Department of Architecture and Planning

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

Department of Architecture and Planning-Dawood University of Engineering and Technology (DAP-DUET), entails a broad framework of design sensitivity. It also includes relative courses based on theory and a wider range of architectural design studios, the architectural design with focusing on social environment in the contemporary connotation.

The education of architecture in Karachi began in the year 1954. It started from "Chai Khana named as Café Al Mehran, the first venue where classes of School of Architecture were initiated by Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak PWD). In 1956, the school, which was designed by the founder Architect Mehdi Ali Mirza, was housed in a purpose-built premise at Shahra-e-Kamal Attaturk, Karachi.

In 1972, the school was upgraded to a degree program, Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch) and was merged with Dawood College of Engineering and Technology Karachi. The peculiar achievements of this Department after 1972 are,

Dean CARP received BAE-Faculty Excellence Award-IFEA (senior faculty-2025). Awarded by Institute of Architects Pakistan

Dean's Initiative: DAP Colloquium Series. Colloquium titled as "Mentorship for Professional and Leadership Development in 2025. The Colloquium was attended by national and international participants including several transdisciplinary professionals as well as academics from different institutions. The colloquium contributed in gaining recognition for the department as well as university and contributed in developing the liaison with wider range of professionals and institutions. Funding was secured through Alumni Forum.

The Golden Jubilee Celebration (2004)

Four abroad study tours like India, Bangladesh, Iran, Turkey

Country wide Industrial trips are arranged every year

The Affiliation with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard-USA, under the umbrella of Agha Khan Award in Architecture. Teachers Exchange Program was also a part of Agha Khan Award venture.

Commencement of Design Spectrum Lecture Series in (2008) in which eminent Architects visit the Department and share their expertise with students.

Recognition given by Architects Association of England through which DAP-DUET students were awarded exemption in 2 levels of Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Strong interaction with the Alumni to do attempts towards academic up gradation. The department also arranges Study Tour to different sites to have exposure of Practical/ Professional knowledge to the students of Architecture through Pakistan visits.

From the year 1995, the Department of Architecture and Planning has been established an exclusive premise. On completion of five-year courses based on theory and design, including thesis design I and II, the department offers bachelor's degree in architecture (BArch). The department fosters to establish and strengthen its collaborations with professional fora at national and international level. It also intends to explore several ventures in connection to the interdisciplinary.