Core Courses
Core Courses
These foundational courses are common across all specializations (Architecture & Environment, Heritage, Urban Morphology, etc.) and aim to build essential methodological, linguistic, and pedagogical skills for any PhD student in architecture.
1. English for Scientific Research
Objectives:
- Master architectural research vocabulary
- Express oneself orally and in writing at international conferences
- Write scientific articles
- Participate in international research projects
Content:
- General academic communication (presentations, abstracts, CVs)
- Scientific writing techniques (argumentation, citation, reformulation)
- Listening and interaction in specialized contexts
2. Architectural Research Methodology
Duration: 3 modules of 20h
Objectives:
- Understand the steps of scientific research
- Formulate a research question
- Master data analysis tools and software
Content:
- Epistemology and methodology in architecture
- Survey and observation techniques
- Use of SPSS and MODALISA software
- Structure of a research report or thesis
- Bibliographic standards (APA, Chicago, etc.)
3. Introduction to Pedagogy and Project-Based Teaching
Objectives:
- Introduce PhD students to teaching architectural design
- Understand and adopt the new LMD reforms
- Master pedagogical practices suited to architecture
Content:
- Theories of project-based learning
- The instructor's role in design studios
- Collaborative pedagogical methods
- Evaluation of student projects
4. Complementary Cross-disciplinary Courses (depending on the lab)
Courses may be offered depending on the host lab's research focus:
- Introduction to mapping and GIS for architecture
- Critical reading of foundational architectural texts
- History and theory of contemporary architecture
- Approaches to urban space (morphological analysis, use, perceptions)
Role of Core Courses
These courses form the backbone of doctoral training. They are designed to:
- Structure the student's scientific approach
- Promote research autonomy
- Develop communication and teaching skills
- Prepare for academic supervision or teaching
Advanced Topics
Advanced Topics
Specialization 1: Architecture and Environment
General Objective:
To deepen the understanding of the interactions between architecture, the natural and built environment, and the dynamics of sustainable development.
Advanced Conferences & Seminars
- Architecture and Environment for Sustainable Development
- ➤ Link between architectural choices and urban sustainability, resource management, biodiversity.
- Energy Transition in Buildings
- ➤ New environmental standards, energy efficiency, use of renewable energy in buildings.
- Bio-Inspired Design for Energy and Environment
- ➤ Nature-inspired approaches (forms, materials, systems) to enhance environmental performance.
- Biomimicry in Architecture: State, Methods, and Tools
- ➤ Biomimetic design methodologies, emerging technologies, and case studies.
- Ecological Transition Applied to Urban Spaces
- ➤ Public policies, ecological regulations, circular economy, and regenerative architecture.
Applied Research Workshops
The workshop is a central space for active learning, allowing PhD students to:
- Define and formalize their research problems
- Implement methodological tools (diagnosis, simulation, scenarios)
- Work across disciplines with other researchers and practitioners
- Test solutions applied to real-world cases (neighborhoods, buildings, urban projects)
Potential Workshop Themes:
- Environmental assessment of materials and construction systems
- Architectural design in extreme climate contexts (arid, tropical zones…)
- Sustainable rehabilitation of historic buildings
- Diagnosis and scenario building for eco-responsible urban planning
- Prototyping of experimental low-carbon architecture
Cross-Cutting Advanced Topics
Regardless of specialization, certain advanced topics are offered with a transdisciplinary perspective:
- Environmental quality of architectural projects: from design to operation
- Architecture's role in climate change adaptation policies
- Architecture and health: healthcare spaces, air quality, thermal comfort
- Architecture, data, and technology: energy modeling, GIS, environmental BIM
- Smart cities and sustainability: integrated strategies for future neighborhoods
Purpose of Advanced Topics
These modules aim to:
- Stimulate innovation in architectural research
- Anchor thesis work in current challenges (ecology, energy, society)
- Strengthen integration between theory, methodology, and practice
- Develop critical and project-oriented thinking for real or speculative projects