll get to develop and discuss your understanding of some of the most important public places in India!

Register before the Batch is full.

This is the best chance to learn about the History of Architecture and Urban Spaces with Cultural Anthropology tied through the series of Narratives with the most unique methodology of teaching i.e; Storytelling. Also, you’ll get to develop and discuss your understanding of some of the most important public places in India!