From Acts to Aesthetics: Goa Lessons for Future Architects | Parul University

When most people hear “Goa,” the first thoughts that come to mind are its golden beaches, the festive vibe, and Portuguese-style housing. But for the architecture students of Parul University, Goa recently became something far more valuable: a living classroom for understanding how cities are shaped, kept alive, and regulated.

During a practical learning tour, the students visited the Department of Town and Country Planning Organization, Goa where they had an opportunity to meet with Mr. Rajesh Naik, the Head of the Town Planning Department. His observations revealed a kind of world which is beyond bricks and mortar, the changing structure of acts, rules and building laws that ensure the way Goa develops yet retains its cultural core.

Evolution of Acts, Rules, and Regulations in Goa

Goa’s urban growth has never been just about construction; it’s about balancing culture with the demands of modern life Mr. Naik guided the students with the development of laws and regulations that shaped the towns and villages of the state. Unlike newer cities where masterplans are drawn on a blank slate, Goa has had to carefully control how traditional houses, historical areas and coastal zones adapt to current trends.

For example, South Goa is still very traditional and conservative, whereas North Goa has opened up to urban growth and fast commercial development. Here, the rules are far more strict, making sure that new construction doesn't overshadow historic churches, Portuguese-style houses, and ancient towns. Students learned how each rule and law tackles the specific challenge: preserving Goa's culture while promoting the rise of modern society.

Learning How Planning and Law Work Together

One of the most powerful learnings of the session was realizing how town planning cannot be done in isolation. It has to align with government acts, legal frameworks, and environmental laws. In fact, planning is as much about studying law as it is about drawing blueprints.

To the young architects this was an eye-opener. Some came to the realization that half of the work is to design a building, the other half is to ensure the design complies with government codes, building regulations, and zoning limits. The visit highlighted the fact that creativity and discipline are inseparable. No beautiful design will ever be realised unless it is fixed in the structure of legal acceptance.

 

Architecture Beyond Aesthetic Appeal

Students examined how towns are not merely collections of buildings, but are well-designed areas that support human needs. They were taught how planners make decisions on where the schools, markets, transport centers and recreational areas would be built. They also perceived how sensitive spaces, such as coastal areas or forest lands, need a severe control of buildings to avoid ecological damage.

This broader perspective allowed them to view architecture as more than the art of building. It is concerned with the making of communities, safeguarding identity, and fostering sustainability. This, in the case of Goa, implies that modern hotels do not smash centuries-old villages, and that growth does not cannibalize fragile ecosystems.

Student Reflections: Designing with Responsibility

After the session, Students were asked to reflect on the most memorable part of the session: The responsibility of designing in respect to government regulations. They realized that it is not enough as a future architect to design buildings that are only aesthetically beautiful.Designs must be respectful, reasonable and legal.

Why Practical Learning Matters

This Goa tour highlighted the idea that real learning happens outside the classroom. By interacting directly with town planning authorities, students saw how theory translates into reality. They observed the real issues that architects and planners deal with: the difficulty with historic preservation, tourism, housing, and the ecology.

It was a reminder that architecture is not only design on paper, but a profession with strong foundations in the real world, including law, culture, society and the environment.

Beyond Goa: Tours That Shape Futures
Whether it’s the Writers’ Tour in Mumbai with authors and screenwriters, the Robotics Tour in Chennai exploring automation, the Biopharma Tour in Hyderabad on drug innovation, the Leadership Tour in Bangalore with changemakers, or the Design Tour in Mumbai blending art and technology, each journey gives students a chance to experience learning in real life.

These aren’t just trips; they’re opportunities to experience knowledge in its rawest form, where theory comes into practice and curiosity meets reality. Each tour leaves students with knowledge that last far beyond their academic years.