1. GENERAL AIMS OF THE COURSE
The introduction to architecture, practical architecture project and teaching of the architectural occupations are aimed at training skilled architects on:
- understanding, designing, composing and realising living space by expressing the values underpinning the project;
- performing their role and responsibilities with due consideration for social, cultural, aesthetic, technical and functional, economic, environmental and contextual factors, both in their creations and in a broad range of additional services;
- executing current, new and emerging assignments, with diligence, focus, skill and sensitivity, thus satisfying society’s expectations and anticipating future challenges.
This requires the acquisition of specialist knowledge, expertise and theoretical knowledge, as well as the ability to think independently, in order to uphold the values underpinning the architectural project.
2. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE BACHELOR’S DEGREE
This cycle introduces students to the values underpinning the architectural discipline. It allows them to acquire the necessary knowledge and methods to develop thinking about architecture and architecture in practice through application and active research.
The course is based on the recognition of the complexity of architecture and on teaching that gradually explores this complexity in depth. Through diligent practical work on an architectural project, the course continually spans the range of issues encountered and increased interdisciplinarity.
This undergraduate course provides fundamental and interdisciplinary training in the different aspects of architecture through the acquisition of:
- design methods for an architectural project;
- techniques for representation and capacities for expression and communication;
- knowledge of exact and human sciences;
- technical knowledge.
On successful completion of this programme, each student is able to :
Design a project
When faced with a question of architecture, to choose, analyse and bring together various component elements of an emerging reality. From this, to formulate hypotheses to use when choosing how best to reshape space- Sensibly bring together and develop natural and artificial environments (landscape, urban, buildings) within a framework of basic parameters
- Express and prioritise the aims of the projects so as to be able to make choices
- Understand, test and bring together the organisation of the space through an architectural project
- Analyse, consider and invent architectural practices through drawings and models
- Adopt approaches which are methodical, creative, metaphorical, perceptive, collaborative etc.
Test an artistic approach
Faced with a given situation, to imagine and implement an idea capable of triggering a process of questioning
- To capture the “spirit of the time” and identify the means which will enable it to be revealed
- To test and extend the limit of the imagination
- To imagine, produce and explore various possible avenues to respond to a question
- To imagine drivers which can transform perception of what is real
- To take a deliberate step from an uncertain beginning by assembling pre-existing concepts and ideas to form a proposal
Build knowledge of architecture
Be familiar with and understand written, drawn or built references which form the foundation of the discipline
- Be familiar with and analyse the basic references
- Be able to use given references which, by analogy, can lead to other interpretations of the context
- Develop and make use of knowledge in the discipline
Place the action
Observe, analyse and interpret the main components of the prevailing cultural situation. Show the potential of this situation through the impact of the architectural project.
- Recognise, observe and describe the targeted environments and contexts
- Analyse the environments and contexts according to various given methods and starting from various identified points of view
- Formulate questions relating to the development of the context being studied to make working hypotheses
- Experiment with the possibilities of transforming a context
Make use of other subjects
To be curious and adopt a cross-disciplinary approach to consolidate the basis of what has been learnt
- Seek out other approaches, exchanges of views and ways of enhancing thinking about architecture
- Interpret the knowledge of other subjects
- Make use of other subjects to ask questions about the design and implementation of an architectural project
Use the technical dimension
Be familiar with and recast technical and scientific knowledge of building so as to use it as a driver in designing architecture which is highly efficient and sustainable
- Be familiar with and describe the main technical principles of building
- Observe and assess the main construction principles of a building
- Be able to apply the various basic technical principles in a producing a work of architecture
- Acquire an instinctive understanding of structures to use in producing a creative work of architecture
Express an architectural procedure
Use traditional and artistic methods to explore, discover, design, reveal a reality, a design or a project
- Be familiar with, understand and use the codes for representing space, in two and three dimensions
- Convey the experience of spatiality by observing it and posing questions
- Identify the main elements of a hypothesis or a proposal to express and communicate them
- Test and use relevant means of communication in relation to the target objectives
- Express ideas clearly in oral, graphic and written form
Adopt a professional attitude
Act as an aware player, ready to test out interaction with the stakeholders in construction
- Organise, plan, develop and bring together the different strands of individual work
- Listen to and identify the different needs and points of view of the different stakeholders to be able to bring these together in respect of the desired objectives
- Act as an independent player able to understand the framework of his/her mission, and the responsibilities towards third parties
- Test and observe the framework of professional practice and architectural knowledge through independent involvement
Make committed choices
Demonstrate responsible engagement in a situation, with a thoughtful approach to issues of society and culture
- Activate and develop an ethical sense through approaches to architecture
- Develop awareness of the political meaning of the work of an architect and his/her responsibility towards society
- Make links between different methodological and epistemological perspectives
- Understand the merits of an idea which can lead to the objectives to be achieved by the project; follow through with determination, even by means of a modest intervention, the implementation of this idea and the achievement of these objectives
- Imagine ambitious proposals which could call into question the choices made by society