COURSE INFORMATION Course Title: ARCHITECTURE IN CONTEXT

Code	Course Type	Regular Semester	Theory	Practice	Lab	Credits	ECTS
ARCH 477	C	6	3	0	0	3	6

Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature)	Dr. Ina Dervishi iosmani@epoka.edu.al
Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	Dr. Ina Dervishi iosmani@epoka.edu.al
Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	NA
Language:	English
Compulsory/Elective:	Elective
Study program: (the study for which this course is offered)	Integrated second cycle study program in Architecture (5 years)
Classroom and Meeting Time:	Thursday 14:30
Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours:	NA
Code of Ethics:	Code of Ethics of EPOKA University Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline"
Attendance Requirement:	N/A
Course Description:	The aim of the course is to raise student’s awareness on Context as a primordial generator of ideas and concepts in their design. Through navigation in Context, especially through Tirana city context the students should develop critical thinking for every architectural solution they do. The ultimate objective of the course is to find and show graphically seven uncompromising features of Tirana city context.
Course Objectives:	Students will be able to identify and experience the physiological relationships between architecture and the human body in such concepts as universal design and sensory experience. Students will be able to explore the User-Aware Design concept: pushing the boundaries of 'mainstream' products, services and environments to include as many people as possible. Use correct vocabulary and terminology relating to designing and building a barrier free environment Students will explore the Universal Design benefits to users, companies, organizations and society and read some case studies and examples. Students will evidence their understanding of these concepts through analyses of existing spaces for accessibility needs.

BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE

1	universal design
2	design for all
3	smartness principles

COURSE OUTLINE

Week	Topics
1	Introduction
2	Overview |Key concepts of Universal Design
3	Universal Design I
4	Universal Design II
5	Guest Lecturer
6	Assignment Presentation
7	MidTerm
8	Case Studies: Urban Space
9	Case Studies: Public Buildings
10	Case Studies: Housing
11	Overview of Albanian Law on Accessibility
12	Analysis of Urban Spaces in Albania
13	Analysis of Public Buildings in Albania
14	Analysis of Housing in Albania

Prerequisite(s):	NA
Textbook(s):	Universal Principles of Design. Lidwell | Holden | Butler Universal Design Handbook. Wolfgang F.E. Preiser | Korydon H. Smith Beautiful Barrier-Free. Cynthia Leibrock| James Evan Terry Beautiful Universal Design. Cynthia Leibrock |James Evan Terry
Additional Literature:
Laboratory Work:
Computer Usage:
Others:	No

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

1	Use correct vocabulary and terminology relating to designing and building a barrier free environment
2	Students will evidence their understanding of these concepts through analyses of existing spaces for accessibility needs.
3	Students will be able to identify and experience the physiological relationships between architecture and the human body in such concepts as universal design and sensory experience

COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES (Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution)

No	Program Competencies	Cont.
Integrated second cycle study program in Architecture (5 years) Program
1	Speaking and Writing Skills Ability to read, write, listen, and speak effectively
2	Critical Thinking Skills Ability to raise clear and precise questions, use abstract ideas to interpret information, consider diverse points of view, reach well-reasoned conclusions, and test them against relevant criteria and standards
3	Graphics Skills Ability to use appropriate representational media, including freehand drawing and computer technology, to convey essential formal elements at each stage of the programming and design process
4	Research Skills Ability to gather, assess, record, and apply relevant information in architectural course work
5	Formal Ordering Systems Understanding of the fundamentals of visual perception and the principles and systems of order that inform two- and three-dimensional design, architectural composition, and urban design
6	Fundamental Design Skills Ability to use basic architectural principles in the design of buildings, interior spaces, and sites
7	Collaborative Skills Ability to recognize the varied talent found in interdisciplinary design project teams in professional practice and work in collaboration with other students as members of a design team
8	International Traditions Understanding of the International architectural canons and traditions in architecture, landscape and urban design, as well as the climatic, technological, culture-economic, and other cultural factors that have shaped and sustained them
9	National and Regional Traditions Understanding of national traditions and the local regional heritage in architecture, landscape design and urban design, including the vernacular tradition
10	Use of Precedents Ability to incorporate relevant precedents into architecture and urban design projects
11	Conservation and Restoration of Historical Districts Knowledge on historical districts and the gain of conservation consciousness documentation of historical buildings and the understanding the techniques which are needed to prepare restoration projects.
12	Human Behavior Understanding of the theories and methods of inquiry that seek to clarify the relationship between human behavior and the physical environment
13	Human Diversity Understanding of the diverse needs, values, behavioral norms, physical ability, and social and spatial patterns that characterize different cultures and individuals and the implication of this diversity for the societal roles and responsibilities of architects

COURSE EVALUATION METHOD

Method	Quantity	Percentage
Presentation	1	20
Project	1	40
Case Study	1	25
Attendance		15
	Total Percent:	100%

ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)

Activities	Quantity	Duration(Hours)	Total Workload(Hours)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours)	16	3	48
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice)	16	3	48
Mid-terms	1	20	20
Assignments			0
Final examination	1	34	34
Other			0
Total Work Load:			150
Total Work Load/25(h):			6
ECTS Credit of the Course:			6

CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER

Course should be followed in at least 75 % of the lectures. Projects and active participation are of a crucial importance.