Author: Dr. S. Christopher Gnanaraj Associate professor, DC School of Architecture and Design, Vagamon.

In today’s budding architectural landscape, the structural frame plays a crucial role. As architects, it is important to design structural frames that meet functional needs without compromising creativity. The structural frames are extensively used in industrial sheds, bridges, water towers and other modern public structures. For architecture students, understanding the working of structural framing systems is essential for safe, efficient, and visually appealing buildings. At the DC School of Architecture and Design, Vagamon, renowned among B.Arch colleges in Kerala, students bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and their practical executions through creative learning experiences within the campus.

One such baby step was a design challenge for first-year architecture students with the aim of simulating a real-world challenge using easily available materials. The students were asked to develop a scale model of a structural frame, initiating their hands-on exploration in structural design.

Building Concepts with Innovation

The challenge was to design and build a prototype of a frame structure proposed to support an overhead water tank by using only ice cream sticks and synthetic adhesives. The design brief required each structure to be at least 60 cm in height with a 10 x 10 cm² base. Five teams with five to six students in each group participated enthusiastically. Prior to the strength test, each group was also given the chance to critique other models using their own ideologies. They analyzed visible design defects, speculated on points of failure, and highlighted what made their model unique. This peer assessment encouraged critical thinking, deeper understanding of frame mechanics, along with a healthy exchange of ideas within the classroom.

The results were impressive. The winning team’s model supported a load 20.5 times its self-weight, while the second-place team’s model resisted 18.05 times more load than its own mass. These outcomes replicated a strong understanding of structural behavior, along with extraordinary craftsmanship and problem-solving capacity of the students. By combining theory with hands-on experimentation that aligns with the best practices of B.Arch colleges in Kerala, DC School of Architecture and Design continues to foster a learning atmosphere where creativity and technical knowledge bloom together amidst the valleys. Our faculty ensures this round-the-clock in our beautiful residential campus.

For those seeking admission into top B.Arch colleges in Kerala, DCSAAD offers the perfect blend of theory and application.