Architecture as a profession is currently undergoing a transformation which affects not only the concept of architecture but also the daily exercise there of, bringing it face to face with new challenges that have profound, far-reaching consequences. This process is clearly visible in our society, which to a large extent promotes this evolution as ours needs evolve. At the same time, an in-depth review of the formation of future architects is clearly required.
This situation is especially evident in Spain due to the peculiar nature of professionals in the field to this day. Architecture schools and their professors have been now driven to carry out an ambitious reflection focused on the consequent reassessment of the task at hand. The objective of an education in architecture continues, by definition, to be that of: providing students with the ability to understand and actually employ a creative common language, to know the procedures necessary for construction, and to understand the level of complexity involved in any architectural activity. This education however, has also been submitted to a drastic reduction of content recently, making it difficult to form out of every student, a well prepared professional, ready to undertake the management of a team and freely exercise their profession in a progressively more demanding setting. This calls for an ideal choice of complementary education programs and specialized formation.
After contrasting and evaluating the most prestigious graduate programs on the international academic scene, the Master’s Degree in Architectural Design established by the School of Architecture of the University of Navarre has striven to adapt to these new circumstances. The School seeks to address the peculiarities and needs of the current situation, with the aim of contributing to the formation of architects who can benefit from a greater possibility of success and recognition in Spain and elsewhere.
Consistent with the weight and scope of this project, the School of Architecture has committed the most qualified staff and considerable determination to its success. The School also has the support of visiting professors with the highest possible degree of excellence and prestige at a national and international level.
The program is centered on the architectural design courses, taught to small groups of students by professors and outstanding professionals from the world stage of architecture. It is the knowledge of these professors, personalized treatment of students in class, critique sessions, tutoring and scheduled revisions carried out over the course of each semester that makes up the basic appeal of this educational experience. It is complemented by several courses on theory, criticism and history of architecture, free election, conducted mostly by visiting professors special recognition.
I hope that the enthusiasm, commitment and initiative put into this program are reflected by a high demand for obtaining the master’s degree offered. I am certain that, even more than those who directly receive this formation, it is the school itself that will more clearly and intensely be enriched as a educational center and reference point for research and debate on innovation and new challenges for the professional practice of architecture."
This situation is especially evident in Spain due to the peculiar nature of professionals in the field to this day. Architecture schools and their professors have been now driven to carry out an ambitious reflection focused on the consequent reassessment of the task at hand. The objective of an education in architecture continues, by definition, to be that of: providing students with the ability to understand and actually employ a creative common language, to know the procedures necessary for construction, and to understand the level of complexity involved in any architectural activity. This education however, has also been submitted to a drastic reduction of content recently, making it difficult to form out of every student, a well prepared professional, ready to undertake the management of a team and freely exercise their profession in a progressively more demanding setting. This calls for an ideal choice of complementary education programs and specialized formation.
After contrasting and evaluating the most prestigious graduate programs on the international academic scene, the Master’s Degree in Architectural Design established by the School of Architecture of the University of Navarre has striven to adapt to these new circumstances. The School seeks to address the peculiarities and needs of the current situation, with the aim of contributing to the formation of architects who can benefit from a greater possibility of success and recognition in Spain and elsewhere.
Consistent with the weight and scope of this project, the School of Architecture has committed the most qualified staff and considerable determination to its success. The School also has the support of visiting professors with the highest possible degree of excellence and prestige at a national and international level.
The program is centered on the architectural design courses, taught to small groups of students by professors and outstanding professionals from the world stage of architecture. It is the knowledge of these professors, personalized treatment of students in class, critique sessions, tutoring and scheduled revisions carried out over the course of each semester that makes up the basic appeal of this educational experience. It is complemented by several courses on theory, criticism and history of architecture, free election, conducted mostly by visiting professors special recognition.
I hope that the enthusiasm, commitment and initiative put into this program are reflected by a high demand for obtaining the master’s degree offered. I am certain that, even more than those who directly receive this formation, it is the school itself that will more clearly and intensely be enriched as a educational center and reference point for research and debate on innovation and new challenges for the professional practice of architecture."
Mariano González Presencio, Director of the School of Architecture