Amogh N P
✦ In loving memory of Amogh N P — Architect · Designer · Visionary ✦
B.Arch Curriculum · Semester 4

Architectural Design IV

The multi-space, multi-level studio. Plan several related spaces over more than one level at small scale, reached through architectural programming — the disciplined data-gathering that precedes design. Build an accessible, barrier-free environment for everyone, learn to read a real building type from a bank to a primary health centre, and present it through scaled models and visualization. The fourth design studio, following Design I–III.

5Modules
2Interactives
10Credits
FreeForever
Start with Module I All student courses
Where this studio sits. It is the fourth design studio, after Design I, Design II (anthropometrics & methods) and Design III (rural). Design IV adds multi-level planning, programming, accessibility and building types — and its visualization links to Computer Studio II.
Module III · Design for everyone

Designing for Accessibility

Accessibility in India is a right, not a favour — the RPwD Act 2016, the Harmonised Guidelines 2021 and NBC 2016 make a barrier-free environment mandatory. Learn the seven principles of universal design and the dimensions that matter: the 1:12 ramp, the 900 mm door, the 1500 mm turning space, the 2200 × 2000 mm accessible toilet, accessible parking, lifts and tactile paving. The goal is not a ramp bolted on, but a continuous accessible route — tested, here, with an interactive checklist and a scaled model.

7 universal-design principlesRamps · doors · toiletsRPwD Act · Harmonised GuidelinesBarrier-free checklist
Open the lesson

The studio

Five modules, from programming to presentation.

Transcribed from the official B.Arch syllabus. All 5 modules are live as full interactive lessons, each with original diagrams and a self-assessment quiz.

1

Module 1 — Multi-Space, Multi-Level Planning

Live

Organising several related spaces over more than one level at small scale, small span — spatial organisation (Ching's five), zoning and served vs servant space, horizontal circulation and simple vertical movement (stairs, ramps, a small lift).

CO1CO6
2

Module 2 — Architectural Programming

Live

The stage-wise design process and 'problem seeking' before problem solving — Peña's five-step framework and the four considerations; data collection, case and literature studies, the bubble diagram, the adjacency matrix and the space programme.

CO3CO6
3

Module 3 — Designing for Accessibility

Live

Barrier-free and universal design for physically handicapped and elderly persons — the RPwD Act 2016, the Harmonised Guidelines 2021 and NBC 2016; the seven principles of universal design; ramps, doors, accessible toilets, tactile paving, parking and lifts; tested with scaled models.

CO2CO6
4

Module 4 — Reading the Building Type

Live

Typology programming for small institutional and public buildings — banks, nursery/primary/secondary schools, the primary health centre, the neighbourhood market, the municipal office, the cafeteria/restaurant and the gated community — their key spaces, special requirements and planning logic.

CO3CO1
5

Module 5 — Presentation & Visualization

Live

Communicating the design — scaled physical models (study vs presentation, scales and materials), the drawing set and diagrams, perspective and walkthroughs, and digital/AI rendering (cross-linking Computer Studio II).

CO4CO5CO6

Course outcomes

What you should be able to do after completing all five modules (CO1–CO6, from the syllabus).

1
Understand

Understand multi-space and multi-level planning principles for small-scale buildings.

2
Analyse

Analyse and design for accessibility for physically handicapped persons, tested through scaled models.

3
Apply

Apply the design process and architectural programming to different building types.

4
Apply

Apply visualization techniques — rendering, material properties and camera views — to present a design.

5
Create

Create and render a 3D model of a residence using AI tools to demonstrate design concepts.

6
Apply

Communicate design ideas effectively through drawings, scaled models and presentation.

Topics follow the published B.Arch syllabus (L0 · T0 · S10; 500 marks). The diagrams and the two interactives — a barrier-free accessibility checklist and a building-type explorer — are original Studio Matrx work. Accessibility dimensions are cross-checked against the Harmonised Guidelines 2021, the RPwD Act 2016 and NBC 2016; building-type norms against Time-Saver Standards and the Indian Public Health Standards.

Program it. Make it accessible. Present it.

Plan over levels, program a real building type, design for everyone, and present with models and renders. Read the five modules, test yourself, and try the barrier-free checklist.

Open Module I Back to Students

Studio Matrx is a tribute to Amogh N P. The curriculum is free, forever.