ARCHITECTURE GUIDE (UNDERGRADUATE + MASTER … · to contribute to personal fulfilment, to the entrepreneurial spirit development, to active participation in the community’s life

ARCHITECTURE GUIDE

(UNDERGRADUATE + MASTER INTEGRATED PROGRAMME)

Contents:

1. Spiru Haret University – a fundamental component of the Romanian higher education

2. Presentation of the Faculty of Architecture

3. Presentation of the undergraduate + Master integrated programme

- teaching staff

- teaching / learning process (The Classification of Occupations in Romania,

compatibility with other programmes, length of studies, practice, assessment

system)

- research

- students and graduates (admission, transfer, graduates, ALUMNI)

- material resources

- quality management and the capacity for change – prerequisites for performance

(elective subchapter)

4. Other information

- transfer of credits

- access to the virtual library

- how to calculate the final mark

- the development of checkups, colloquia and the like

- major practice

- elaborating the Graduation Thesis

5. Appendices

1. The legal framework governing the Faculty of Architecture

2. The methodology of admission to the undergraduate programme

3. Curriculum

4. Syllabi

5. Regulations on the Graduation exam organisation and development

Spiru Haret University – a fundamental component of the Romanian higher education

On 19 January 1991, Romania de Maine Foundation, a nonprofit social and humanistic

institution of culture, science and education, was established in line with the provisions of the

Legal Persons Act no. 21 / 1924. Spiru Haret University operates within Romania de Maine

Foundation.

Spiru Haret University follows the model of Harvard University, having as guiding figure the

great scientist, reformer and founder of modern education in Romania, Spiru Haret, whose

scientific, educative and social and cultural activity has had a significant impact on the

Romanian society.

There are currently 15 faculties with 101 undergraduate programmes of studies operating

within Spiru Haret University. Each programme of studies underwent temporary authorisation

and accreditation stages.

On 14 February 2000, Spiru Haret University was accredited by the National Council of

Academic Evaluation and Accreditation. Pursuant to Act no. 443 of 5 July 2002, Spiru Haret

University is a “higher education institution, a legal person of private law and public utility, a

part of the national education system”.

The entire activity of the University bases on the recognition and implementation of the

primary legislative measures on education and research.

Assuming from establishment its education and research-based mission, focused on values,

creativity, the acquisition of fundamental knowledge as well as the acquisition of knowledge

and the development of competences and abilities the beneficiaries of the educational process

may use in their profession and in the society, Spiru Haret University has been constantly

aiming at the individual full and harmonious development, at adopting a value system capable

to contribute to personal fulfilment, to the entrepreneurial spirit development, to active

participation in the community’s life and to succeeding on the labour market. Therefore, the

University has become a higher education and research institution qualified to award degrees

under the law, in line with the university autonomy and academic freedom principles.

Nowadays, Spiru Haret University consists of 15 faculties with 101 accredited or temporarily

authorised undergraduate programmes, 48 Master programmes accredited by ARACIS and 98

postgraduate programmes of continuing professional training and development, approved by

the Ministry of Education.

Following the institutional evaluation conducted by the Romanian Agency for Quality

Assurance, Spiru Haret University was granted the CONFIDENCE rating for the 2014 – 2019

period.

Spiru Haret University is constantly concerned with identifying the real educational need of

the labour market and adapting its programmes of studies. In point of international relations,

the core objective of USH strategy is multidimensional:

• improving the academic recognition and the University’s visibility by reducing the gap

between the knowledge offered and the labour market needs;

• increasing the quantifiable and recognisable student-centred educational value as well

as the publishing and the scientific value.

Due to its concerns, the entire community of Spiru Haret University proves a responsible

proactive attitude, contributes to top achievements in highly realistic fields in relation to the

economy’s and the society’s needs, participates in ISI Thompson-recognised international

conferences, organises international scientific sessions and workshops, is part of

interuniversity teams in FP7 projects within which USH promotes abroad the European values

as sources of own values in different recognition stages, therefore fostering the alignment to

the European educational standards, contributing to the improvement of the Romanian

education image at European and international levels and to increasing Romania’s prestige on

the contemporary international landscape.

1. PRESENTATION OF THE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE

Spiru Haret University – FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, Bucharest

Established in 1996, accredited in 2006 and 2012, an EAAE member since 2009, the

FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE of Spiru Haret University is the only private architecture

faculty in Romania.

The students acquire general and specialised knowledge of architecture, town planning, urban

renewal and heritage conservation, thus preparing for a wide range of professional activities.

One of the main advantages of the Faculty of Architecture is the diversity and quality of

professional practices.

Programmes of studies:

- in Romanian (120 seats / year)

- in English (50 seats / year)

Main office: 13 Ion Ghica Street, sector 3, 030045, Bucharest, Romania

Contact: Phone no. +40 21 314.00.75 / 237, Fax: +40 21 314.00.76

E-mail: http://www.spiruuharet.ro

http://www.spiruharet.ro/facultate/26/arhitecttura

Admission requirements: Competition based on aptitude tests and interview.

Enrolment documentation:

Annual fee: a 4-installment-based fee of 6160 RON / year for the courses taught in Romanian

Language of tuition: Romanian for the Romanian syllabus; English for the English syllabus.

The foreign students who wish to study in Romanian may enrol for preparatory courses in

Romanian.

Structure of the academic year: 6 years – Undergraduate studies (the first 8 semesters) +

integrated Master’s (4 semesters), resulting in 360 credits: 10 semesters of full-time courses,

one semester of practical work and one semester for the Graduation thesis and the Degree

project. Going from undergraduate to Master level requires passing all the 4-year exams and

design ateliers. The syllabus of the FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE corresponds to the

European Regulations on Undergraduate Studies.

Recognition of studies: the Degree and Diploma is issued by the Ministry of Education and

recognised by the European states.

Title : architect (MA in Architecture)

Student services / activities: conferences, exhibitions, cultural events. Every year, the

Faculty of Architecture invites dilettante and experienced foreign and Romanian architects

and designers to present their works within public conferences (Valerio Olgiati, Elia

Zenghelis, Brauen + Waelchli, Patrick Gartmann, Richard England, Silvia Demeter Lowe,

Serban Sturdza). Also, the students’ creations and research work are promoted within

exhibitions, cultural events, public presentations and discussions with the authorities,

investors and the society at large (Manifestoes for Bucharest at Carturesti Tea House,

Upgrade, the National Military Circle, the rehabilitation of Gloria Cinema at Sala Palatului,

Patria Cinema, Studio Cinema, Urban renewal Buzesti Berzei at the Night of Museums, Street

Delivery, National Architecture Biennale, Bucharest Architecture Annual).

Student mobilities: The Faculty of Architecture is part of the ERASMUS mobility

programme, providing one or two semesters of studies at the partner faculties Izmir Ekonomi

Universitesi, University of Sassari, Kavala Institute of Technology.

Research / practical work: Various 2-week workshops are organised annually, as part of the

syllabus: Urban scenarios, Experimental design, On site restoration techniques, Historical

research. Research and workshops are conducted in partnership with local and international

institutions (i2a International Institute of Architecture in Morcote, Switzerland, ERASMUS

partners).

Facilities: campus with student hostels, sports courts, laboratories and a specialist library. The

students and teachers have free access to the Romanian National Library.

Location: The FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE is at the heart of the Bucharest Old Town,

only 5 minutes away from the public transport stops (bus, trolleybus, tram and tube). The

National Theatre, the Comedy Theatre, Odeon Theatre, the Military Circle, the National

History Museum, Sutu Palace and the Cinematheque are in its close vicinity, offering the

students a rich cultural environment.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the Faculty of Architecture meets the European regulations

on academic studies and the Diploma (Master of Arts in Architecture) is granted by the

Ministry of Education and recognised in the European States.

The studies are structured in a 6-year undergraduate and integrated Master system. On

completion of studies, the graduates are awarded the Master of Architecture degree. Annual

workshops are organised and also a 10-week practice session before the final semester.

The percentage of the specialised (50%), fundamental (18%), technical (16%),

complementary (8%) and elective (8%) subjects is set against the Specific Evaluation

Standards in Architecture and Town Planning elaborated and approved by ARACIS.

The design atelier

The Architecture design and Architecture syntheses specialised subjects are defining for

training the future architect, the design atelier integrating and creatively capitalising the

knowledge stock acquired during studies in order to elaborate the architecture project. The

quality of architectural education reflects primarily in the results of the design atelier work

whose role is to introduce the student to the complexity of the profession. In an ever-changing

age, the role of design subjects does not derive from covering and knowledge of a high

number of architecture programmes, but is that of developing an own project approach

methodology based on specialised knowledge and on culture in its broadest sense. The design

atelier themes cover various fields, from architecture project heuristics and programme theory

to theoretical and practical issues of the intervention in the urban tissue; structures and

construction technology. Each project is assessed publicly in order for the candidate to

develop communication and argument skills. Having the same goal, the two design subjects

differentiate with respect to the specific objectives, the approach methods and subject

complexity, starting from grasping the spatial and formal concepts and ending with

approaching the complex urban themes and situations.

With its content correlated with the design atelier themes, Representations subject is essential

in building graphical design abilities, aiming at fostering the future architects’ capacity to

think in images. Descriptive geometry and Perspective focus on the development of the

capacity to think and see in space, of the visual and spatial perception, of geometric intuition,

building the practical skills necessary for modelling and conducting architecture

representations. Computer-assisted design is the complement of conventional subjects on

architecture presentation and graphics, aiming at drawing the projects by means of modern

methods.

A wide range of design subjects as Interior architecture, Furniture design, Environmental

design and Scenography, covering speciality projects and practically illustrating the

knowledge acquired during lectures, broaden the area of concerns of the future architects.

Technical sciences

In their consecution, technical sciences are the fundamental element in understanding the

tectonic nature of architecture and cover the totality of technical aspects regarding the

architectural object. Mathematics presents the perspective of developing the subject in close

relation to research and artistic creation, emphasizing the connections between mathematics

language and creative aspects. Mechanics and strength of materials provides the basic

knowledge necessary for calculating the strength and structure of the materials. Wood, metal

and concrete steel structures subject, studied along four semesters, starts with the acquisition

of material statics and strength concepts, providing the basic knowledge for choosing the

proper structural solutions for various types of constructions covered in the design atelier

assignments. The Special structures courses, studied during the final years, approach the issue

of long span structures and high structures (Special structures I) and the preliminary design of

the built space rehabilitation (Special structures II – Construction pathology). Construction

materials and finishes subject presents the physical and constructive, spatial, cultural and

aesthetic features of various materials. Finishes and finishing technology continues and

implements the knowledge acquired by applications on exterior and interior finishes.

Contemporary technologies in architecture presents the latest technical solutions for

designing the non-structural architectural systems. Constructions and technologies provides

the students an overview on the built space and its architectural, structural and technological

compliance, providing hygrothermics, natural and artificial lighting and acoustics knowledge.

History and theory of architecture

The History and Theory courses are correlated, contributing to the understanding of the

complex character of the architectural creation, to the knowledge of the relevant visions on

architecture and, finally, to the elaboration of an own creation methodology based on sound

theoretical fundamentals. The study of the architectural phenomenon in its historical

development covers the architectural evolution up to modernism, with emphasis, starting from

the 19th century, on the theoretical elements underlying the stylistic development; the 20th

century and the contemporary ages are approached in courses blending the History and

Theory of architecture (Doctrines) and in Programmes course. Covering the six academic

years, the subjects content reflects the fundamental process of building the professional

culture.

Restorations and heritage protection

The Restorations and heritage protection courses are defining in outlining the profile of our

faculty which has highly qualified specialists in the field. Monument theory subject facilities

the development of the capacities of assessing the cultural signification of the historical

monuments and the types of interventions in line with the international legislation. The

Rehabilitation strategies for the built space course provides the fundamentals on the built

space – specific redesigning relation and the acquisition of some assessment, diagnostic and

treatment methods leading to wise intervention decisions. Historical construction and

restoration techniques presents the contemporary context of the intervention concepts and

principles in point of heritage structures, approaching the issue of using historical materials

and techniques. Modern restoration techniques provides the knowledge of project

management-related introductory notions and of the legal framework covering the

interventions on Romanian historical monuments and describes the works and conservation

stage monitoring means, the protection measures, the safety measures and the maintenance

methods.

Town planning

Town planning subjects help the students develop the capacity to read / interpret / complete

the urban landscape, a prerequisite of quality architecture. Town planning design basics

provides the students the fundamentals necessary for designing the architectural object in an

urban context, offering the required instruments for analysing and understanding the urban

tissue morphological development, also providing the knowledge of the legislation in force.

Land reclamation and regional development helps the students develop a territorial

perspective of spatial development in line with the European approach of urban development.

By attending the Urban structure and composition course, the students develop the capacity

to go through the doctrinarian landmarks of town planning, building the ability to identify the

determinants of the formal and configurative components of urban composition. Urban

experience subject provides a complex approach of the field, combining theoretical, technical

but also personal and poetical elements. The students learn about the urban cultural paradigms

and manifestoes, the economic analysis and urban management and the social and cultural

surveys. Reading and analysing the urban environment thus becomes a complex activity, a

part of an extended design approach also covering the cultural, social, infrastructural and

economic effects of the implemented architectural proposal.

Workshops and cultural events

Every year we make available to the students a wide range of 1-week workshops, as part of

the syllabus: Urban scenarios, Experimental design, On site restoration techniques, Historical

research.

Also, the Faculty of Architecture organises research work and workshops in cooperation with

its academic partners as well as academic staff and student mobilities with Erasmus partners.

Mission of the Faculty of Architecture of Spiru Haret University

The Faculty of Architecture of Spiru Haret University, as an institution which generates and

disseminates knowledge in accordance with the academic freedom and moral integrity values,

has a teaching and research mission in line with the overall mission of Spiru Haret University.

The teaching mission resides in training specialists able to meet the social requirements in

architecture, interior architecture, town planning, monuments restoration, according to the

contemporary qualitative demands. The research mission aims at knowledge development in

architecture and town planning, resulting in promoting fundamental and applied research in

the field as well as research-related specialist and interdisciplinary studies and projects.

The objectives are formulated according to a set of reference values in order to be customized

in the higher education system. The Faculty of Architecture of Spiru Haret University is the

only private architecture higher education institution in Romania, a member of the

European Association for Architectural Education. The Faculty acts for the attainment of

the stated objectives through a proper institutional, administrative and managerial structure.

Pursuant to the provisions of the University Charter, the Faculty of Architecture is run

by the Faculty Council and by the Dean, in charge with the operative coordination of the

teaching and administrative work.

Starting with the 4th academic year, the students may also attend elective courses (besides

fundamental courses) which capitalise the teaching and research outcomes of the academic

staff.

After passing the final exam, the graduates of the Faculty of Architecture may fill in various

positions within different public or private institutions and / or may continue their studies. The

graduates may further attend Doctoral studies.

2. PRESENTATION OF THE UNDERGRADUATE + MASTER INTEGRAT ED

PROGRAMME

Currently, the Faculty of Architecture of Spiru Haret University covers the “Architecture”

Department and a research centre operating under the approval of the University Senate.

a. Teaching staff

Since set up, the faculty management has hired highly qualified specialists, teaching staff with

the academic rank of Professor, Associate Professor, Lecturer and Assistant Lecturer PhD.

The Faculty of Architecture has a competent teaching staff (selected according to the

national criteria and constantly improving), proper material resources and an attractive

educational offer leading to an increase in the number of students.

Currently the vacancies are filled in by tenured associate teaching staff or by well-known

architects who contributed significantly to the improvement of the educational process by

elaborating textbooks and courses issued by Romanian de Maine Foundation Publishing

House and by other publishing houses in the country, as Graduation Thesis tutors, by the

quality of the research work conducted and, last but not least, as professors of a high

academic and scientific standing. Some of them are PhD supervisors.

The full-time or associate teaching staff within the Faculty of Architecture contributes

significantly to the attainment of the Faculty’s mission and objectives, by the quality of

courses and seminars conducted in the lecture rooms and the design ateliers, by the lectures,

debates and round tables, by the USH radio programmes, by the articles published in Weekly,

by the TV station, by direct communication with the students (consultations) as well as by

mixed research.

The teaching staff meets the teaching openings legal requirements, in line with the

legislation in force. All professors in full hold the title of Doctor or are PhD candidates while

the other teaching staff members are properly trained in the concerned field. Increasing the

quality of the teaching staff will continue to be a constant concern of the Department of

Architecture. We also aim at a close cooperative relation between senior and young teaching

staff based on a useful experience exchange. At the same time, we focus on stimulating our

best graduates to attend Doctoral studies.

Our teaching staff contributed to the elaboration of reference specialist works, academic

courses, monographs, specialist articles and studies, participating in various national and

international events, an activity to be intensely encouraged in the future as well.

b. The teaching / learning process

The Department of Architecture focuses on aligning to the knowledge and information-based

society demands in terms of educational activities.

On this background, the Department aims at enhancing the students knowledge according to

the latest educational paradigms, theories and concepts, at developing scientific knowledge

and attaining interdisciplinarity and at aligning the course content to demands generated by

the current economic, political and social restructuring, by the new social organisation forms

in Romania and by the occupational dynamics at national and European levels.

Teaching mainly results in the important weight, in terms of the no. of hours and the no. of

credits, of the vocational subjects “Architecture design”, “Architecture syntheses”,

“Representations in architecture”, “Elective project”. Such subjects concentrate most of the

teaching staff members, a tutor being assigned for each academic year (year tutor).

A special attention must be paid to training the students in the spirit of observing the values of

the built heritage, with emphasis on restoration, on reconversion – remodelling.

According to the specific procedures covered in the Quality management system, the

following are annually evaluated at faculty level by the Quality Commission: the curricula,

the study programmes, the course descriptions, the teaching and seminar methods, the

provision of courses and support materials, student satisfaction degree. Proper corrective and

quality increase-related actions will be adopted.

The internal evaluation process will cover the compliance with the binding statutory

requirements, meeting the performance standards and a better correlation of the programmes

of studies and the competences developed with the labour market demands.

The following will also be considered: coherence of and continuity between the cycles of

study; including the research outcomes in courses, seminars and debates; using modern

teaching, seminar and learning technologies as well as the theoretical – practical subjects ratio;

ECTS enhancement; developing an evaluation system based on the latest information

technologies and the like.

Due to the assumed teaching and research mission, the undergraduate and integrated Master

programme corresponds to the overall mission of Spiru Haret University and aims at training

highly qualified specialists in architecture, promoting creativity, developing continuing

education strategies and fostering research in the field.

Taking as reference standard the regulations of the EU International Labour Organisation

defining five qualification levels adopted by Romania as well, the study programmes

primarily aim at training 4-level specialists (higher education). In elaborating the syllabi in an

undergraduate and integrated Master system, the Faculty considered the National

Qualifications Framework and the Romanian Classification of Occupations to cover the

specialists demand on the labour market. During the 6 years of studies, the future graduates

acquire fundamental and specialised knowledge in architecture enabling them to work as

architects (214), chief architects (123701), architects in town planning and land reclamation

(2141), building architects (214101), town planning architects, landscape and land

reclamation architects (214103), restoration architects (214104), counselling architects

(214105), expert architects (214105), specialised inspectors-architects (214107), specialised

reviewers-architects (214108), designer-architects (214109), town planners (214110),

managers of business companies, mediation and other trading services (1227), study

documentation specialists (214904), methodists / persons in charge with a business (214906),

persons in charge with a business (214907), building managers (214908), researchers in

architecture (251101), research assistants in architecture (251102). (Appendix II.5 ).

The Architecture study programme is organised on the basis of the curricula, having in

view their nature and requirements according to the specific ARACIS standards for

ARCHITECTURE – ARTS area, being adapted to the performance criteria and the

stated objectives.

Training the students in the accredited specialisations is based on legally approved curricula

adapted to the domestic and EU legislation, being grounded on the ECTS. The curricula

match the labour market demands and are elaborated in line with fundamental principles as

topicality, flexibility, but also stability and continuity.

The curricula include 12 semesters, counting the diploma project elaboration. The average

number of hours dedicated to the teaching activity are 28 hours/week (courses, seminars,

projects) and 14 weeks / semester. The annual practicums are added distinctively – 2 weeks,

with associated credit points, based on a schedule correlated with the knowledge level

accumulated during the year. The 6th year particularly includes, with associated credit points,

10 weeks of design practice with specialised companies or within the faculty’s research

groups, and hours scheduled for the elaboration of the diploma paper, with the corresponding

credits number.

The curricula are in compliance with the transferable credits national system and they

concentrate, under a balanced formula and in accordance with the ARACIS regulations,

fundamental subjects, specialisation subjects as well as complementary subjects. Each

subject has a specific number of credits assigned.

The course descriptions additional to the study programmes are designed respecting the

procedure regarding the initiation, approval, monitoring and periodic evaluation of the study

programmes, included in the Quality manual. These are elaborated by the course coordinator,

discussed in the department, modified according to the peer review and updated annually.

The syllabi include the subject’s objectives, competences, basic content, the distribution of

the course, seminar and practical activities hours, the evaluation system, the number of

credits and minimal bibliography. Once finished, the syllabi are approved by the Faculty

Council, after having taken into consideration the improvement suggestions, and are signed

by the Dean of the Faculty. The subject list in the Curricula and the subject content, stated in

the syllabi, correspond to the field they had been elaborated for and are in compliance with

the ARACIS standards sustaining the already mentioned mission. In the same context, each

course is thought in a manner that combines teaching, learning and evaluating, the assessment

and examination procedures of the students being focused on the learning outcomes. The

evaluation procedures are timely announced to the students, in detail.

As resulting from the curricula, the study subjects define the general competences and

specialist ones, provided in a logical sequence. In their structure, general training subjects are

included, specialist and complementary subjects, grouped at their turn in three categories:

compulsory, elective and optional. The study of these subjects is meant to reinforce the

general professional training and to offer the knowledge necessary for the future specialist

profession, providing the compatibility with the national qualifications framework.

The structure of the academic year is approved by the University Senate each year. Each

semester has a duration of 14 didactic activity weeks, usually followed by at least 3

examination weeks.

c. Research

The essential objectives of the research at Spiru Haret University are: its integration in the

European research, development and innovation Area; the permanent improvement of the

research quality, in compliance with the international and European modern higher education

standards; the development of the pragmatic relations between the higher education and

research and community, to the use of the latter.

The Architecture Department of the Faculty of Architecture aims at promoting the following

values in the field of research: professionalism in research; ethical attitude; performance in

research (materialised in internationally recognised publications/ articles, ISI, active

participation in national and international conferences, practical achievements in economics

and society) and contract accomplishment, as well as the continuous professional

development of the human resources involved in research.

The research results were publication, scientific communications and research projects

proposals. The research activity of the teaching personnel at the Faculty of Architecture is

carried on both individually, as well as in groups and is capitalised on through articles and

studies published in specialist reviews, manuals and academic courses, collaboration contracts

and other didactic materials provided to the students. In the last 5 years, over 150 scientific

works have been published or sent for publication in specialist reviews, 37 books have been

published at de CNCSIS accredited publishing houses. Also, we have participated with over

60 communications in different scientific sessions in the country or abroad, as well as in the

ones organised by Spiru Haret University.

The research activity is evaluated every semester (self-evaluation), and the annual report is

compiled and submitted to the Faculty Council approval every year.

d. The students and the graduates

The evolution of the number of students admitted for studies at the Faculty of Architecture,

Spiru Haret University, confirms the prestige, recognition and audience the institution is

enjoying and the fact that the faculty is read, to answer to the requirements of a higher

education at the level of the national and international quality contemporary standards, due to

the conditions created and the facilities offered to the students. At the same time, the Faculty

demonstrated, due to the high absorption degree of its graduates on the labour market, that it

successfully accomplishes its assumed mission.

The whole activity of the students takes place according to the Regulations regarding

the professional activity of the students at Spiru Haret University, where the issues

regarding the admission, registration for the study years, the rights and obligations of

the students, the promotion of the exams and study years, the transfers, study

interruptions, withdrawals, the bachelor degree examination are regulated in detail.

Evaluation of student performances. The evaluation of the results means an

examination, colloquium or mid-term. For each study year, the number of exams exceeds

50% of the total evaluations, as resulting from the Curriculum as well. The student evaluation

system includes mid-term and final verification procedures as seen in the course descriptions.

The mid-terms, during the academic year, mean practical projects, tests approved by the Chair,

echeloned according to semester at the proposal of the course coordinator in compliance with

the themes posted on the Faculty’s website. These tasks have the role of monitoring and

ensuring the knowledge accumulation, to develop the students’ creativity and to make the

connection between the theoretical concepts with the practical ones. This kind of evaluation is

mostly used for the vocational courses, in compliance with the Activity promotion and

evaluation regulations for the following subjects “Architecture design”, “Architecture

synthesis”, „Representations in Architecture”, “Specialist project”, „Elective project”,

approved by the Spiru Haret University Senate.

The practical works are compulsory according to the Regulations regarding the students’

professional activity.

The efficiency of the teaching and research activities within the faculty is demonstrated by

the results obtained by the students during the enrolment and by the value of the qualification

obtained when inserted on the labour market.

The students’ promovability has a high rate, exceeding the compulsory requirements of

40%. The professional results obtained during tuition are attested by the transcript of records,

currently known as diploma supplement, established and issued in compliance with the

legislation in force. At the same time, at Spiru Haret University, the promotion procedure of

the students from one study year to the following is regulated according to the accumulated

study credits (ECTS).

The students’ transfer between the higher education institutions, between faculties and

majors (regulated by the University Senate) does not take place during the academic year.

The degree examination for the graduates of the Faculty of Architecture is organised in

the summer session (June- July) and the winter session (February) at the headquarters in

13, Ion Ghica str., Bucharest, in accordance with the provisions of the Degree

examination organisation and evaluation Regulations, approved by the Spiru Haret

University Senate.

The issuance of the Master of Arts diploma, the Study Certificates and the Transcript of

records (diploma supplements) takes place according to the procedures approved by the

Spiru Haret University Senate, in compliance with the legislation in force. The results of the

learning obviously emerge from the data on the promotion of the undergraduate examination.

The graduates of our faculty with a Master of Arts degree currently work in the most diverse

environments. The random statistics show most of the graduates work in design companies in

Bucharest and in the country.

A continuous preoccupation of the faculty management is dimensioning the study

formations (series, groups, workshop sub-groups) so that it ensures the efficient

development of the educational process. As resulting from the Teaching activities schedule of

the faculty and from the Consultations Schedule, there is the possibility of normally

developing the educational process, in compliance with the legal standards in force.

In the Faculty of Architecture, a member of the Faculty, established at the beginning of the

academic year and who is not changed until the end of the academic year, is the supervisor of

each study year. The attributes, competences and responsibilities of the year supervisors are

established by the Faculty Council, and their main task is to provide student counselling, for

the best development of their teaching activity, as well as for the support of the

extracurricular activities. .

The Students are represented in the Structures of the Faculty of Architecture by

participation in the Faculty Council (3 students).

In order to know how the students appreciate the quality of the learning environment offered

by Spiru Haret University, in general, and by the Faculty of Architecture, in particular, the

Faculty Council, with the help of the Quality Commission, periodically runs surveys.

Until now, the surveys highlight a positive global appreciation of the learning environment

quality offered by the Faculty of Architecture. Therefore, over 90% of the respondents (of the

last survey) appreciate positively the quality of the learning-development environment offered

by the Faculty of Architecture- Spiru Haret University.

Scholarships and other material support for the students. Students are very important to

Spiru Haret University, both their professional activities as well as the extracurricular ones.

To this purpose, the University and the Faculty of Architecture encourages the competition,

also by awarding merit scholarships to the students obtaining an annual average above 9.50 at

the examination sessions. Therefore, within the University, there is a Statute for awarding

merit scholarship, applied coherently.

Except for the merit scholarships, Spiru Haret University practices other means of material

support, such as: a 30% discount for the purchase of the textbooks and teaching materials

elaborated by our own Faculty and printed at the Romania de Maine Foundation Publishing

House, a 30% discount for food served in our own canteens, accommodation in the

university’s dormitories, free access to the Sports Club in Bucharest, etc. Implicitly, the

students at our Faculty benefit from these facilities.

e. Material resources

The teaching activity of the Faculty of Architecture takes place at the own location of Spiru

Haret University on 13, Ion Ghica Street.

The financial resources are managed efficiently in order to offer the students and the

employees all the study, research and academic conditions at the highest standards.

The library of the Faculty includes valuable holdings, over 1000 titles in over 1900 books-

treatises, monographs, manuals, academic courses and specialist periodicals. The library has

two reading halls, one has 60 seats and the other has 32 seats. The students have Internet

access to the virtual catalogue of the Library.

The book exchanges generally take place with the Central University. The access to the

specialist literature in Romanian and international circulation languages (books, textbooks,

periodicals) is also facilitated by the agreement between Spiru Haret University and the

National Library of Romania.

In order to provide high- level teaching and research processes, the faculty has access to the

Romania de Maine Foundation academic and cultural television broadcast, TvRM, where the

students may watch academic lectures, synthesis, conferences and cultural programmes.

Romania de Maine Foundation and Spiru Haret University have their own modern Publishing

House, with the latest digital typography unit and desktop publishing laboratory.

The Faculty have elaborated the courses, textbooks, synthesis and projects in the Curriculum

for each subject, which have been published and are posted on the Faculty’s website.

The university offers the students special accommodation conditions, meals, entertainment, as

well as the facilities for sports and cultural activities, within the dormitories, the multi-

functional Club, the Sports complex, which includes: stadium with a capacity of 10.000 seats,

football fields, tennis, volleyball, handball, basketball courts.

External collaboration

The Faculty of Architecture of „Spiru Haret” University is the only private education

institution in Romania, member of the European Association for Architectural Education. The

Faculty organised a series of scientific events, which hosted internationally recognised

architects– Elia Zenghelis, Valerio Olgiati, Richard England, Ueli Brauen, Doris Walchli,

Patrick Gartmann.

Within the ERASMUS programme, bilateral agreements have been signed with European

Architecture Faculties, which confer both the students and the members of the Faculty the

possibility to undergo study internships, teaching terms or to participate in curricular

implementation common projects.

The teaching personnel at the Faculty of Architecture, Spiru Haret University have

participated and still participate in national scientific events, international educational events,

which ensure the visibility of the Faculty of Architecture at Spiru Haret University in the

European and international educational space.

f. Action directions

In order to fulfil its mission, the Faculty of Architecture established the following

objectives:

- Permanently modernising the educational process, by improving the academic

study programmes, in close correlation to the progress of the knowledge based

society and according to the economic and social life requirements;

- Assuming the quality principle in the entire activity of the Faculty;

- Developing the research activity, by active implication of the Faculty and students

and signing partnerships in the field with faculties, research institutes, economic,

social and cultural units, etc., in the country and abroad;

- Self evaluating /periodically evaluating the teaching and research activities, taking

into consideration the standards and performance indicators ensuring the quality of

the educational process and of the research;

- Promoting and developing the national and international mobility programmes of

the students and academic personnel;

- Educating the students in the spirit of the respect for the fundamental human rights

and liberties, dignity, mutual understanding, tolerance and collaboration;

- Asserting the scientific performances of the Faculty and students nationally and

internationally;

- Maintaining the professional and scientific relations with the Faculty’s alumni.

In order to fulfil the above-mentioned objectives at the Faculty of Architecture, all the

premises for providing the students the theoretical and practical abilities necessary to allow

the graduates to successfully face the complex issues they will encounter at the work place

are created.

The strategic option of the Faculty of Architecture is its orientation towards the future

and the student centred education, to this aim the dynamic, quality education is promoted,

able to offer the future graduates the habit of improving their specialist work that could allow

the capitalisation on their capabilities and skills. The students have the possibility to obtain

internationally recognised certificates for their communication abilities and digital

competences.

Interdisciplinarity is also promoted, regarding the development of the educational process and

research, as well as the capitalisation on the newest scientific contributions in the field.

3. OTHER INFORMATION

a. The ECTS transfer of credits – Procedure for the equivalency of the grades

received by ERASMUS students of the Faculty of Architecture of ‘Spiru Haret’

University

II. The current procedure has been drafted in accordance with the following normative

documents: Methodology of recognizing the abroad studies (Decree 3223 on February 8,

published in the Official Gazette 118 on February 16, 2012 - M. Of. 118/2012) and the

Handbook of implementing the National System of study credits accumulation and transfer.

III. The recognition of the studies abroad carried out at the partner universities will take place

upon the filing of the official documents including the grades with the Erasmus Department of

the University. These documents are as such:

- The Learning Agreement, signed by the Department Director and the Coordinator of

the institution – the host university and the home university;

- The Transcript of Records to confirm the grades and the credit points (accompanied

by an additional document with copies of the Course descriptions)

- The Certificate of Attendance issued by the host university that confirms the

completion of the Erasmus mobility, the exact duration of the studies and the

performance of all the activities includeed in the Learning Agreement.

a. The recognition of the studies is based on the Learning Agreement, equivalent with the

one mentioned by the document issued by the host university. (Certificate of

Attendance)

b. The requirement for the recognition of the studies abroad is the existence of a similar

load of 30 credits for a semester or 60 credits for an entire academic year.

c. There will be considered eligible the subjects included in the Curriculum of the partner

universities, completed with an evaluation in grades and a number of credits.

d. The calculation procedure to be used is the following:

There will be listed the subjects and the corresponding number of credits (the average

will take into consideration only the evaluated subjects).

The equivalency of the grades with the number of credits will be done in accordance

with the ERASMUS official chart, published and made public in the ‘ECTS – the

European system of the transferable credits’ brochure – a handbook of good practices,

with the such correspondencies – A:10, B:9, C:7-8, D:6, E:5, FX:4, F:1-3. In order to

have the final value, there will be consulted the equivalency chart of the grades in the

Decree 3223 on February 8, published in the Official Gazette, issue number 118 on

February 16, 2012.

The ECTS credit system (associated to the local grading system) is a priority in

establishing the value of the grades.

When the local grading or the ECTS system allows the assignation of two values, the

value of the grade will be established to favor the student.

The calculation of the semestrial average is proportionate with the number of credits

pertinent to every subject.

b. Access to the virtual library

The teaching / learning materials for all the subjects covered in the curriculum are available

either in print or in the Virtual Library – on the faculty website. The students have access to

the faculty library, the virtual library and to the USH television broadcasts, where they can

watch courses and syntheses. The access to the virtual library and the teaching broadcasts is

free of charge.

c. Final grade calculation

The evaluation of the knowledge acquired by students takes shape in 14-18 credits per

semester, which are awarded during the mid-terms for the practical works – projects, first

drafts, assessment projects, drawings*. The number of the assessment types and the

percentage of the credits will be mentioned in the curriculum and made public to the students

at the beginning of every academic year.

d. The development of checkups, colloquia and the like

for the subjects ‘Architecture design’, ‘Architecture syntheses, ‘Representations in

architecture’, ‘Specialty project’, ‘Elective project’

According to the current legal stipulations, the architecture education is of a vocational type,

which runs for a 6-year period, at the undergraduate and integrated master level. The subjects

of ‘Architecture design’, ‘Architecture syntheses’, ‘Representations in architecture’,

‘Specialty project’, ‘Elective project’ hold a major significance in the structure of the teaching

activities.

Handing in the practical works – projects, first drafts, assessment projects, drawings

The handing in of the practical works - projects, first drafts, assessment projects, drawings –

will take place on the date, at the time and in the room mentioned in the requirements. The

papers will be received by the teachers in charge with every group. The students will sign the

Delivery Form and mention the number of the drawing that have been handed in. The

Delivery Forms from every group will be filed at the same day with the class/subject

supervisor who will list the missing papers in the presence of the teacher who coordinates the

groups. The papers that have passed the deadline will be considered absent.

The same day, the class/subject supervisor will hand over the originals of the Delivery Forms

and of the Atelier teaching activity Forms from all the groups in that respective year of

study***.

The delivery of the practical works – projects, first draft, assessment projects, drawings –

cannot be postponed. The students who have not handed in the practical works and are

justified for 50% of their absences out of the time alloted for the non-handed practical works,

have two options:

- Assessment based on the activity during the atelier classes (attendance, number of

corrections reported as a percentage to the attendance time, the folders of drafts

with corrections, approved by the atelier coordinators);

- The redoing of the paper, according to the instructions included in the chapter

REDOING THE PRACTICAL WORKS – PROJECTS , FIRST DRAFTS,

ASSESSMENT PROJECTS, DRAWINGS** –

Assessment of the practical works - projects, first drafts, assessment projects, drawings

In order to be assessed, the practical works – projects, first drafts, the assessment projects,

drawings - need to meet the following criteria:

• A minimum 80% of attendance during the atelier classes

• The compliance with the number of corrections mentioned for each topic

• Agreement of all the data included in the designing topic (content, drawings, scale

models, the electronic format documents, scale, format, support, execution technique).

The frequency and the number of corrections are recorded by the teachers for every group in

the Atelier teaching activity Forms.

The assessment includes two stages and takes place during one week after the delivery date.

The Stage I is carried out by the group coordinators who will write down the Atelier grade,

derived from the evaluation of the delivered project and the activity during the atelier classes.

The Stage II is for the 1-3 commissions, appointed by the dean and overseen by the

year/subject supervisor, who will include at least one teacher from every group and lasts for

maximum 5 business days after the delivery date.

Every student will present his project and answer to the questions of the commission

members. The representative of the atelier in the commission will present the evaluation and

the Atelier grade. The commission members will grade all the projects in the Assessment

Forms, and the final average will come from the rounded average of all the grades, including

the Atelier grade. The students who will be absent from the presentation of their projects

will be downgraded, by taking two points off the assessment grade***.

The graded projects will be debated with the students in each group, during the first week

after recording them in the classbook.

The practical works – projects, first drafts, assessment projects, drawings - that do not

comply with the topic requirements will be graded with 1 (one).

The actions of plagiarism of the practical works - projects, first drafts, assessment projects,

drawings – as well as their drafting by another person than the student, are considered fraud,

which will be sanctioned in accordance with art 24 in the REGULATIONS concerning the

professional activity of the students in Spiru Haret University.

For the justified medical absences of over 50% out of the number of atelier classes, the

practical works can be redone in the following academic year, with no obligation of a

charge**.

The originals of the Atelier teaching activity Forms and of the Teaching Forms, which have

been filled out with the attendance, the number of corrections and grades, will be handed over

to the year supervisor – a copy of these documents will be kept on file. The grades will be

recorded in the classbooks and will have the signatures of the year/subject supervisors, in the

presence of the teachers of the groups/ateliers within a maximum one week since the

assessment date, in the commission.

The students have the duty to notify about any recording errors within maximum 3 days since

the date of posting the results. Any other later notifications, i.e. more than 10 business days

since the handing date of the practical works, will not be taken into account*.

Since the grading of the practical works - projects, first drafts, assessment projects, drawings

– derives from a collective assessment and the grades are final. No exam appeals are admitted

unless there are procedural flaws (incomplete panel, calculation error). Once graded, a paper

cannot be redone, irrespective of the reason.

Redoing the practical works - projects, first drafts, assessment projects, drawings

Starting with the class matriculated in the first year for the 2008-2009 academic year, the

students in the Ist, IInd, IIIrd and IVth will not be allowed to redo their failed practical works

during the same academic year of study. The students in the classes matriculated in the first

year before 2008 will not be allowed to redo their works they failed during the I-V years,

during the same academic year. These works can be redone in the following academic years,

for a fee that will be established by the University Senate, provided that the requirements are

complied with (topic related – content, attendance, number of corrections, deadline for

handing in) that are included in the curriculum of the academic year in progress*.

Starting with the class matriculated in the first year for the 2008-2009 academic year, the

students in the IVth year will be allowed to redo their failed practical works for the I-IV years

in the subjects of ‘Architecture designing’, ‘Representations in architecture’, ‘Specialty

project’, ‘Elective project’, as follows:

• During the semester II of the year in progress, a number of maximum 3 practical

works can be redone, which were failed during the semester I in the I-IV years

• During the session of fall projects recuperation stipulated for the running academic

year, a number of maximum 2 failed projects from the I-IV years can be redone

The students in the Vth year who did not pass all the projects (sem I and II) will be allowed to

redo these projects during the semester I in the VIth year. The students in the VIth year will

be allowed to redo the failed project in the semester I, in compliance with the structure of the

running academic year.***.

At the beginning of each academic year, the lists with the students with failed exams and the

projects to be redone in the above-mentioned subjects.

The scheduling of the students to redo their practical works, failed from the previous years at

the subjects above, will be done based on the request applications and of the invoices filed

with the Registrar’s Office of the Faculty within the first two weeks of each semester. The

distribution of the students into groups and supervisors will be carried out in dependence on

the topics of the failed projects **.

The recuperation of the first drafts and of the assessment projects will be scheduled in

conformity with the structure of the running academic year***.

The first drafts and the assessment projects will be allowed to be redone in the following

academic years, in exchange for a fee established by the University Senate.

It is possible to have regulations, decisions, additional resolutions of the Ministry of

Education, Research and Innovation for the University or the Faculty – that will be

posted on the notice boards and on the Faculty webpage – which is the equivalent of a

public and official notification of all the interested people.

The students are requested to carefully and constantly consult the notice boards and the

website of the Faculty of Architecture, so as they will not be allowed to invoke the

incognizance of any public announcement or a decision they have not taken notice of.

THE REGULATION OF ASSESSMENT AND PASS of the activity in the subjects above

was approved during the meeting of the Senate of Spiru Haret University on September 23,

2008 and completed and approved during the meetings of the Senate on September 23, 2009

and September 29, 2010 and of the Board of the Faculty of Architecture on June 13, 2013.

The Regulation will be made public to the students by posting it on the notice board of the

Faculty of Architecture and on the Faculty website.

e. Practicum

The practicum sessions are stipulated for every academic year. For the I-V years of study,

they will last for two weeks and are meant to capitalize and complete the knowledge acquired

by the students and it is granted two credits. The topics and the supervisors are established, on

a yearly basis, by the Board of the Department of Architecture. The session will end with an

assessment of the folder presented by the student, made by a panel comprising the practicum

supervisors.

The VIth year will include a design practicum of 10 weeks, resulting in 280 hours and 10

creddits. The design practicum takes place in accordance with Practicum Conventions, in

architecture offices, under the supervision of an architect who has the right of signature. The

practicum supervisor (the architect with the right of signature) will assess the activity of the

student and recommend a grade for the activity.

At the end of the practicum session, the student will present a folder with the projects done in

the architecture office. All the projects will be signed and stamped by the architect with the

right of signature who supervised the professional practicum.

The grade will be granted by the Board that is elected yearly, while taking into consideration

the folder and the grade given by the supervising architect.

f. Drawing the Graduation Thesis

1. General data

Test I: the assessment of the fundamental and specialty knowledge:

1. defense of a practical work (prediploma) – a study of consolidating certain solutions

recommended by the candidate for the diploma project, on the topic mutually agreed on with

the supervising teacher.

2. defense of a theoretical work (dissertation) – a theoretical paper of architectural analysis

and review.

Test II : the assessment of the diploma project

1. defense of a practical work (diploma) – a project of the student, completed under the

supervision of a teacher, in compliance with the recommendations formulated by the Board of

Assessment and Examination.

2. Elaborating the theoretical paper (Dissertation)

The topic of the theoretical paper will be agreed on by the student and the supervising

teacher.

As a fact, the topics to be approached can be:

- The analysis of the contemporary evolution of the architecture program under

study

- A historic study (for the projects of expansion – refunctionalization of certain

buildings of an architectura value)

- Theoretical issues related to the use of materials, color, light in architecture

- Issues concerning the form-structure-architectural expression relation

- Monographies of the contemporary architects

The theoretical paper (dissertation) will include the following:

1. The title of the paper

2. The content and the plan of the paper

3. The text itself (20 - 30 pages, written at 1.5)

3. References

4. The source of the photos/images

The plan reflects, in a concise formulation, the structure of the paper, and it is assessed in

terms of clarity, balance among the elements and the relevance of the topics.

The text itself will develop the plan of ideas. As for the content, the architectural

component will be taken into account, the complex issues, resulting from the

multidisciplinary nature of the field under study, falling into the theory of architecture. The

text will present the relevant theoretical approaches (as seen in the reference titles) and the

perspective of the author, based on the analysis of the material of study. The quotes will show

in the text between inverted commas and in footnotes that will provide information about the

author, paper, edition and page. For the citations from the books that are not translated into

Romanian, the original quote is required. There will be indications about the source of

theories and ideas presented with footnotes, along with the names of authors, or within

brackets in the text.

The illustrations will be accompanied by the totality of the relevant data for the topic (the title,

location, author).

The references will be compiled in accordance with the criteria that are relevant in the field

and the level of topicality.

3. Elaborating the practical paper (Prediploma)

The purpose of the PRACTICAL PAPER is to elaborate on the project concept. As for

the selection of the topic, it is mandatory to have a high level of complexity. This will not

result from the functional complexity or the dimension of the architecture object, the

quality in the approach of the problematic related to the framing into the natural or built

site of the sustenability elements, of the architectural expression, which are key concepts

in a good prediploma.

The practical paper comprises the following:

Presentation Report of the diploma project - the following paragraphs are mandatory:

the topic opportunity, the location and the framing into the site (focusing on the relation

with the built or natural environment), general concept, space and functional organization.

The Folder will include A2 format sheets of paper.

The cover will show the name of the student and of the supervising teacher.

The Folder will have the minimum content:

The statement presentation will reflect, in a graphical manner, the critical review of the

topic data ‘the method of generating the space and concept model for the future project

and the evolution of the study’ – including drafts and diagrams.

The urbanistic plan of the area or in detail will be drafted after the consultation with the

urbanism experts, at the scales requested by the topic importance and will compulsorily

include drafts of the objects framed in the site.

The plans, sections, developments will be presented at the scale resulted from the

complexity of the topic – mutually agreed on with the supervising teacher – so as to

highlight the architectural intentions of the student.

The technical and economic data will support the topic opportunity, while presenting

the real situation that has generated the necessity of the project.

The site scale model – it is a study scale model at the scale adjusted to the intervention

(1/1000, 1/2000, 1/5000). Its main purpose is to reflect the implications of the presence of

the suggested object at the site.

Other materials that will contribute to a better understanding of the project can be the

volume meters, exterior and/or interior perspectives, studies of color, etc.

4. Elaborating the Diploma project

The project will develop and improve the concept derived from the consolidation study

(prediploma), as it needs to respond to the observations made by the prediploma board.

The spread area of the drawn papers will be of 8-12 sqm; they will be displayed on 3

boards (180x240), to which another one will be added, for the prediploma.

The presentation techniques, on either tracing paper or paper, are at the choice of the

student.

The handing of the diploma project will take place on the already established date, inside

of a carton tube of 90 cm in length and max 12 cm in diameter, which will have the

following data: the title of the paper, the name of the candidate and of the supervisor, the

academic year. It is mandatory to also deliver a CD (electronic format) to contain the

diploma as JPG files, in the same format with the originals, along with a text of

presentation of the paper content, the title, the author and the supervisor.

The minimum content of the diploma project will be the following:

1. The statement presentation of the diploma project – will have the following

paragraphs: The project will develop and improve the concept resulted from the

consolidation study (prediploma), as it has to respond to the observations made by the

prediploma board; location and framing into site (focusing on the relation with the

built or natural environment), general concept, the space and functional organization,

architectural expression, the structure, the construction materials and finishing works,

installations. The significance of the sub-chapters is given by the topic.

2. The site plan - 1/500, 1/1000, etc; - completes the drafts of the prediploma project

and includes the vicinities, beside the development of the land under study. The site

plan will be thus presented to justify and support the chosen solution, while indicating

the access points, the cardinal points, the land declivity, the location of the buildings in

the neighborhood – including the ones on the opposite side of the adjacent streets – for

the built site; the significant elements of the natural landscape, for the natural sites.

3. All the various plans, frontal sides and the characteristic sections - 1/50,1/100,

1/200,1/500 depending on the project dimension. The presentation scale is agreed on

with the supervisor and it differs according to the plan significance (for example, the

plan of the access plan at 1/100 scale, the basement plan at 1/200 scale). The

compliance with the scale is mandatory – no other graphical scales are admitted, save

for the specified ones. The sections will be thus selected that they will clarify the

organization of the project, thus reflecting the interior spatiality and the relations

between spaces, the connection with the exterior, the securement of the natural

lighting.

4. Plan detail of circa 200 sqm – in a significant area of the project - and a section of

this area, at the level of the plan of execution, scale of 1/50;

5. A detail of building and finishing - for the facade (or in an area that is

characteristic to the project) scale of 1/20; it will include the view of a span (with

primers), the section with a depth of minimum 50cm, horizontal sections (plansi) for

every of the different levels. There will be an indication of the construction and

finishing materials being used and also the position of the details that are about to be

pointed out at a large scale

6. Architecture details (including the solving of the issues of structures and

installations), scale of 1/5;

7. The scale model – this will be presented at a scale agreed on with the supervising

teacher, taking into considetaion that this is a scale model of an object (including the

land under study and the vicinities). In case there is a change from the prediploma in

the adopted volume solution, this will be displauyed in the site scale model.

8. Other materials that can contribute to a better understanding of the project: interior

and exterior perspectives that illustrate the plastic expression and the entire ambience,

explanatory diagrams, land through-sections, drawn papers (perspectives, road

frontage developments) that reflect the framing of the architecture object in the site.

The diploma project will have to reflect, in its level of details and the quality of the drawn

papers, the consoluidation of the initial study.

Appendix 1

Spiru Haret University – Bucharest

Faculty of Architecture

The legal framework for the operation of the Faculty of Architecture

The Faculty of Architecture has been authorised to function starting 1996 by

Government Resolution no. 225/04.04.1996, published in Romania’s Official Gazette

no. 95/10.05.1996 (Appendix II.1). By Act no. 443 of 5 July 2002, regarding the

accreditation of Spiru Haret University of Bucharest, published in Romania’s Official

Gazette no. 491 of 9 July 2002, Spiru Haret University is defined as „higher education

institution, legal person of private law and public utility, part of the national educational

system".

The Faculty of Architecture was accredited in 2007 by Government Resolution no

.676/18.07.2007 published in Romania’s Official Gazette no. 481/18.07.2007, with the

“Architecture” major, full-time studies, as a consequence of fulfilling the quality

standards included in the specific legislation in force. The accreditation has been

maintained, the rating being CONFIDENCE, according to the ARACIS Council

notification of 31.05.2012, for a period of five years, until 31.05.2017.

The Faculty of Architecture functions in compliance with the Education Act, respecting the

provisions of the Spiru Haret University Charter and the Internal Regulations. Starting

academic year 2005-2006, by virtue of the Bologna Charter, also signed by Spiru Haret

University, the provisions of ACT no. 288/2004 were applied, regarding the organisation of

the academic studies and the provisions of the Government Resolution no. 88/2005 of

10.02.2005 and 916 of 11.08. 2005, regarding the organisation of the Bachelor studies and

starting 10.02.2011 the provisions of the National Education Act 1/2011 have been applied.

Starting academic year 2005-2006, Romania adopted the new organisation of higher

education (Bachelor, Master programme, PhD). According to the principles of the Magna

Charta Universitatum and the European regulations, the teaching activity of the Faculty of

Architecture is structured as an integrate system – undergraduate and Master programme, with

a duration of 6 years, totalising 360 transferable credits. The bachelor degree study

programme, ARCHITECTURE major, is functioning based on the field list for the bachelor

studies appendix to the Government Resolution no. 769/2006 regarding the Bachelor studies

organisation and the approval of the fields and majors list, as well as the Government

Resolutions 676/2007 and 943/2009.

Appendix 2

Spiru Haret University – Bucharest

Faculty of Architecture

Methodology for the admission to the undergraduate programme

FOR THE 2016 – 2017 ACADEMIC YEAR

In compliance with the provisions of the National Education Act no. 1/2011,

In compliance with the provisions of Act no. 288/2004 the higher education organisation,

Pursuant to the O.M.E.C.T.S. provisions no. 3313/23.02.2012 regarding the general

framework for the organisation and development of the admission to the undergraduate,

Master and PhD studies for academic year 2012–2013,

In compliance with the provisions included in the Spiru Haret University Charter,

According to the provisions included in the Methodology regarding the general framework for

the organisation and development of the admission to the undergraduate studies for the

academic year 2015-2016.

The Council of the Faculty of Architecture of Spiru Haret University approves the following

Methodology regarding the organisation and development of the admission to the

ARCHITECTURE undergraduate + Master integrated programme.

I. ORGANISING THE ADMISSION

Art. 1 The admission to academic year 2016-2017 is organised for the ARCHITECTURE

undergraduate + Master integrated programme.

Art. 2 For academic year 2016-2017, the admission for the ARCHITECTURE-

undergraduate + Master integrated programme takes place in August 2016. In case there

are still vacancies, another admission session will be organised in September 2016.

Art. 3 The necessary documents and requirements for enrolment, including the number of

student places, will be made public to the applicants by mass-media, brochures, and display at

the Faculty's headquarters and website.

Art. 4 (1) For the proper development of the admission examination, an admission

commission is formed, consisting of 3 members of the teaching personnel assigned by the

Dean and approved by the Faculty Council.

(2) The appointment of the admission and exam appeal commissions is made by the

Spiru Haret University Rector's decision.

II. THE CANDIDATES

Art. 5 The candidates fulfilling the requirements specified in the Methodology regarding the

general organisation and development framework for the admission to the MA studies for the

academic year 2016-2017, approved by Spiru Haret University Senate may register for

admission to higher education, Architecture undergraduate + Master integrated programme.

Art. 6 The Documents necessary for the admission registration, the registration fee and

the necessary conditions for admission fee exemption are specified in the Methodology

regarding the organisation and development framework of the admission to the MA studies for

academic year 2016-2017 approved by the Senate of Spiru Haret University.

Art. 7 The registration and admission take place at the headquarters of the Faculty of

Architecture, Spiru Haret University, in Bucharest, Str. Ion Ghica no. 13, Sector 3.

Art. 8 For each candidate registered for admission, the Faculty will collect the data included

in Appendix no. 2, which is part of the Methodology.

III. THE DEVELOPMENT AND RESULTS OF THE ADMISSION

Art. 9 (1) Admission to the 1st year to the Faculty of Architecture, Architecture major,

integrated Bachelor and Master system, has two stages:

STAGE 1

PRACTICAL TEST to assess the vocational skills specific to the architect activity- spatial

perception, imagination, specialty knowledge.

STAGE 2

INTERVIEW

(1) At the interview, the candidate may optionally bring a portfolio with various personal

works. The portfolio will be kept in the candidate’s file, along with the results of the

practical test.

Both tests will be evaluated with distinct scores, with an equal weight in the calculation of

the admission average. The minimum general admission average for the Architecture

major is 6 (six).

(2) Each candidate registered for admission will fill in the questionnaire with the required

data for the Academic Record, Appendix no. 2, which is part of the present Methodology.

(3) The questionnaire is signed by the admission commission.

(4) The selection of the candidates will be made according to the results following the

two stages of the admission examination. The decision between candidates who get the

same score will be made considering the score to the practical examination. If there still is

a tie, the score obtained at the Baccalaureate examination will be considered.

(5) The results of the admission are displayed at the Faculty headquarters and on the web

page in maximum 48 hours after the admission process ends.

(6) A candidate may be admitted and registered as student for maximum two study

programme at the same time, regardless of the education institutions offering them.

(7) The Faculty has the obligation to unconditionally return the files to the candidates

declared failed or the ones who give up their student place, after the display of the final

results, in maximum 48 hours since the request has been submitted.

(8) Should a candidate give up his/ her student status (by withdrawing the registration file

or by failure to appear until the enrolment due date according to the Regulation regarding

the professional activity of the students approved by Spiru Haret University Senate), the

student place is occupied according to the scores.

Art. 11 (1) The registration of the candidates declared admitted is made by decision of the

Spiru Haret University Rector.

(2) After the matriculation approval the students are registered in the Academic Record,

having a unique number, valid for the entire schooling period for the major/ study

programme they have been admitted to.

Appendix 3

Spiru Haret University – Bucharest

Faculty of Architecture

Curriculum

Appendix 4

Spiru Haret University – Bucharest

Faculty of Architecture

Syllabi

Appendix 5

Spiru Haret University – Bucharest

Faculty of Architecture

REGULATIONS

ON THE ORGANIZATION AND DEVELOPMENTOF THE DEGREE EX AM

1. GENERAL DATA

1.1 In accordance with the relevant regulations concerning the general framework of the

organization of the degree diploma exams in higher education – graduation exams, bachelor,

degree, dissertation, the completion of the studies at ‘Spiru Haret’ University, Faculty of

Architecture is valid via a degree examination, complying with the stipulations included in

Chapter VI in the Regulations concerning the professional activity of the students at ‘Spiru

Haret’ University.

The degree examination has two exam sessions scheduled (summer and winter). Each

session includes two tests that are defended in a public presentation:

Test I: the assessment of the fundamental and specialty knowledge:

1. Defense of a practical project (prediploma) – a consolidation study of a solution

recommended by the student, on a topic mutually agreed with the supervising teacher.

2. Defense of a theoretical project (dissertation) – a theoretical paper of analysis and

review, in line with the topic chosen for the degree project.

Test II : the assessment of the degree project

1. Defense of a practical project (diploma) – a complete project dvised by the candidate,

under the coordination of the supervising teacher, in compliance with the

recommendations drafted by the Examination Board, whose structure is established in a

Decision issued by the Rector of ‘Spiru Haret’ University prior to the Test I – prediploma.

1.2. Degree examination registration requirements:

The eligible candidates for the degree examination are the ones who have met all the school

conditions for the I-VI years (graduates of the ‘Spiru Haret’ University, Faculty of

Architecture ).

At the time of registration, they will file the certificate of linguistic competence issued by

authorized institutions, according to the current legal stipulations, which is a requirement for

the degree examination registration.

1.3. An Examination Board, whose structure is established in a Decision issued by the

President and Rector of ‘Spiru Haret’ University, will oversee the degree examination.

During that examination, the students will present a summary of their projects in front of

the Examination Board.

1.4. The students who accumulated 360 credits during the I – IV years of study and passed

the degree examination, earning 10 credits, are awarded the ARHITECT title.

1.5. The students who earned a number of 360 credits during the I-VI years of study and have

not graduated the degree examination, will be granted the title of ‘graduate without

degree examination diploma’. The later examination for the degree will comply with

the legal stipulations relevant for the respective academic year.

2. THE CONTENT OF THE DEGREE EXAMINATION:

2.1. THE CONTENT OF THE THEORETICL PAPER (DISSERTAT ION)

The theoretical paper (dissertation) will include the following:

1. The title of the paper

2. The contents and the plan of the paper

3. The body of the paper : 9000-10000 words (20 - 30 pages, one and a half space)

3. References

2.2. THE ASSESSMENT OF THE THEORETICAL PAPER (DISSERTATION)

Every paper will be browsed through by two readers, members of the Board approved by the

Decision issued by the Rector. The readers will make comments on the paper. Every paper

and the comments will be presented to the Board prior to the student’s defense.

The assessment will take into consideration the following :

- The quality of the plan of ideas

- The coherence between the content of the theoretical study and the topic of the diploma

paper

- The quality of the references and its topicality

- The development of the plan of ideas in the paper.

The final grade of the theoretical paper (dissertation) is a mathematical average of the grades

given by the Board members, with two decimals, no rounding.

2.3. THE (MINIMUM) CONTENT OF THE PRACTICAL PAPER ( PREDIPLOMA)

The purpose of the PRACTICAL PAPER - a validation study – is to devise the concept of the

project. The minimum content of the prediploma is as follows:

1. The review of the topic data, including site analysis, which triggers the selection of the

certain space and conceptual model for the future project.

2. A regional or in detail urbanistic plan – at the scales required by the topic range.

3. Conceptual outlines providing drafts and diagrams in a graphic form of the ideas

coming from the review of the topic data and of the analysis of the site features.

4. Plans, sections, developments at a scale derived from the complexity of the selected

topic, so as to highlight the architectural purpose of the candidate.

5. Technical and economic data.

6. The site scale model – at the scale adjusted to the project (1/1000, 1/2000, 1/5000).

7. Other accessories to help to a better understanding of the project.

The project elaboration is carried out on a A2 format paper, put together in a folder. The

names of the students and of the supervising teacher will be written on the first cover. The

validation study (Prediploma) is part of the Diploma Degree Paper and will be included,

following the discussion with the Prediploma Board, in the final presentation of the Diploma

Degree Paper.

The final grade of the Practical Paper (Prediploma) is a mathematical average of the grades

given by the Board members, with two decimals, no rounding.

The final grade of Test I (Dissertation and Prediploma) is a mathematical average of the

grades given by the Board members for the theoretical and practical projects, with two

decimals, no rounding.

2.4. THE (MINIMUM) CONTENT OF THE DIPLOMA DEGREE PA PER

The project needs to develop the concept derived from the validation study (prediploma). The

minimum parts are as follows :

1. Project description

2. The concept board – to reflect how the space and concept model has been initiated and

the study dynamics

3. The site plan – at a scale adjusted to the magnitude of the project ( 1/500, 1/1000, etc)

4. All the different plans, relevant frontages and sections - 1/50,1/100, 1/200, depending

on the project magnitude

5. A plan detail of circa 200 sqm – from a significant area of the project - and a section

of that area, drawn at the level of the project, the scale of 1/50;

6. A building and finishing detail for a significant span in the project, scale of 1/20;

7. Architecture details (including the solution for the problems of structures and

installations), scale of 1/5;

8. Eye-level perspectives - interior and exterior

9. The scale model

10. Other materials to contribute to a better understanding of the project

11. The original of the prediploma

The content of the project and the scale of the drawn pieces will be agreed upon by

discussions with the supervising teacher, in consideration to the complexity and magnitude of

the project.

3. DRAFTING, ELABORATION and DELIVERY OF THE DEGREE DIPLOMA

PROJECT

The unfolded surface area of the drawings will be 8-12 sqm ; they will be displayed on 2-3

boards (180x240), to which another board will be added, for the prediploma ; the degree

diploma project drawings will be in an A1 format (597x841).

The presentation techniques, either on tracing paper or paper, depend on the option of the

students.

The delivery of the degree diploma project will take place within the deadline made

known in the academic schedule. What will be delivered?

1. The printed project - in a carton tube of 90 cm in length and maximum 12 cm

in diameter, bought by the student, which will have the following written: the title of the

project, the names of the student and of the supervising teacher, the academic year.

2. The project in a digital format: a CD or a DVD that will have a full version of

the project, in JPG files, in a similar format with the originals. The title of the files will

clearly define the content of the drawing. The CD will have written on it the name of the

project, the student’s, the supervising teacher’s and the examination date.

The purchase of all the materials for the drafting and elaboration of the degree diploma is the

responsibility of the students.

It is not allowed a later delivery of drawings to complete the project. The delivery of the

diploma projects in the original and in the JPG copy, after the defense of the paper, to the

university archive, is a prerequisite for the issuance of the Diploma of Architect.

The project grade is a mathematical average of the Board members grades, with two

decimals, no rounding.

4. THE ASSESSMENT IN THE DEGREE DIPLOMA EXAMINATIO N

The passing of the degree diploma examination represents the earning of 10 credits, thus

distributed:

TEST 1 – Theoretical paper (dissertation) and the Practical project (prediploma) - 5 credits

The minimum passing grade for each subject within TEST 1 (dissertation and prediploma) is

5 (FIVE), which gives 5 credits. The passing of the TEST 1 is a requirement for taking the

TEST 2.

TEST 2 – Degree Diploma Project - 5 credits

The final grade will be calculated with two decimals, no rounding, as such:

[(dissertation grade + prediploma grade)/2 + (degree diploma project)]/2

The graduation average for the I-VI years of study that will be recorded in the Supplement to

Diploma (the academic records) is the mathematical average of the grades in each year of

study.

The minimum passing grade for the degree diploma examination and, therefore, for obtaining

the 10 credits, is 6 (SIX).

The grades given during the degree diploma examination tests will be valid for six

consecutive examinations only, provided that the initial topic has been preserved. Should the

topic is changes, the entire diploma project will be redone. Similarly, the foreign language

test will be valid for six consecutive examinations only.

In case of failing the examination, by not receiving the minimum grade of 6 (SIX), the TEST

2 – diploma draft - will be repeated, provided that the initial topic is maintained. Should the

topic is changed, the exam will be started anew.

The repeat of the TEST 2 – diploma draft, the integral perfromance of the degree diploma

examination, as well as the defense of the paper in a session at a later date than the first two

consecutive sessions, involves the payment of the tuition fee approved by the University

Senate.

The grades received during the dissertation presentation, the pre-diploma and the diploma

draft will be made public at the end of each day of testing.

The possible complaints regarding the results of a test will be filed with the Registrar’s Office

within 24 hours since the notification of the grades and be solved within 48 hours since the

last filing by another commission, whose structure is established by the Decision of the USH

President and Rector. The result will be final.

5. FINAL REGULATIONS

5.1. The registration for the diploma exam involves filing the registration form before the

deadline already scheduled. The registration process will have to be directly approved by the

professors, associate professors and lectors accredited for the supervision of the diploma

papers.

The Faculty’s Registrar’s Office will publish the list of the academia one month prior to

the examination session. The same list will include the name of the academia who can be

consulted for the theoretical paper. The number of the students for each supervisor is

established annually by the Senate Office.

5.2. The supervision for the diploma exam is mandatory and will be carried out by a distinct

main supervisor among the Faculty academia, both for the dissertation and for the diploma

project (pre-diploma and the diploma). The defense of the diploma project (pre-diploma and

diploma) and of the dissertation are conditioned by the written recommendation of the main

supervisor, drafted one week prior to the start of the examination period.

The students can also opt for supervision in co-tutorship, with other teachers of the Faculty,

when the study implies a pluridisciplinary approach.

The appointment of the supervisors in co-tutorship will be done when the topic for the

diploma paper is agreed on – at the recommendation of the main supervisor.

5.3. The list of the graduates who are about to defend their diploma project will be made

public by the Faculty Registrar’s Office, based on the report made on the date of handing in

the project, confirmed by the supervisor on the filing date of the projects.

5.4. The diploma projects that have been rejected by the main supervisor (the ones with no

favorable recommendation), cannot be defended before the commission, and the candidate

will be considered absent.

5.5. The schedule of the diploma examinations will be set up and made known via the Dean’s

Office of the Faculty of Architecture until the end of the month of November of the year prior

to the one when the examination takes place.

5.6. The graduates who have not defended their paper or passed the exam can be given, per

request, a graduation higher education diploma, without the Bachelor’s Degree Diploma,

along with a certificate to prove the dates of study, issued by ‘Spiru Haret’ University.

5.7. The diploma project, in the original and in its entirety, confirmed by the document signed

by the candidate and the Archivist, will be filed with the USH Archives – as it is a document

subject to the Archive Regulations and is a prerequisite for the issuance of the Degree

Diploma.

5.8. The degree examination will be passed provided both tests receive passing grades,

according to the schedule of activities in the appendix, and the passing grade is minimum 6

(six).

5.9. The issuance of the diplomas and of the supplement to diploma will take place 10 months

after taking and passing the degree examination. Within this interval, the equivalent is a

temporary certificate issued by the University Registrar’s Office.

The current REGULATIONS OF THE DEGREE EXAMINATION ORGANIZATION

AND EVALUATION will become effective starting with the 2015-2016 academic year.