“Dr. Sneha Sharma: Bridging Academia and Industry in Architecture and Urban Planning”

Dr. Sneha Sharma, an Architect-Town Planner hailing from Maharashtra, India, has a rich academic and professional background. Having obtained her B. Arch. from the University of Pune in 2010, she further pursued M. Tech. in Town & Country Planning from the same university. Recently, in 2023, she accomplished her PhD in Architecture from LPU, Punjab. With a teaching experience spanning over a decade in architectural academics, she also successfully manages her Architectural-Interior Design Practice, showcasing her versatility and expertise in both academia and industry. Notably, she holds the distinction of being one of the youngest PhD holders in her field.

Her journey in Architecture and Planning reflects a diverse array of experiences encompassing housing, urban design, conservation, planning, and architectural research. Rooted in a childhood passion for various art forms like drawing, painting, dancing, and acting, she discovered her innate inclination towards artistic expression. Recognizing Architecture as the epitome of artistic expression, she embarked on her academic journey in this field.

During her architectural studies, she engaged in hands-on learning experiences, including an internship under Ar. Prasanna Desai in Pune city, where she contributed to a slum redevelopment project. Subsequently, she honed her skills working under renowned conservation Architect Ar. Kiran Kalamdani, contributing to prestigious projects such as designing lighting themes for landmarks like Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai, and urban development plans for towns like Alandi.

Driven by her professional experiences, she developed a keen interest in Urban Planning, prompting her to pursue a master’s degree in Town & Country Planning. Her focus on housing development deepened during this period. Transitioning seamlessly from professional practice to academia, she commenced her teaching career at an Architecture College in Pune city, where she shares her field experiences with budding architects.

As an educator, she is committed to providing holistic learning experiences for her students. She organizes academic events such as heritage walks, study tours, workshops, and seminars, emphasizing experiential learning. Her dedication is evident in the settlement study tours she conducts for first-year Architecture students across various regions in India, along with explorations of urban fabrics in towns like Chinchwad and Alandi.

Beyond teaching, she actively contributes to architectural research, with a focus on urban housing and planning. She has presented her research papers at national and international conferences and has authored articles for indexed journals. Additionally, her passion for creative writing and filmmaking fuels her aspirations to venture into writing books and screenplays.

Her multifaceted career exemplifies her commitment to the field of Architecture and Planning. Her blend of academic prowess, professional experience, and creative endeavors underscores her status as a dynamic and influential figure in the architectural community.

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