Mr. Vikas Kumar | Design and problem solving | Best Researcher Award

Indian Institute Of Technology Kharagpur, India

Author Profile

• Orcid Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Vikas Kumar’s academic journey exemplifies dedication, intellectual curiosity, and a sustained commitment to excellence in the field of architecture and urban planning. His early schooling began under the CBSE board, first at Sharda International School, Gurgaon (2010–2011), followed by CCA School, Sector-4, Gurgaon (2011–2012), where he completed his senior secondary education. This foundation laid the groundwork for a deeper academic engagement with the built environment.

His passion for design and spatial planning led him to pursue a Bachelor of Architecture at Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology (DCRUST), Murthal, from 2012 to 2017. He further sharpened his focus by enrolling in a Master’s in City Planning at IIT Kharagpur, which he completed in 2020. Not one to stop, Vikas is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at IIT Kharagpur (2020–present), showcasing a strong academic progression that integrates both architectural creativity and analytical urban research.

Professional Endeavors

Vikas Kumar has diversified his experience through a series of impactful roles across various domains of architecture and urban planning. His professional voyage began with an architecture internship at Vastumandala, Gurgaon (June 2015–December 2015), where he honed his design thinking and execution skills. This was followed by an urban planning internship at Sky Group, Bangalore (May 2019–July 2019), where he gained hands-on experience in large-scale urban development frameworks.

Between 2017 and 2018, he served as a Teaching Assistant at DCRUST, where he mentored students in Computer Graphics and Building Construction. His teaching experience continued at IIT Kharagpur, starting in July 2018, where he assisted in courses like Design Studio and Graphic Visualization and Communication, demonstrating his commitment to academic mentorship and knowledge sharing.

Contributions and Research Focus

Vikas Kumar’s research portfolio is focused on innovative, sustainable, and low-cost architectural solutions for resource-constrained environments. A central theme in his work is the concept of “Jugaad”, a frugal innovation approach widely practiced in India. His article “Exploring Jugaad in Architecture: Theory and Strategies for Implementation in Resource-Constrained Environments” (SSRN, 2024) dives deep into this concept, offering both theoretical foundations and practical implementation strategies.

He has also contributed to the development of sustainable housing materials, notably in his co-authored paper “Assessing the Performance and Sustainability of Bamboo Panels for Affordable Housing”, published in the International Journal of Advances in Mechanical and Civil Engineering (2024). His exploration of evaporative cooling technologies as an extension of Jugaad applications demonstrates his inclination toward climate-responsive architecture and affordable solutions for the urban poor.

Notably, his 2021 publication, “Methodology for Proposing and Planning Solid Waste Management in a Religious City: Case of Varanasi” (IJISRT), offers strategic insight into solid waste systems in densely populated and culturally significant cities. This highlights his strength in data analysis, spatial planning, and the intersection of environmental sustainability with urban management.

Accolades and Recognition

While still in the early stages of his academic and research career, Vikas Kumar has earned significant recognition for the quality and relevance of his work. His consistent publication in reputable journals such as SSRN and IJISRT attests to the academic rigor and societal impact of his contributions. His role as a teaching assistant at prestigious institutions like IIT Kharagpur further illustrates his reliability and commitment to academic excellence.

Impact and Influence

Vikas Kumar’s work resonates strongly within the spheres of sustainable development, frugal innovation, and affordable housing. His approach bridges the gap between traditional, low-cost practices and formal architectural methods, making his research particularly relevant in today’s global push for sustainable urbanization. By aligning his expertise with United Nations SDG Goals, especially SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), his influence is evident in academic discourse, planning pedagogy, and real-world architectural practices.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As a multi-disciplinary scholar and practitioner, Vikas Kumar stands at the crossroads of architecture, urban planning, and environmental innovation. His legacy is being crafted through his deep engagement with grassroots solutions and their scalability for larger urban contexts. The future holds great promise for him, especially in areas like:

• Designing climate-adaptive urban infrastructure

• Mainstreaming Jugaad as a formal planning strategy

• Mentoring future planners and architects

• Contributing to policy-making frameworks for sustainable city development

With his technical proficiency in tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, GIS (ArcGIS, QGIS), and MS Office Suite, combined with his strong foundation in data-driven research, he is poised to be a thought leader in his domain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Vikas Kumar embodies a rare combination of academic depth, professional versatility, and research-driven innovation. His contributions span from design studios to scholarly journals, from GIS analyses to sustainable material assessments—making him a valuable asset to the evolving landscape of architecture and urban planning. With a solid foundation and visionary outlook, Vikas is set to leave a lasting mark on both academia and practice.