Programme Outline

Currently in its eighth year / batch, Smart Labs Programme continues to evolve with changing times with a more comprehensive approach of more online technical sessions, focus on theory of computational design, new software skill-set and a design centric & experimental studio approach.
While the focus remains on distinct modules, namely, ADVANCED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN, DIGITAL FABRICATION, OPTIMIZATION & ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, the studio takes an experimental design approach to nurture design & application skills using Computational Design tools.
With start of admissions to prepare participants well in advance, the studio continues to invite applications from serious enthusiasts of design who seek a future path in the vast domain of Computational Design.

Smart Labs, started in 2017, is currently spread across 6 months with more number of teaching sessions for the ninth iteration to cover a broader perspective on Computational Design, integrated with Artificial Intelligence & experimentation.

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Experience & Cultural Diversity

Smart Labs has always been envisioned and functioning as a diverse batch with students, professionals, academicians & independent candidates coming from different cities & countries, collaborating and learning together for 6-months. There are different categories such as student category, recent graduates, early career professionals and senior professionals, each of which, have limited number of spots available in each batch. Also, the selection team looks into the aspect of having upto 5 people from a single city (does not usually exceed 5) to ensure there is a cultural diversity to encourage multi-disciplinary and social exchange.

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🔄 The Evolution of Smart Labs & the New Design-Led Learning Approach

Over the course of 10 dynamic batches (and nearly a decade of innovation), the Smart Labs programme has constantly evolved through curriculum experiments, module enhancements, introduction of new software, and adaptive workflows. What started as a hybrid model to democratize computational design education has now transformed into a holistic, multidisciplinary learning platform for future-ready designers.

Across the years, Smart Labs has integrated:

• 📦 Technological modules with advanced tools and platforms

• 🧠 AI & emerging tech as core thinking methodologies

• 💡 Design hackathons & collaborative exercises

• 🧵 Community-based learning forums & international lectures

• 🖼️ Graduation exhibitions evolving into curated public showcases

• 📚 SmartFOLIO, a curated archive of student works from 200+ participants

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🎯 What’s New in Smart Labs 11.0?

As we move into the next phase of Smart Labs, we are introducing a continuous design exercise that runs parallel to tool-based modules and workshops.

✳️ Here's how it works:

• At the start of the semester, each participant receives a studio brief or thematic challenge.

• This becomes their design thesis project, to be developed incrementally across the programme.

• Participants will be guided to integrate tools and workflows as they learn them — not just for tutorials, but to solve design challenges in their evolving project.

• Tools may include:

  • Grasshopper 3D for recursive and generative form-finding

  • Maya for fluid modeling and freeform geometries

  • AI tools (Midjourney, DALL·E, Runway ML) for concept ideation and visual storytelling

  • Digital Fabrication for prototyping and model-building

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🧭 From Tools to Thinking: Design-Led Learning

This shift makes Smart Labs more than a technical programme—it becomes a design incubator. Participants are not only learning “how” to use tools but “why” and “when” to deploy them as part of a larger design intention.

This approach enables:

• Deep mentorship-based project development

• A fluid curriculum that accommodates personal skillsets and aspirations

• A portfolio-driven final output, suitable for higher education, job applications, and exhibitions

• Integration of AI, computation, and storytelling in one narrative-driven thesis

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At the end of the semester, this continuous project becomes part of each participant’s SmartFOLIO entry, showcased at the Smart Labs Exhibition, and serves as a micro-thesis project representing their trajectory across the programme.