To be awarded a Diploma in Architecture/Engineering students have to follow and to be assessed on theoretical and design modules which are organised in three sections: the introductory programme, the programme of basic studies and the diploma programme. Studies are completed with the completion of the two final dissertations: the final diploma design theses and the final diploma research theses that count to 30 and 12 ECTS credits respectively.
The School curriculum aims at developing an architecture education that will enable the graduates of the School to undertake projects that span across all scales of design, from industrial to urban design. Our graduates possess the necessary knowledge and experience to deal with urban issues and to know the techniques through which they can undertake effectively urban scale projects. In parallel they have been taught modules on urban and regional planning that enable them to cooperate creatively with regional planners as members of a transdisciplinary team. Our graduates have been taught the basics of landscape design and have designed relevant projects. Our graduates have extensive knowledge and experience in a broad spectrum of conservation. They have been taught and practised in various types of draftmanship necessary for a competent architectural project submission as well as in studies of the environmental and technological aspects that have an impact on architectural form.
To support these practices our graduates have acquired sufficient knowledge of the history of architecture, history of art and theory of architecture in order for the design of their proposals to have qualities that derive from past experiences, theoretical investigations of the present and cultural references to the broader world of fine arts. Our graduates are familiar with the human sciences in order for their architecture to be socially sensitive, and are in a position to perceive effectively the social and cultural dynamics of the respective context. Through their engagement with the fine arts (painting, sculpture, etching, stage design, photography etc.) our graduates have developed artistic competences that have a direct impact on the quality of the proposal they will put forward. They have sufficient knowledge of issues related to building physics and the techniques and methods whereby a building is environmentally sensitive and comfort is ensured for its inhabitants. Our graduates also possess the basic knowledge of structural design and the respective calculations, with particular emphasis on concrete, so that can be effective members of a transdisciplinary design team.
The general education they receive from the School of Architecture of AUTh allows our graduates to comprehend the essence of the profession of architecture and the vital role this plays in the social and cultural development and life. They have practised dealing with all constraints imposed on architectural design and are, therefore, in a position to deal with constraints imposed by individuals, social groups and institutions, building and other technical regulations, the planning authorities and the cost of construction. They have been taught and have practised to use adequately the most crucial and popular software related to architectural design in a way to effectively represent space, to encounter technical issues, to produce simulation models, to create form and to relate design with construction. They have worked on essays that have allowed them to delve into architecture and are able to undertake research on the various aspects and knowledge domains related to architecture.