Modern World Architecture Course | IIT Roorkee | Prof. P.S. Chani
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 332 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Architecture and Planning, Architectural Theory |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 17 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Decoding the Blueprint of Our Age: A Guide to the Modern World Architecture Course
Architecture is the mirror of society, reflecting our technological ambitions, cultural shifts, and philosophical ideals. For students of architecture, understanding the journey from the ornate facades of the 19th century to the sleek, sustainable structures of the 21st is not just academic—it's foundational to becoming a visionary creator. The "Modern World Architecture" course, offered by the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, provides this essential roadmap.
Designed and taught by the esteemed Prof. P.S. Chani, this 12-week undergraduate program is a deep dive into the forces that shaped the built environment we inhabit today. Prof. Chani, with over two decades of teaching experience and a research focus on embodied energy and carbon emissions, brings a unique, critical perspective to the narrative of modern design.
Course Overview: A Journey Through Centuries of Innovation
This course is meticulously structured for B.Arch students who have completed their first year. It begins by tracing the roots of modernism in the 18th century, set against the backdrop of the Industrial Revolution—a period that introduced new materials like iron and glass and new societal needs that forever changed architectural possibilities.
The core of the course focuses on the radical evolution of the 20th century, dissecting movements like Modernism, the International Style, and Post-Modernism. It culminates by exploring vital contemporary concepts, including sustainable design and futuristic structures, preparing students for the pressing issues of today and tomorrow.
Your Instructor: Prof. P.S. Chani
Learning from an expert like Prof. Chani is a privilege. A distinguished professor and former head of the Department of Architecture and Planning at IIT Roorkee, his academic journey is rooted in the institute itself, from UG to advanced studies. Recognized among the top teachers at IIT Roorkee for four consecutive years, his passion lies in the study and teaching of modern architecture. He brings this passion to specialized subjects like High-Tech Buildings, Futuristic Architecture, and the integral relationship between Structures & Architecture.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
The course unfolds in a logical, chronological, and thematic progression:
| Week | Key Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1-3 | Foundations & The Rise of the Metropolis: Industrial Revolution, Crystal Palace, Art Nouveau, Antoni Gaudi, Chicago School, and the Evolution of Skyscrapers. |
| Weeks 4-6 | The Masters of Modernism: Deep dives into the works and philosophies of Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, and Mies van der Rohe. |
| Weeks 7-8 | Movements & Ideologies: Comprehensive study of the Bauhaus, Walter Gropius, and a wide survey of 20th-century architectural styles and movements. |
| Weeks 9-11 | High-Tech & Building Typologies: Introduction to High-Tech aesthetics and its application in Places to Work, Move, Live, and Gather. |
| Week 12 | The Contemporary Landscape: Green Buildings, Adaptive Reuse, Diagrid Structures, and an overview of contemporary architectural thought. |
Essential Learning Resources
The course is supported by a rich bibliography, encouraging students to engage with seminal texts. Key recommended books include:
- "Modern Architecture: A Critical History" by Kenneth Frampton
- "The Story of Architecture" by Jonathan Glancey
- "Modern Architecture Since 1900" by William J.R. Curtis
- "Towards a New Architecture" by Le Corbusier
- "Building Construction Illustrated" by Francis D.K. Ching
Students are also directed to leading journals like Architectural Review and ARQ - Architectural Research Quarterly to stay abreast of current discourse.
Who Should Enroll and Industry Relevance
This course is primarily intended for undergraduate students of architecture (B.Arch). Its comprehensive nature makes it an invaluable resource for:
- Aspiring Architects: To build a solid historical and theoretical foundation.
- Practicing Professionals: For a structured refresher on architectural evolution.
- Academic Institutions: As a reference model for curriculum design.
The course content is directly relevant to architectural firms and practicing architects, providing future professionals with the contextual knowledge needed to design with awareness, innovation, and responsibility.
In a world where architecture must respond to climate change, technological disruption, and evolving human needs, understanding the past is key to innovating for the future. The "Modern World Architecture" course at IIT Roorkee offers that crucial understanding, guided by one of the field's most respected educators.
Enroll Now →