ILUS - International Land Use Symposium 2023

CEPT University, Ahmedabad focuses on understanding, designing, planning, constructing and managing human habitats. Its teaching programs aim to build thoughtful professionals and its research programs deepen understanding of human settlements. CEPT Universitytakes its name from the 'Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology'. CEPT and the various schools that it comprises were established by the Ahmedabad Education Society with the support of the Government of Gujarat and the Government of India. The Governmentof Gujarat granted the status of Centre of Excellence (COE) to CEPT University in 2021.

Since its inception, CEPT has operated as an autonomous academic institution free to develop its academic programs. The University comprises five faculties. The Faculty of Architecture was established as the 'School of Architecture' in 1962. The Faculty ofPlanning, focused on planning in the public realm, was established in 1972 as the 'School of Planning'. The Faculty of Technology, which concentrates on engineering and construction, was established in 1982 as the 'School of Building Science and Technology'.The Faculty of Design was established in 1991 as the 'School of Interior Design'. It deals with habitat related interiors, crafts, systems, and products. The Faculty of Management was established in 2013 and it focuses on Habitat and Project Management.

CEPT University also undertakes advisory projects to further the goal of making habitats more liveable. Through its education, research and advisory activities, CEPT strives to improve the impact of habitat professions in enriching the lives of people in India'svillages, towns and cities.

The CEPT Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) was established in 2013 to better manage CEPT University’s research and consulting activities. It is the research and advisory arm of CEPT University and a multidisciplinary think-do-tank wholly owned by CEPTUniversity, Ahmedabad. Through these research and consulting pursuits, our faculty members make available their academic knowledge and professional expertise to external stakeholders including the government, public sector organisations, NGOs, communitiesand businesses.

CRDF, through its Centers, strives to enhance and deepen knowledge, encourage innovation and provide professional services. The different thematic verticals, identified as 'Centers,' work together to find answers to complex problems in the built environment.CRDF works in the areas of Urban Planning and Policy, Infrastructure Development, Water and Sanitation, Heritage Conservation, Climate Change, Sustainable Living, Affordable Housing, Advanced Geomatics, Building Science and Energy, and Urban Transportation.

CRDF has worked on more than 200 projects, such as Development Plans, Strategic Plans, Feasibility studies, capacity building, preparation of development control regulations and guidelines and various other assignments. Over the years, CRDF has worked withvarious levels of Government, multilateral institutions, bilateral agencies, and philanthropic organisations.