Interested in learning more about historic and contemporary Indian design? NYSID is organizing a two-week trip to India over winter break from December 28, 2023, to January 10, 2024. 

The trip will be led by famed Indian architect and international sustainability expert, Yatin Pandya and his niece, NYSID instructor, designer, and artist Seema Pandya. Students will experience an introduction and immersion in the diversity of Indian culture through its cuisine, craft, and architecture. 

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see five Indian cities representing a variety of ecoregions, including lush green and desert regions. You will visit both historic vernacular and modern interiors and architectural sites, experience a wide pallet of food and spices, and shop in some of the liveliest districts,” says NYSID instructor and trip co-leader Seema Pandya. “The rich history and culture of India will be etched in ornate patterns on temples, palaces, and more.” 

The exclusive adventure will focus on the symbiosis between people, architecture, and nature through the perspective of Indian history and culture. Lectures and visits will explore traditional Indian space-making and the ethos of Indian design.  

Itinerary highlights include visiting historical sites such as the Taj Mahal and step wells as well as modern masterpieces in major cities in Northern India including Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, and Mumbai. Students will see case studies and projects from local designers, and also participate in a design charrette. 

The Interiors and Architecture of India, an accompanying course taught by Suzanne Fraiser, will be offered this Fall and focuses on the development of major styles, periods, and design movements of the Indian subcontinent. The focus on the non-western cultural context of distinct tangible arts, major building forms, types of furnishings, and interiors of South Asia will provide students with an expanded base of diverse ideas, aesthetics, and design processes. The course is not required to attend the trip but is strongly recommended.  Students are required to have completed the History 101 course.

Sign up by September 15, 2023, in the Student Portal. Spots are limited. 

Contact Associate Dean Daniel Harper with any questions at daniel.harper@nysid.edu.