The MA – Architecture Program is mainly based on the creative and artistic side of Architecture itself, at the same time generating required and valuable relation with the knowledge of technological side if it, resulting in creation of spaces/ buildings and urban contexts within which arts and technology meet. This means an Architecture that has a form of artistic declaration as a result, the purpose of creating contemporary ideas/ notions, respecting the “existing” and the environment as a whole, at all times. To be able to practice architecture, it requires the ability to recognize the meaning of the space, form, proportions and completeness. Amongst all the knowledge about the function, construction/ technology side, materials and conditions of the environment are a necessity. Putting all of the above said together, the main goal of the MA in Architecture Program is oriented towards the architectural design, urban/ spatial context as well as the tradition and culture of saving and preserving the architectural heritage.
-Specialized knowledge of the higher level in the relevant field of studies/research, which serves as the basis for original thinking. -Critical awareness towards issues of one field of study in relation to other disciplines. -Knowledge which covers the majority of closely related disciplines (in the relevant field), their integration, the use of proper terminology and characteristics. -The ability to use critical thinking which come out of main theories, concepts and principals. -The use of extensive, detailed and critical knowledge, in one or more close disciplines, which are the most advanced part of their field. -Will gain qualification to continue their studies on the Master level. -Design skills in close relation to urban context, which will contribute towards the improvement of already built environment as well as the newly designed one. -Knowledge in the field of the History of architecture and the space where arts and technology find the common language, which will enable students to develop the sence of innovation in Architecture, closely connected to the place and time, people and cultures. -Skills to manage the architectural practice and work in teams. -Possibilities and skills to use resources, materials and production/technology to create environmentally sustainable architecture.
Master of Arts in Architecture (MA in Architecture)
The total number of credits to fulfill requirements of this level of Master studies is 120 ECTS (30 per Semester, respectively 60 per academic year).
Within this subject and through analysis of existing design projects and the analysis within their seminar works, students will develop, ideas/ notions to create designs and express architecturally following steps such as notion, program and final creation. Various options for individual designs will cover: a number or building typologies (individual and collective residential buildings, kindergartens, smaller hotels…). The subject will closely be related with the Urban Context/ the City, to be able to achieve interdisciplinary knowledge.
Focuses on the ideas to develop strategies, frames, notions, urban plans, and improvements of public space as well as other purposes in urban context (the City in details). The subject will closely be related to development and completion of the student’s design of the individual structure within subject ‘Notion, program and design – A’.
Nowadays technology allows a broad number of possibilities to develop designs of structures, creating a balance between the use of rules and the art as a creative part, without leaving aside the functional side of it in relation to esthetics, which allows creation of real architectural Poems.
The subject identifies strategic management as the key element for a successful management of an architectural practice. Close relation will be created between strategy of practice, market competition as well as the management of design teams within the professional practice infrastructure.
This subject will serve as continuation towards the advanced use of computer aided design applications (after the knowledge gained on BA level), getting this way into 3 dimensional (3D) modeling and presentation of the idea.
Architectural theory covers a broad area of theories which through the entire history have instructed the way how architecture has been imagined and created. The subject shows research in both traditions, west and non-west, which consider thinking and writing as unavoidable part of design and construction process.
Architectural concepts such as program, design with its transparency, structure, materials and ornaments/ decorations will be explored during the development of this subject in the context with manifestos of the time in spatial planning, digital technology, and ecological sustainability in architectural design. Contemporary controversies and strategies towards which the architecture of nowadays is going, will be addressed.
This subject shows the treatment, which means ways of buildings preservation or other specific structures as well as methods used for them to survive until today, mentioning amongst others: buildings assessments and evaluation, revitalization, restoration, reconstruction, replica, etc, cases in which these methods have been used within architectural heritage and its value.
Within this subject and through analysis of existing design projects and the analysis within their seminar works, students will develop, ideas/ notions to create designs and express architecturally following steps such as notion, program and final creation. Various options for individual designs will cover: a number or building typologies (individual and collective residential buildings, kindergartens, smaller hotels…). The subject will closely be related with the Urban Context/ the Region, to be able to achieve interdisciplinary knowledge. In comparison with the treatment of structures in the City, this subject involves the design of various structures in sub-urban areas.
Subject focuses on the analysis of urban context of sub-urban areas of the City (taking examples form peripheral areas of the Capital/ Prishtina) and applies creative ideas within this analysis, research and development phases of the urban context. It involves ideas to develop strategies, frames, notions, and urban plans, improvement of public spaces and other in sub-urban areas of the City. It will closely be related to completion of individual students design within ‘Notion, Program and Design – B’
A number of possible research methods will be presented to stimulate student’s skills towards critical thinking and writing style of their chosen Master thesis.
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This subject covers main aspects of architectural heritage in a contemporary world. Construction of new structures within the ‘old’/exiting as well as additions to existing structures, are a practice in architecture of all periods and cultures. Based on the interweaving of various disciplines in this field, this subject will orientate towards the development of skills to appreciate the cultural impact of existing buildings, the impact of new works on valuable buildings and spaces in the field of cultural heritage (integration in the existing context). The subject will deal with a contemporary approach in this field.
The subject has its specifics, which one way or the other relate to professional practice, but focusing on how the profession of an Architect is excepted within one society, and if professional values are taken into consideration, both in design or broader urban context. This issue will be addressed using various examples, in Kosovo as well as beyond its borders (for comparison purposes).
Considering, facades and roof systems as one of the most important components of the proper function of the building from the moment it becomes in use, the subject will focus on the complexity of a building envelops, from the moment of installation until the final phase (before the actual use).
Following the group A and B of Notion, Program and design, this subject creates stronger interweaving between the design of an individual structure (various functions) and the urban context itself, even in the closest areas of the City or broader (focusing on the most specific areas of the Capital, Prishtina). These individual designs will be incorporated within the urban context (the form of group/team work).
This subject covers various systems of a great importance for the design of commercial and institutional structures, focusing on high-rise buildings. These buildings and their function will be explained in relation to three systems: human (such as environmental comfort: heating, lighting and the voice transmission), mechanical (such as proper use of the energy, alternative energy sources and their management) and natural systems (such as eco-infrastructure and ecological services). Sustainability LEED standards in this field will be analyzed in much more details.