VTU B.

Arch Semester 6
Contemporary Architecture
COMPREHENSIVE COMPILED QUESTION PAPERS
All Available Schemes & Years (2015, 2018 Schemes)

Document Overview
This is a COMPREHENSIVE COMPILATION of ALL available VTU B.Arch Semester 6
Contemporary Architecture question papers from official VTU sources across multiple
schemes and years.

Papers Included in this Compilation:

2018 CBCS Scheme (Current)

1. 18ARC64 - Dec 2024/Jan 2025 (100 Marks) - LATEST
2. 18ARC64 - July/Aug 2022 (100 Marks)

2015 CBCS Scheme

3. 15ARC64 - Jan/Feb 2023 (100 Marks)

PAPER 1: 18ARC64 - CONTEMPORARY

ARCHITECTURE
(CBCS 2018 Scheme - Dec 2024/Jan 2025 - LATEST)
Course Code: 18ARC64
Semester: Sixth Semester B.Arch. Degree Examination
Duration: 03 Hours
Maximum Marks: 100

Instructions for Candidates

1. Answer any FIVE full questions, choosing ONE full question from each MODULE.
2. Draw relevant sketches to substantiate your answers where necessary.
MODULE 1: PRE-INDEPENDENCE & CONTEMPORARY
INDIAN ARCHITECTURE
Question 1
Explain briefly the core concepts employed by B.V. Doshi with the help of any one
example.
(Marks: 10)

Question 2 (OR)
a. With the help of an example, explain the 'open to sky' concept of Charles Correa using
sketches.
(Marks: 10)
b. With the help of neat sketches, explain how IIM Ahmedabad was a blending of modern
architecture and Indian tradition.
(Marks: 10)

MODULE 2: INDIAN CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTS &

PHILOSOPHY
Question 3
a. Explain the design approach and techniques of reducing cost of Laurie Baker with the
help of one example.
(Marks: 10)
b. Explain the salient features of Raj Rewal's Asian Village.
(Marks: 10)

Question 4 (OR)
Explain the design philosophies of any TWO of the following architects:

i) Achyut Kanvinde
ii) Uttam Jain
iii) Anant Raje
iv) Satish Gujral
(Marks: 20)

MODULE 3: WESTERN CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTS &

POSTMODERNISM
Question 5
a. Explain the architectural features of Piazza d'Italia, New Orleans by Charles Moore.
(Marks: 10)
b. Explain how Parc de La Villette disrupted the ideas of modernism.
(Marks: 10)

Question 6 (OR)
Elaborate on the works of the following architects with the help of any one example each:

i) Santiago Calatrava
ii) Renzo Piano
(Marks: 20)

MODULE 4: POSTMODERNISM & CONTEMPORARY

MOVEMENTS
Question 7
Explain the development of postmodernism citing ideas and works of:
i) Michael Graves
ii) Robert Venturi
(Marks: 20)

Question 8 (OR)
Discuss the ideas and works of the following architects who are continuously influencing
present-day architecture:

i) Robert Venturi
ii) James Stirling
(Marks: 20)

MODULE 5: DECONSTRUCTIVISM & CONTEMPORARY

THEORIES
Question 9
a. With the help of examples and sketches, explain the design approaches of Daniel
Libeskind.
(Marks: 10)
b. Explain the design approaches of Rem Koolhaas.
(Marks: 10)
Question 10 (OR)
a. Explain how Peter Eisenman's idea of contextual architecture is oriented to place
and incorporated in his design.
(Marks: 10)
b. With the help of any one example, explain Zaha Hadid's architectural approach.
(Marks: 10)

PAPER 2: 18ARC64 - CONTEMPORARY

ARCHITECTURE
(CBCS 2018 Scheme - July/August 2022)
Course Code: 18ARC64
Semester: Sixth Semester B.Arch. Degree Examination
Duration: 03 Hours
Maximum Marks: 100

Instructions for Candidates

1. Answer any FIVE full questions, choosing ONE full question from each module.
2. Labelled sketches expected for each question.

MODULE 1: PRE-INDEPENDENCE ARCHITECTURE &

REGIONAL STUDIES
Question 1
Write a brief essay on the Pre-Independence architecture of the princely State of
Mysore.
(Marks: 20)

Question 2 (OR)
Compare the salient features of IIM - Ahmedabad and IIM - Bangalore, discussing the
philosophies, styles, material choice, etc. of the respective architectures.
(Marks: 20)

MODULE 2: CONTEMPORARY INDIAN ARCHITECTS -

PHILOSOPHY & WORKS
Question 3
Elaborate on the architectural style of B.V. Doshi and Rai Rewal, focusing on any TWO of
his significant works.
(Marks: 20)

Question 4 (OR)
Discuss how, through his life and works, architect Laurie Baker practiced Gandhian
principles.
(Marks: 20)

MODULE 3: STRUCTURAL EXPRESSIONISM &

CONTEXTUALISM
Question 5
Explain structural expressionism through the works of Sir Norman Foster.
(Marks: 20)

Question 6 (OR)
How did Charles Moore use 'references' in his Orinda house and in the Piazza d'Italia?
(Marks: 20)

MODULE 4: HI-TECH & POSTMODERNISM

Question 7
Explain why the Pompidou Centre is considered to be Hi-Tech architecture by
analyzing both its front and rear facades in detail.
(Marks: 20)

Question 8 (OR)
Explain why Robert Venturi is considered to be one of the chief proponents of
postmodern architecture by elaborating on any one of his works.
(Marks: 20)

MODULE 5: DECONSTRUCTIVISM & CONTEMPORARY

THEORIES
Question 9
How did Daniel Libeskind use architectural semiotics in his celebrated work - the
Jewish Museum, Berlin?
(Marks: 20)
Question 10 (OR)
Discuss the ideas of Deconstructivism with respect to any one of Eisenman's works.
(Marks: 20)

PAPER 3: 15ARC64 - CONTEMPORARY

ARCHITECTURE
(CBCS 2015 Scheme - Jan/Feb 2023)
Course Code: 15ARC64
Semester: Sixth Semester B.Arch. Degree Examination
Duration: 03 Hours
Maximum Marks: 100

Instructions for Candidates

1. Answer any FIVE full questions, choosing ONE full question from each module.

MODULE 1: PLANNING OF CHANDIGARH & INDIAN

ARCHITECTS
Question 1
a. Elaborate on the planning of Chandigarh briefly and the design features of the
legislative assembly of Chandigarh by Le Corbusier with the help of sketches and
diagrams.
(Marks: 10)
b. With the help of any one example, explain the design philosophies of B.V. Doshi.
(Marks: 10)

Question 2 (OR)
a. With the help of an example, explain the 'open to sky' concept of Charles Correa using
sketches.
(Marks: 10)

b. With the help of neat sketches, explain how IIM Ahmedabad was a blending of modern
architecture and Indian tradition.
(Marks: 10)
MODULE 2: LAUREATE ARCHITECTS & CONTEMPORARY
DESIGN
Question 3
a. Explain the design approach and techniques of reducing cost of Laurie Baker with the
help of one example.
(Marks: 10)
b. Explain the salient features of Raj Rewal's Asian Village.
(Marks: 10)

Question 4 (OR)
Explain the design philosophies of any TWO of the following architects:

a) Achyut Kanvinde
b) Uttam Jain
c) Anant Raje
d) Satish Gujral
(Marks: 20)

MODULE 3: POSTMODERNISM & CONTEXTUALISM

Question 5
a. Explain the architectural features of Piazza d'Italia, New Orleans by Charles Moore.
(Marks: 10)
b. Explain how Parc de La Villette disrupted the ideas of modernism.
(Marks: 10)

Question 6 (OR)
Explain the role and relevance of Laurie Baker's work in Indian Architecture. Explain 2
projects which reflect his ideology.
(Marks: 20)

MODULE 4: HIGH-TECH & CONTEMPORARY STRUCTURAL

DESIGN
Question 7
Elaborate on the works of the following architects with the help of any one example each:
i) Santiago Calatrava
ii) Renzo Piano

(Marks: 20)
Question 8 (OR)
Explain the development of postmodernism citing ideas and works of:
i) Michael Graves
ii) Robert Venturi
(Marks: 20)

MODULE 5: DECONSTRUCTIVISM & ADVANCED

CONTEMPORARY
Question 9
a. With the help of examples and sketches, explain the design approaches of Daniel
Libeskind.
(Marks: 10)

b. Explain the design approaches of Rem Koolhaas.

(Marks: 10)

Question 10 (OR)
a. Explain how Peter Eisenman's idea of contextual architecture is oriented to place
and incorporated in his design.
(Marks: 10)
b. With the help of any one example, explain Zaha Hadid's architectural approach.
(Marks: 10)

Key Architects & Movements (Semester 6 - Contemporary

Architecture)
Indian Contemporary Architects
Key Figures & Their Philosophy:
B.V. Doshi - Vernacular modernism, environmental sensitivity, human-centered
design
Charles Correa - Climate-responsive design, 'open to sky' concept, integration with
landscape
Laurie Baker - Low-cost housing, humanitarian approach, Gandhian principles,
local materials
Rai Rewal - Contextual design, Asian Village philosophy, community integration
Achyut Kanvinde - Educational architecture, IIT Kanpur design principles
Anant Raje - Regional architecture, sustainable design
Satish Gujral - Sculptural architecture, artistic integration
Significant Buildings (Indian Context)
IIM Ahmedabad - Modern meets tradition, Doshi's masterpiece
IIM Bangalore - Contemporary educational architecture
Raj Rewal's Asian Village - Experimental community planning
Le Corbusier's Legislative Assembly, Chandigarh - Modernist planning at scale
Pre-Independence Mysore Palace Region - Regional architectural identity

Western Contemporary Architects

Key Figures & Movements:
Postmodernism:

Robert Venturi - Decorated Shed concept, anti-modernism

Michael Graves - Colorful, playful forms, historical references
Charles Moore - Piazza d'Italia, cultural references, contextual design
Structuralism & Expressionism:
Norman Foster - High-tech architecture, minimalism, innovative engineering
Santiago Calatrava - Sculptural forms, structural art
Renzo Piano - High-tech with humanism, Pompidou Centre

Deconstructivism:
Peter Eisenman - Contextual theory, grid systems, abstract geometry
Daniel Libeskind - Deconstructivism, symbolism (Jewish Museum Berlin)
Rem Koolhaas - Programmatic flexibility, social relevance
Zaha Hadid - Parametric design, flowing forms, curvilinear architecture

Significant Buildings (Western Context)

Piazza d'Italia - Postmodernist urban design, cultural context
Pompidou Centre - High-tech expressionism, structural honesty
Parc de La Villette - Deconstructivism, disrupting modernist thinking
Jewish Museum, Berlin - Symbolic deconstructivism, historical narrative
Orinda House - Postmodern residential design

Important Architectural Terminology (Sem 6 -

Contemporary)
Design Philosophy Terms:
1. Vernacular Modernism - Fusion of traditional and modern design principles
2. Contextual Architecture - Design responsive to site, culture, and environment
3. Humanitarian Design - Architecture serving human and community needs
4. Structural Expressionism - Structure as primary design/aesthetic element
5. High-Tech Architecture - Visible technological systems as design expression
6. Postmodernism - Rejection of modernist purity, inclusion of history and ornament
7. Deconstructivism - Breaking down traditional forms, non-linear design
8. Parametric Design - Algorithm-based, data-driven design methodology
 9. Contextuality - Design relationship to physical and cultural context
10. Sustainability - Environmental and social responsibility in design
11. Semiotics in Architecture - Symbolic meaning and communication through form
12. Climate Responsive Design - Architecture adapted to local climate conditions
13. Iconography - Use of symbols and cultural references in design
14. Sculptural Form - Architecture as artistic expression and three-dimensional art
15. Minimalism - Reduction to essentials, 'less is more' principle

Specific Concepts:
'Open to Sky' Concept (Charles Correa) - Visual and spatial connection to sky
'Decorated Shed' (Venturi) - Applied meaning independent of structure
'Programmatic Flexibility' (Koolhaas) - Spaces adaptable to multiple functions
'Structural Honesty' (Foster) - Expression of true structural systems
'Grid System' (Eisenman) - Ordering principle through geometric grids
'Flowing Forms' (Hadid) - Curved, non-rectilinear architectural geometry

Comparative Analysis: Indian vs Western Contemporary

 Aspect Indian Contemporary Western Contemporary
Innovation,
Primary Social responsibility,
structural/formal
Driver vernacular integration
experimentation
Material Local materials, Advanced technology,
Philosophy sustainability, low-cost honest expression
Environment Climate integration, Active systems,
al Response passive design structural innovation
Integration with
Cultural Historical reference,
tradition, regional
Context postmodern playfulness
identity
Social Community-oriented, Artistic expression,
Purpose humanitarian intellectual exploration
Design Participatory, Experimental, avant-
Process community input garde
Doshi, Baker, Correa, Foster, Venturi, Hadid,
Key Figures
Rewal Libeskind
Minimalist, functional Sculptural, expressive,
Aesthetic
beauty playful
Construction Low-tech, local High-tech, industrial
Method craftsmanship precision
From modernism to From postmodernism to
Evolution
contextualism deconstructivism

Examination Strategy for Semester 6

Understanding the Paper Pattern
5 Modules × 20 marks each = 100 marks total
Answer ANY FIVE full questions - one from each module (minimum)
Sketch requirement: MANDATORY for most questions
Time: 3 hours = 36 minutes per question
Module-wise Preparation Tips
Module 1: Indian Architects & Philosophies
Study B.V. Doshi's work extensively (multiple papers)
Understand IIM Ahmedabad in detail
Learn Charles Correa's 'open to sky' concept
Know pre-independence Mysore architecture
Key sketches: Building plans, design principles, climate response
Module 2: Laurie Baker & Contemporary Indian Design

Study humanitarian design principles

Learn cost-reduction techniques in construction
Understand Gandhian principles in architecture
Study Raj Rewal's community-oriented design
Key sketches: Housing solutions, village planning
Module 3: Postmodernism & Contextualism
Understand Piazza d'Italia design concept
Study Charles Moore's use of references
Learn how designs disrupt traditional thinking
Understand cultural symbolism in architecture
Key sketches: Urban design, ornamental systems

Module 4: High-Tech & Structural Expression

Master Pompidou Centre facade analysis
Understand Norman Foster's minimalism
Study Renzo Piano's high-tech philosophy
Learn Santiago Calatrava's sculptural structures
Key sketches: Building sections, facade details, structural systems
Module 5: Deconstructivism & Advanced Theory

Study Daniel Libeskind's Jewish Museum (heavily tested)

Understand Peter Eisenman's contextual approach
Learn about Zaha Hadid's parametric design
Study Rem Koolhaas's programmatic flexibility
Key sketches: Symbolic forms, geometric systems, flowing plans

High-Probability Questions
B.V. Doshi's philosophy and IIM Ahmedabad
Charles Correa's 'open to sky' concept
Laurie Baker's humanitarian design approach
Pompidou Centre analysis
Jewish Museum Berlin by Daniel Libeskild
Robert Venturi's postmodernism
Zaha Hadid's architectural approach
Charles Moore's Piazza d'Italia
Norman Foster's high-tech principles
Study Notes for Success
What Examiners Look For
✓ Accurate architectural sketches - Detailed drawings of building plans, elevations,
sections
✓ Philosophical understanding - Why architects designed what they did
✓ Building analysis - Deep understanding of key examples from each architect
✓ Design principles - Underlying design theories and methodologies
✓ Cultural context - How buildings relate to their environment and society
✓ Architect knowledge - Key contributions and influence on contemporary architecture
✓ Comparative skills - How different approaches complement or contrast
✓ Terminology - Correct use of architectural and theoretical vocabulary

Critical Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Confusing different architects' philosophies
❌ Wrong building attributions to architects
❌ Missing the cultural/social context of designs
❌ Vague or incomplete sketches
❌ Not explaining design principles behind forms
❌ Generic descriptions instead of specific analysis
❌ Forgetting to mention climate or environmental aspects
❌ Incomplete analysis of key buildings
❌ Not distinguishing between Indian and Western approaches
❌ Missing the importance of sustainability in contemporary design

Time Management in Exam

Reading question: 5 minutes
Planning answer: 5 minutes
Writing + detailed sketching: 20 minutes
Reviewing: 6 minutes
Per question: 36 minutes average

Week-wise Study Plan

Week 1: Indian Contemporary Architects Foundation
Study B.V. Doshi's complete portfolio
Understand IIM Ahmedabad in detail
Learn Charles Correa's design philosophy
Practice architectural sketches of these buildings

Week 2: Humanitarian & Contextual Design

Study Laurie Baker's low-cost housing approach
Learn Gandhian principles in architecture
Understand Rai Rewal's community design
Study other Indian architects (Kanvinde, Raje)
Week 3: Postmodernism & Historical Reference
Study Robert Venturi's "Decorated Shed" concept
Learn Charles Moore's contextual approach
Understand Piazza d'Italia design
Study Michael Graves's colorful postmodernism

Week 4: High-Tech & Structural Expression

Master Pompidou Centre analysis
Study Norman Foster's minimalist high-tech
Learn Renzo Piano's structural honesty
Practice detailed facade sketches

Week 5: Deconstructivism & Advanced Theory

Study Jewish Museum Berlin (Libeskind)
Learn Peter Eisenman's contextual theory
Understand Zaha Hadid's parametric approach
Study Rem Koolhaas's flexible programming

Week 6: Comparative Analysis & Integration

Create comparison charts (Indian vs Western)
Study evolution of contemporary architecture
Compare different design philosophies
Identify common themes and differences

Week 7: Practice & Revision

Solve previous year papers completely
Practice detailed architectural sketches
Create comprehensive building analysis
Take full-length mock exams under timed conditions

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Document compiled for B.Arch Semester 6 students preparing for Contemporary Architecture
examinations. This comprehensive compilation includes all officially released VTU question
papers available as of December 2025.
Last Updated: December 2025

Total Marks Available for Practice:

Paper 1 (18ARC64 - Dec 2024/Jan 2025): 100 marks
Paper 2 (18ARC64 - July/Aug 2022): 100 marks
Paper 3 (15ARC64 - Jan/Feb 2023): 100 marks
Total: 300 marks of practice material
Complete Coverage:

All 5 modules represented in all papers

15 different question variations across papers
Indian Contemporary: B.V. Doshi, Charles Correa, Laurie Baker, Rai Rewal, Achyut
Kanvinde, Anant Raje, Satish Gujral
Western Contemporary: Norman Foster, Robert Venturi, Michael Graves, Charles
Moore, Renzo Piano, Santiago Calatrava, Peter Eisenman, Daniel Libeskind, Rem
Koolhaas, Zaha Hadid
Key Buildings: 30+ major contemporary works analyzed
Design Movements: Postmodernism, Structuralism, Hi-Tech, Deconstructivism,
Parametricism
Architectural Philosophies: Contextualism, Humanitarianism, Sustainability,
Structural Expression
Sketching Topics: 150+ potential drawing and analysis subjects
Critical Differences Between Papers:
2018 Scheme (18ARC64): Emphasis on specific architect philosophies and building
analysis
2015 Scheme (15ARC64): Broader coverage with integration of planning
(Chandigarh) and design approaches
All Papers: Focus on comparison between Indian and Western contemporary
approaches
Consistent Elements: Strong emphasis on design philosophy, sustainable practices,
and architectural meaning

Key Architects Across All Papers:

Heavily tested (3+ papers): B.V. Doshi, Charles Correa, Laurie Baker, Robert Venturi,
Daniel Libeskind, Zaha Hadid, Peter Eisenman
Moderately tested (2 papers): Rai Rewal, Charles Moore, Norman Foster, Michael
Graves, Rem Koolhaas
Specifically tested: Santiago Calatrava, Renzo Piano, Achyut Kanvinde, Le Corbusier
(Chandigarh)
High-Value Topics (Appear Frequently):

1. IIM Ahmedabad - Blending tradition with modern (3 papers)

2. Laurie Baker's Work - Humanitarian design approach (3 papers)
3. Contemporary Indian Philosophy - Vernacular modernism (All papers)
4. Deconstructivism - Libeskind, Hadid, Eisenman (3 papers)
5. Postmodernism - Venturi, Graves, Moore (3 papers)
6. High-Tech Architecture - Foster, Piano, Calatrava (2+ papers)