The acronym SPANDREL in its expanded form is - Journal of SPA: New Dimensions in Research of Environments for Living, published by School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal a premier institute of Government of India.

Sustainable design solutions through research and enquiry form the basis of the education system of the School. This journal hopes to put forward frontier research in varied disciplines which would enrich our understanding of our environments and help to become more empathetic and sensitive as professionals entrusted with the responsibility of shaping the future of built forms.

The acronym SPANDREL also signifies an architectural element of vital importance in history. By definition it means "the space between two arches or between an arch and a rectangular enclosure". The SPANDREL has a significant and critical role in the structural stability of openings in an arcuated system of construction. However historically it has evolved from its essential functional origin and the term 'SPANDREL' has come to be associated with a 'feature element' often portraying rich embellishments. The element has gone way beyond its humble origin and has been seen featured in diverse constructions from large span bridges as open spandrels to medieval domes where it appears as a three dimensional spandrel inpendentives.

The journal hopes to symbolize the significance and evolution of the element 'spandrel' by growing and evolving from a modest beginning through a journey of explorations to become a fore runner in the realm of research and design of environments.