Key Links
Get in touch
City School of Architecture (Colombo) Limited
(Registration No: PB 3537)
104, Kitulwatta Road
Colombo 8.
+94 117 634 464
+94 112 678 270
For Course Inquiries:
E-mail: manageradm@csacolombo.edu.lk
Call: +94 77 4596632
Architecture is a social art that touches all human beings at all levels of their existence everywhere and every day. It calls for originality, creativity, conceptualization, perception, aesthetic values and a holistic judgement of people, places, objects and events.
Architecture is primarily the art and science of designing spaces for serving the multifarious activities of human beings and for meeting the specific needs in a meaningful built environment. Creativity is the essence of architecture and harmony an essential aim of Architects. Architecture that has been recognized as great, in the historic past as well as in our own time, has been harmonious with nature and its immediate environment. These are the essential tenets of design which Architects aspire to follow.
This is the only discipline, which encompasses the four major fields of human endeavour: Humanities, Science, Art and Technology, actually putting into practice the professional inputs drawn from them. In sum, Architecture is the matrix of human civilization; an authentic measure of the social status and an evocative expression of the ethos of an era. When conserved, it is heritage and when in ruins it becomes archaeology, reconstructing tell-tale pictures of the past civilizations.
To became a qualified Architect one should possess a unique talent in "creative thinking" and has to widely learn Arts & Science subjects related to Architecture.
Architects are licensed professionals who design and plan structures that are attractive, functional, and safe. They can be involved in every phase of a building's development from conception to construction. Architects must complete a professional bachelor's or master's degree in architecture that has been accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board and qualify for a state license.
In addition to fulfilling education and licensing requirements, architects should also be analytical, creative, and organized, and have good communication, technical, and visualization skills.
At the moment, the demand for our students is flourishing. The school prides itself with the fact that none of its graduates are currently unemployed. With the surge of foreign investments, and the implementation of large scale construction projects, the need for Architects increase proportionately. The demand is such that the students receive opportunities even whilst they are conducting their year-out practice (before becoming chartered architects).
Once a student graduates, he/she is recognized as a chartered architect without haste. A widely accepted British degree is offered which isn't offered by other RIBA accredited courses. Given the strategic location of the institute, expert architects can easily visit and share inspiration and motivation with the students. Our students have international recognition. The Commonwealth nations readily accommodate our students in their Masters courses or offer post-graduate degrees for those who are considering to receive higher-specialized qualifications and accreditation.
Two courses are provided. The part 1 is the Bachelors in Architecture while part 2 is the Masters in Architecture and Environmental design. These 2 degrees are offered by the University of the West of England Bristol, UK. In the Guardian University Guide, University of the West of England is currently ranked as 10 out of 49 Institutions which offer Architecture programme. The partnership was negotiated in 2012. RIBA gives accreditations once every 5 years; and close associations with SLIA is maintained by CSA.
Considering the nature of each intake, each batch consist of 50 students. Applications are issued during the month of August until first week of September every year.
The duration of studies for CSA students is 6 years, since 2 years are allocated for part-time work. Students are required to receive on-field work experience within these 2 years. That is to become a Chartered Architect. In total, the duration for academic work is 6 years. This implies that the students create a strong bond with the staff. 1-1 tutoring is the best mode to deliver education when design training is concerned, and such an atmosphere is ever-present within CSA. Student Counselors are present, but technically, every staff member can pose as a counselor, since such an understanding and mutual connection is built between lecturer and student.
CSA gives prominence for sports. The school has a cricket team which can pose a challenge to formidable opponents. Regular practice sessions are held with the SLIA team. Apart from cricket table tennis, carom, badminton and futsal are available as recreational activities. Regular field visits (both for academic and non-academic purposes) are undertaken as leisurely excursions.
Students organize social events amongst themselves to socialize. Jamborees organized by the SLIA creates a link between students of CSA and the students of the University of Moratuwa. The outward-bound programs and social work conducted with close association with these entities acts as positive influence for the students. An annual talent show is held at the start of each year to appreciate the hidden talent within the students of CSA. It is evident that the life of a student at CSA is never dull nor monotonous.
All the hired lecturers are qualified architects and engineers from professional bodies. There are 14 permanent staff members who are fully qualified and trained in academic work. Some are graduates of the University of Moratuwa (UOM) while some are CSA graduates. We also have some Senior staff graduated from the foreign Universities. Additionally, the doors are open for our lecturers to visit University of West England (UWE) and other foreign Universities if they wish to receive international training. The background knowledge to train teachers for architectural work is embedded within our DNA.
All permanent academic staff of the CSA are members of the SLIA and maintain a high level of integrity and ethics, and are committed to the educational process at CSA.
A lecturer who wishes to deliver education on designing in the part 1 course is expected to have minimum 3 years of post-chartered experience; 5 years’ experience to tutor in the part 2 course. The unique feature for student evaluation is that it is conducted through external sources. This eliminates bias and individual preference thus ensuring complete transparency. Senior architects in the profession and an overseas expert from either India or Singapore visit to mark, moderate and evaluate student progress.
>Regular visits from the RIBA and SLIA makes way for an academic audit of the institute to renew the accreditation. The process is complicated, with all students and staff both being interviewed to determine standards. Annually, University of West England (UWE) send a panel to conduct an academic audit to monitor the standards.
Passed the GCE – Ordinary Level Examination, Sri Lanka or equivalent, with Minimum Credit Passes in Mathematics and English.
AND
Obtained a minimum of 3 Simple Passes at the GCE – Advanced Level Examination, Sri Lanka or equivalent (Cambridge, Edexcel, IB etc), in one sitting.
Successful completion of CSA Part I Examination .
OR
Possess the BSc Degree in Built Environment or complete 90 UOM credits of Bachelor of Architecture Degree from the University of Moratuwa.
OR
Successfully complete 120 UWE credits from the University of the West of England, UK.
OR
Possess a first degree in Architecture from a recognized university and gain exemption from the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) Part I examination.
Duly Filled Application Form 3 Passport Size Photographs.
GCE O/L Results Original & Photocopies (Mathematics & English Credit Pass).
GCE A/L Results Original & Photocopies (Minimum 3 Credit Passes in the Core Subjects in one and the same sittings).
Identity Card Original & Photocopies.
Passport Original & Photocopies (If you have).
Birth Certificate Original & English Translation Original & Photocopies.
A/L Examination Admission Card (for pending A/L Students).
GCE O/L Results Original & Photocopies (Mathematics & English Credit Pass).
GCE A/L Results Original & Photocopies (Minimum 3 Credit Passes in the Core Subjects in one and the same sittings).
Identity Card Original & Photocopies.
Passport Original & Photocopies (If you have).
Birth Certificate Original & English Translation Original & Photocopies.
A/L Examination Admission Card (for pending A/L Students).
Duly Filled Application Form.
3 Passport Size Photographs.
Degree Certificates Originals and Photocopies.
Original Passport & Photocopies.
Birth Certificate Original & English Translation Original & Photocopies.
Log Sheets for the work done in the Year Out (52 weeks) Trainer Practice – Originals and Photocopies.
Letter/s of reference from Supervising Architect of the Trainer Practice - Originals and Photocopies.
Portfolios of work done in office during year out Trainer Practice.
3 Passport Size Photographs.
Degree Certificates Originals and Photocopies.
Original Passport & Photocopies.
Birth Certificate Original & English Translation Original & Photocopies.
Log Sheets for the work done in the Year Out (52 weeks) Trainer Practice – Originals and Photocopies.
Letter/s of reference from Supervising Architect of the Trainer Practice - Originals and Photocopies.
Portfolios of work done in office during year out Trainer Practice.