The selected student works at the Faculty of Architecture in 2001/2002 are the result of a joint work of our students and teachers. The main purpose of this selection is to present our academic study program based on modern and interdisciplinary aspirations to the Central European cultural circle. Our Faculty of architecture is the only higher educational institution for architectural education in Croatia. We are proud to emphasize that versatility, quality of education and the results achieved by our undergraduate students and graduates confirm the reputation of this institution, and are due both to the well-balanced curriculum as well as to our highly professional teaching staff. The Faculty also offers the study program in design as well as a range of postgraduate study programs in architecture, physical planning, urban planning, landscape architecture and architectural heritage and doctoral research study.
This selection presents student works throughout all nine semesters as well as graduation theses. Its aim is to present the identity of our school and its method of instruction. The selection is based primarily on the curriculum compatible with the curricula of most European schools of architecture. This catalogue was preceded by an exhibition of student projects in spring 2002.
The undergraduate program is divided among five departments whose courses are offered throughout all nine semesters; they focus on diverse skills and knowledge. The selected student works are arranged according to the departments and follow their order in the course of the study.
This selection shows student project assignments with all preliminary activities. Its purpose is to offer a thorough presentation of our institution. Besides individual characteristics of teaching methods, there is a cohesive force uniting all of them which may be characterized as ‘Zagreb school of architecture’. The architectural achievements of Zagreb architects Josip Pièman, Vladimir Turina and Ivan Vitiæ, characterized by an exceptional visual sensitivity following the tradition of Le Corbusier’s plastic expressivity, are deeply rooted in this institution and its educational profile. They reflect the spirit of the early 1920’s an refer to revolutionary works of neoplasticism and constructivism which are characterized by functionality, rationality and contextuality. In the 84 years the School has been following programs of other technical schools of Vienna, Zurich and Prague, it has reflected European trends in architectural education transforming them through the filter of ‘Zagreb school of architecture’.
The acquired architectural skills and knowledge of our students, evident in the manner of space organization and construction, are meant to be fused into a balanced harmonious blend of technical and artistic elements that are expected to reflect later in practical and theoretical professional engagement. Students acquire architectural education within the firm relations of functional, technical and design conditions. Our School is deeply rooted in a wider context and we have always tried to follow and preserve the ideal of all forward-looking academic institutions as places where architecture is contemplated liberally.
The first and second year foundation study program is supposed to provide students with basic technical skills and knowledge leading them gradually into cultural and pragmatic spheres being the backbone of the whole study. Studio work enables students to investigate fundamental architectural issues such as manipulation of structure and space.
These aspects are further developed throughout the intermediate level (3rd and 4th year) as well as the advanced study program in the 5th year. This is complemented with empirical aspects thus stimulating creative and intellectual response.
The advanced years of study focus on developing a creative process by means of recognizing the problems, understanding the situations, defining relationships, searching for solutions and imperative questioning the results.
Practical work is based on the curriculum that is permanently improved, updated and enriched with a range of elective courses. Additionally, the Faculty is actively engaged in organizing summer schools as well as fieldwork in order to heighten the awareness of design problems related to particular locations. The summer schools and workshops in the field are organized internationally and their results and ideas incorporated into regular teaching. Special attention is paid to cultural collaboration and the fact that architecture, as a collective artistic endeavour, requires collaboration of diverse experts and professionals.
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