The Program

The School of Architecture of the Faculty of Engineering of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, established and operated, starting from the academic year 2015-2016, a Postgraduate Studies Program (PSP) entitled: “Environmental Architectural Design” (Government Gazette 3427/Second Issue/19-12-2014, Ministerial Decision 203941/Z1/15-12-2014).

The Program was re-established in the academic year 2019-2020 under the title: “Environmental Architectural and Urban Design” (Government Gazette 6167/Second Issue/31-12-2018, Ministerial Decision 13660/20-12-2018), and from the academic year 2024-2025 it is organized and operated in accordance with the current provisions of Law 4957/2022 and in alignment with the Regulation of Postgraduate Studies of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Government Gazette 4084/Second Issue/23-06-2023, Ministerial Decision 78656/19-06-2023).

Objective

The Postgraduate Studies Program (PSP) addresses the study, research and deep comprehension —at a postgraduate level of studies— of environmental architectural and urban design, which is essential for the national, developmental, educational, and research needs of the country.

Purpose

The purpose of the Postgraduate Studies Program (PSP) is to cultivate and promote scientific knowledge and research in the specific field of environmental design.

In particular, the Program aims to:

• provide education and specialized knowledge on the issue of the relationship between building and environment at every possible scale, from the smallest scale of architectural design to urban design and urban planning, with a particular emphasis on contemporary developments,
• specialize graduates in relevant skills and experiences, enabling them to contribute to high-quality professional, research, academic, and overall scientific work,
• ensure the scientific and professional career development of graduates both in the private and the public sector,
• develop critical and research skills necessary for doctoral studies,
• cultivate critical thinking and creative approaches to innovative energy design practices for environmental protection, utilizing cutting-edge technology and computational tools derived from a wide range of scientific fields,
• enhance interdisciplinary approaches to environmental parameters so that graduates can collaborate with a wide range of specialties and adapt to the constantly evolving requirements of design,
• produce graduates with environmental awareness who will be able, through the improvement of the built space, to encourage society as a whole to engage in environmental protection and participate in relevant environmental activities,
• create graduates who will redefine the way we live, leveraging advanced technology to promote sustainability and meet the needs of future generations.

Learning Outcomes and Qualifications

The learning outcomes and qualifications of those who successfully complete the Postgraduate Studies Program (PSP) are as follows:

• acquisition of knowledge and development of skills in environmental control and design of buildings, open spaces, residential units, and cities, focusing on the environmental dimension of architectural composition, with the aim of creating sustainable and resilient environments that enhance the well-being of both people and nature,
• learning assessment methods for the environmental performance of building envelopes and outdoor spaces using computational tools and evaluating energy efficiency and comfort conditions.
• familiarization with the concepts of ecological, climatic, geographical, social, and cultural parameters of the environment.

Indirect beneficiaries of the operation of the Postgraduate Studies Program (PSP) will also be the teaching staff of the Program, as it will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge in thematic areas related to environmental design, innovation, and new technologies. Additionally, through interdisciplinary teaching and collaboration with scientists from other disciplines, their connections with experts from other institutions in Greece and abroad will be broadened.

The postgraduate studies in the Postgraduate Studies Program (PSP) aim to promote knowledge, foster research and arts development, and satisfy the educational, research, social, cultural, and developmental needs of the country. They aim to train high-level scientists capable of contributing to theoretical and applied areas in the field of Environmental Architecture and Urban Design, as well as in the production and dissemination of knowledge, technology, methodologies, tools, and research findings within the respective scientific domain.

It is the responsibility of all stakeholders involved in the operation of the Postgraduate Studies Program (PSP) to uphold quality, excellence, and continuous improvement across all aspects of the Program, educational processes, and research endeavors. Additionally, they should foster collaboration with other related Postgraduate Studies Programs, Research Centers, and Institutes, as well as relevant Professional and Scientific Associations both within Greece and internationally.

Qualification Awarded

The Postgraduate Studies Program (PSP) awards a Degree of Postgraduate Studies (DPS) entitled: “Environmental Architectural and Urban Design.”

Successful completion of the Postgraduate Studies Program (PSP) leads to level seven (7) qualifications within the National and European Qualifications Framework, as per Article 47 of Law 4763/2020 (Government Gazette A’ 254).

Duration

The minimum duration of study for the Postgraduate Studies Program (PSP) leading to the award of the Degree of Postgraduate Studies (DPS) is three (3) semesters, which encompasses the time required to complete and assess the postgraduate design thesis.