A Sneak peek into the Universit
The Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU) has two colleges that offer several undergraduates, post-graduate and PhD programs. It was initially started as the ‘College of Fine Arts’ in Hyderabad State in 1940. The college aimed to promote arts and local crafts. Eventually, the college came under the management of the Department of Technical Education, Government of Telangana, Hyderabad.
The college’s vision for its students itself is to help them participate in public policy and cater to the needs of the region. They also aim to create awareness on sustainability and heritage conservation. A good classroom environment means a strong collaboration with faculty and students alike. Keeping that agenda in mind, many professional and faculty development programmes ensure quality education in this college. Their focus on experimental architecture helps students explore different ideas, materials, and design possibilities.
School of Fine Arts
JNAFAU has several undergraduate, postgraduate courses in its Fine arts school. Here is a list of bachelors courses offered by the School of Fine Arts-
- Bachelors of Fine Arts Painting
- Bachelors of Fine Arts Sculpture
- Bachelors of Fine Arts Applied Art
- Bachelors of Fine Arts Photography
- Bachelors of Fine Arts Animation
The objective of these courses goes beyond refining skills, aiming to emotionally cultivate a process within a student to creatively approach art. Through thought and experimentation, design is approached with rational objectivity. There are extensive student research development projects, lectures, demonstrations by guests, workshops and educational study tours, which paves a defined path for their student’s success in the future. With a fantastic faculty of practising artists, sculptors, graphic designers, photographers and animators the students are exposed to the best within the industry.
The Fine Arts College is headed by Prof. Bolla Srinivas Reddy, who is an extraordinary sculptor who graduated from JNTU College of Fine Arts and Architecture, Hyderabad. He has dedicated about 30 years of his life mentoring and teaching artists at his studio. He has conducted international symposiums in Hyderabad with a larger goal to bridge academics and art. He has been honoured with a Prathibha Award and many more State and National level awards. A leader with a vision is a hope for future students to carve their identity in the Industry.
Painting– Students of painting develop skills in both paintings and drawing in different styles using a variety of mediums. Concepts are taught through art history and modern art. Workshops and visits to the museums are often conducted to help students get exposed to a plethora of installations. Career opportunities include teaching research, art critique, textile designer etc. The 4-year comprehensive programme consists of 1 year of foundation in the basics of art. Exploring different media like oil, watercolour, tempera and other media of painting. Ranging from landscape painting, life study, portraiture and mural designs, including technical processes of printmaking, etching, lithography, and wood-cut, a two-year master program for 2 years specialising in Painting and Visual Communication presents a competitive edge with only 20 intakes.
Sculpture- This is a studio intensive program where students explore different materials and forms through experimentation. A to and fro process with the faculty and experts engages students in interesting conversations which inspire them to create new sculptures. Career opportunities include set designers, freelance, art teachers etc. A similar Bachelor and Master programme for the department of Sculpture has an intake of 20 students.
Applied art- This department focuses on the commercial aspect of design that includes media, information, print and publication industry and multimedia. Converting thoughts into graphics for effective visual communication. Unlike the painting and sculpture department, the department of applied art has an annual intake of 35 students. With a common foundation in the basics of art a combination of theory, practical work and project work. Fundamentals in advertising, design, typography, illustration, media design, graphic design, web design, publishing design etc. A 2-and 3-year masters in Applied Art and Graphical Communication is also available.
Animation- With a thorough training in VFX and filmmaking, students are exposed to basic drawing and design skills. Experimentation with various mediums such as 2d, 3d, VFX, stop motion animation are taught. Rewarding careers such as animators, character designers, storyboard artists, VFX artists to creative directors, production managers, consultants and designers. Annual shows, seminars and workshops are conducted on a national and international level where students’ creativity is exhibited.
School of Planning and Architecture
Part of the Nizam College of Fine Arts and Architecture, the School of Planning and Architecture was merged with JNTU (Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University) in 1972. With a strong faculty with expertise in Architecture, Housing, Urban and Regional Planning, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Design, Urban Design, Conservation, Structural Engineering.
Studies in Architecture
The methodological approach to architecture that includes analysis and problem solving that prepares students for a career in construction and design is shaped by the best in JNAFAU. With a full-time 5-year degree programme, the curriculum has a perfect balance of design studio, group discussions and field study. From dealing with idealistic concepts to technical details. The school aims to impart quality education through dialogue and communication. The eligibility, of course, includes intermediate(10+2) with math. The students would have to also complete NATA (National Aptitude Test Architecture) or JEE Mains conducted by the Council of Architecture. The merit list is made by giving a 50-50 weightage to both the state rank and NATA exam.
Students can explore and work in governmental organisations such as-
- Public Works Department
- Ministry of Defense
- National Building Organization
- Town and Country Planning Organization
- National Institute of Urban Affairs
- Departments of Railways
- Post and Telegraphs
- Public Sector Undertakings
- Housing and Urban Development Corporation
- Archaeological Department
- Airport Authority of India
- National Building Construction Corporation Ltd., etc
They also offer B.Tech in planning. With a strong foothold in law, architecture, engineering, public health and social sciences, graduates in this course can offer advice to the rapid changes taking place in ever-growing cities. They help develop solutions for developments taking place both on a public/private scale. They help communities by giving expertise in fields such as public participation processes, conflict resolution, etc. Students will need an intermediate (10+2) having also completed EAMCET and PGCET for M tech in Planning. A career in this field expands to working in organisations such as:
- Directorate of Town and Country Planning (Govt. of AP)
- Urban Development Authorities like HUDA, VUDA, and VGTMUDA etc.,
- Municipal Corporations.
- Administrative Staff College of India.
- Multinational Companies related to Urban Planning.
- Software Industry.
- Professional Industry.
- Professional Practice as Urban Planner
- Development of Geographical information & Planning Software
Another interesting course offered by JNAFAU is B. Tech in DTDP (Digital Techniques for Design and Planning). The foundations for this course are related to Design, Multimedia, GIS and IT. This is a 4-year curriculum that includes an internship and project work. The eligibility for this program is an intermediate (10+2) with maths, physics and chemistry. The students have to qualify in EAMCET that is conducted by the Government of Telangana. Job opportunities in this field open avenues in-
- Planning sectors (CAD and GIS engineers, etc,)
- Design industries (architectural firms, product design, graphic design, industrial design, etc.)
- Construction fields (project management and building designers, environmental designers etc.)
- Software industry (software development and maintenance etc.)
- Media (print media, electronic media, web designers etc.)
- Film industry (set designers, animations and graphics, etc.)
JNAFAU provides a holistic approach to future designers with various courses available within a single campus. This helps students question the existing framework between this artistic and scientific community, blurring the lines of designs that break into the built environment seamlessly.
REFERENCES:
1.Jnafau.ac.in. (2021). JAWAHARLAL NEHRU ARCHITECTURE AND FINE ARTS UNIVERSITY | HYDERABAD – TELANGANA. [online] Available at: https://www.jnafau.ac.in
