Ar. Rajendra Kumar is the Director, School of Architecture, Noida International University, Greater Noida. He was recently awarded as "Global Education Influencer 2020" and “Indian Young Achievers Award” in 2009. He has completed his B.Arch and M.Arch from prestigious academic institutions of Architecture studies. graduated from Chandigarh College of Architecture, India and Post graduation from Politecnico Di Milano, Italy. He is a member of the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP), Netherlands, and the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, USA. He delivered lectures on many national and international forums on various issues related to cities, social issues, sustainable environment etc. His interests are environmentally sensitive architecture and sustainable urbanism.

Noida International University

What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

“The ability to bring new education and global knowledge to the students inspires me”

As an academician, I have always been fascinated with the “power of education”. It gives a sense of pride, self-discipline, and the ability to build nations. The role of the academician is very important. With several years of experience in academics, I always try to bring a new dimension and updated knowledge to my students and institutions.

What are the key features of the programs of your school?

“Modern and Industry oriented curriculum that provides global exposure”

  • School is committed to impart comprehensive knowledge to students.
  • The frequent up-gradations in pedagogy are considered an essential part of the classroom.
  • School has regular interactions with Industry experts and International speakers for motivations to students. 
  • Frequent visits to various sites for project selection as part of Architecture Design subject and visit to Construction sites as part of the teaching curriculum. 
  • In the academic year, we have organized more than 50 workshops and symposiums in association with Institutions like the GIZ Embassy of Germany, Indian Green Building Council, CII workshops, etc. 
  • Our student’s academic works were exhibited in International Symposium at Consulate of India, New York (USA) along with leading architects work like Padma Bhushan Hafeez Contractor. 

What can an inbound student gain from studying here in your School?

“A globally relevant curriculum that opens several national & international opportunities”

The education system in foreign countries and India are different in terms of flexibilities. I have studied in Italy which has a European Education system under the “Bologna Process”. The Present National education Policy has great provision for making the Indian education system more global. At our university, we have students from various parts of the world. We are constantly evolving ourselves with the global education system. 

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How does the curriculum of SoA, Noida International University ensure the best practice of industry?

“Live projects that allow students to provide relevant architectural solutions to various issues”

Our curriculum is designed as per the recommendations by regulating authorities, UGC and CoA. We ensure that it matches with the International standards of pedagogy. Our faculties have Industry experience of various scale of projects and academic activities. The school of Architecture launched the student chapter of the “Indian Green Building Council” for awareness and understanding of sustainability and green architecture. Our academic activities provide an increasing number of opportunities for students to meaningfully engage with the public affairs mission.

How does your university support students of different socio-economic backgrounds?

“Students from every corner of the world coexist in a socially diverse environment”

Our University, through its 11 schools, is offering more than 150 programs in various streams. We house students from 28 various nations. NIU is committed to creating an environment where international students could mix with each other, discuss and interact. University has a world-class facility in terms of physical infrastructure and social infrastructure. That means students of any race, gender, nationality find a home in this university. 

What do you think your responsibilities to the University and the students are?

“My role is to shape the School of Architecture according to a global perspective”

I aim to make this university a great name in the education sector. We wish to become a highly recognised institute not only in the region but also on the global level. This will be achieved with the help of an innovative pedagogical process and Industry-academia connection. 

What do you see as SoA, Noida International University’s greatest strengths?

“We promote an environment filled with immense possibilities of innovations and their implementations”

The University has developed excellent practices and are being implemented in the areas like promotion of research activities and the teaching-learning process. The University initiated exploiting information technology by setting up smart classrooms in various schools of studies with web connections. The campus is covered with nice greenery including lush green lawns, avenue trees and departmental gardens. The environment of the campus is friendly and safe. Facilities are well-maintained with attractive buildings and ground with high growth potential.

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What are the biggest challenges for higher education in the current age?

“A need of quality academic universities with top global rankings”

Quality in higher education is a multi-dimensional, multilevel and dynamic concept. Ensuring quality in higher education is amongst the foremost challenges being faced in India today. Physical and IT Infrastructure is another challenge to the higher education system of India particularly the institutes in remote areas, Villages, and Towns. Also, our country needs to focus on getting the Indian educational institutes ranked in International ranking lists.