Pune: VK Group Hosts ‘VK-Vidya Setu’ Workshop to Bridge Industry and Academia in Architecture

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Pune, 4th February 2025: “A continuous dialogue between industry and academia is essential for achieving excellence in architectural and construction designs by integrating evolving technology, creativity, and innovation. We, at VK Group, always focus on strengthening the bridge between Industry & Academia. Students should acquire the necessary skills and technological knowledge in architecture and environmental fields during their education and gain practical
experience,” said Architect Hrishikesh Kulkarni, Chief Managing Director of VK Group Pune.

As a part of the celebration of VK Group’s 51 years since establishment, a special workshop was conducted-‘VK-Vidya Setu,’ themed on ‘Pune – City Within the Campus.’ The workshop was organized to strengthen the relationship between industry and academia through meaningful knowledge exchange. This workshop was designed for principals, faculty, and students of renowned built environment colleges. VK Group also announced an upcoming exhibition of its projects, to which all participants were invited.

This was held at the VK Group campus on Senapati Bapat Road, Pune, and was attended by Director Anagha Paranjape-Purohit, Poorva Keskar, Apoorva Kulkarni, Athulya Aby, and others. More than 60 representatives from 15 colleges of architecture, construction management, and environmental studies participated in the event.

Students showcased various designs based on their vision for future urban development. Some students participated in discussions and presented their ideas. Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Sanstha’s Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture presented a survey of Fergusson Road, Jangli Maharaj Road, and Swargate areas in Pune. The Dr. Vasantdada Patil College of Architecture performed a street play, while Allana College of Architecture showcased their research on the
‘Intermodal Transit Hub, Shivajinagar.’

Other notable presentations included: Sinhgad College – Biophilia in Working Places, Bricks College – Waste Management, Fergusson College – Green Spaces, NICMAR College – Baner Metro Station, Aayojan College –Mhalunge Township, S.B. Patil College – Moshi City Analysis etc.

Architect Hrishikesh Kulkarni stated, “Over the past 50 years, VK Group has designed some of Pune’s most iconic architectural structures. Through this workshop, the combined research and surveys conducted by various institutions should be compiled systematically. Furthermore, a comprehensive working model should be developed to address major urban challenges. The collaboration between industry and academia can help present this research effectively to governmental
and semi-governmental organizations.”

Representatives from various institutions, including Vidya Pratishthan School of Architecture, Aayojan School of Architecture and Design, Satish Misal Foundation’s Brick School of Architecture, Pimpri-Chinchwad Education Trust’s S.B. Patil College of Architecture and Design, MIT Art, Design and Technology University’s School of Architecture, Pune District Education Association’s College of Architecture, Fergusson College, Vasantdada Sugar Institute, NICMAR, and Sri Balaji University, participated in the workshop and shared their insights.

The workshop was convened by Anagha Paranjape-Purohit while Athulya Aby explained the objective behind the event, finally concluding with Apoorva Kulkarni delivering the vote of thanks.