Phd in ARCHITETTURA E COSTRUZIONE DELLA CITTA'

For Academic Year 2024/25, within the framework of the first-year programme, which includes:

PhD candidates attended three common theoretical seminars and one design-oriented seminar, as well as one curriculum-specific seminar. The first seminar, Introduction to Research (divided into three sub-courses of 5 CFU each), includes lectures on research tools (definition of research structure, archival documentation, preparation of bibliographies at different levels of advancement, and understanding research evaluation processes). This is complemented by the theoretical seminar The Reasons for Research, aimed at focusing on research themes and methods. This constitutes a preparatory course for the knowledge of research methods common to the four curricula – A Architectural and Urban Design, B Valuation and Appraisal, C Urban Morphology, D Built Environment (25 CFU).

The lectures were delivered through the presentation of exempla, represented by the research work of individual members of the Academic Board. The work of the Board’s faculty is presented to PhD candidates through interpretative keys highlighting the methods, tools, and objectives of the research conducted.

In addition to these first two “permanent” seminars, a third theoretical seminar is offered, which changes every year. In 2024/25 it was dedicated to the theme Innovations. Within this seminar, PhD candidates attended theoretical lectures by members of the Academic Board and, at their conclusion, as a first writing exercise, produced an essay (18,000 characters including spaces) on a topic identified within the seminar and approved by the Academic Board. Innovations was conceived as a theoretical seminar investigating the different interpretations of innovation in architecture. The seminar envisages dialogue among different disciplinary fields on the forms and meanings of innovation, also through engagement with figures external to academia who contribute stimulating perspectives.

The design seminar ROME. Prenestino Area and Urban Transformation began in October 2024 and runs throughout the entire academic year. It is divided into thematic lectures delivered not only by members of the Academic Board but also by Italian and international experts. PhD candidates, divided into small mixed-cycle groups, carried out – under the guidance of selected Board members – an initial project briefing exercise, followed by the development of a specific design proposal on the assigned theme in collaboration with their tutors.

The outcomes of both the theoretical and design seminars will be published.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE TEACHING AND RESEARCH STRUCTURE – FIRST YEAR

The first-year teaching programme of the PhD in Architecture and Construction aims to equip PhD candidates with the tools necessary for study and research in architectural design.

At the beginning of the academic year, lectures and seminars commenced through which PhD candidates acquired the foundations of doctoral research and studies. This experience is twofold: on the one hand, candidates begin to master the operational tools required to conduct research; on the other, they are guided in identifying research themes and their possible theoretical and operational articulations that characterise architectural research.

The themes of the theoretical and design seminars are renewed annually and are discussed and defined by the Academic Board.

At the conclusion of the seminar cycle, each PhD candidate is required to present their research to the working group, followed by discussion with the entire Academic Board.

LIST OF COURSES AND CREDIT ALLOCATION*

Advanced Institutional Courses

These consist of cycles of lectures preparatory to the research activities to be conducted by PhD candidates.

List of courses:

Preparatory course on research methods common to the four curricula – A Architectural and Urban Design, B Valuation and Appraisal, C Urban Morphology, D Built Environment – 25 CFU

1. Exemplary Architectures
2. Reading the Contemporary Metropolis: Case Studies
3. Methods for Interpreting Urban Transformations
4. Methods for Reading the Historic City and the Contemporary City
5. Methods for Reading the Built Environment across the Different Components of Contemporary Design

A – Course on methods of critical inquiry into modern and contemporary architectural theory and practice, conducted in parallel with exercises carried out by PhD candidates on established texts in the literature, common to the four curricula – 5 CFU

B – Course on architectural analysis, common to the four curricula – 5 CFU

1. Issues in the analysis of contemporary architectural production
2. Issues in the analysis of collective spaces 3a. Analysis and critique of the contemporary project

C – Course common to the four curricula – 5 CFU

3b. Issues in the evaluation of the contemporary project (Evaluation curriculum)

Attendance at courses is mandatory and verified at the end of each lecture.

Seminar Activities (Design-Oriented – Workshop) – 20 CFU

PhD candidates are required to attend a design-oriented seminar on assigned themes, integrated with site visits and theoretical contributions. Activities are carried out in groups coordinated by one or more members of the Academic Board and composed of mixed groups of first- and second-year PhD candidates.

PhD candidates may also choose—subject to approval by the Academic Board—to attend additional seminars held at external institutions by scholars and experts in the field. These activities are considered supplementary and may take place between the first and second year.

Research-Related Activities – 5 CFU

For research-related activities, PhD candidates may propose participation in Doctoral Schools and/or national and international conferences, subject to approval by the Academic Board.

Independently Chosen Educational and Research Activities – 5 CFU

PhD candidates may choose among supplementary research activities or propose their own initiatives, to be carried out under the guidance of faculty members. These may include: organisation of conferences and lectures within the Department; organisation of exhibitions at the Faculty of Architecture; teaching activities within Faculty courses to be agreed with lecturers; participation in national and international conferences.

SELECTION OF THE THESIS TOPIC

At the end of the first year, PhD candidates are required to present a research project to be developed over the following two years, under the guidance of a designated tutor, in Italian or English, outlining the objectives and characteristics of their future work.

The presentation takes place through a digital format (PowerPoint) before the entire Academic Board and defines:

1. the topic and the criteria for its identification;
2. the state of the art and relevant literature, clarifying the topic’s relevance within contemporary architectural culture;
3. its relevance to the candidate’s training;
4. research objectives, selected methodologies, and databases to be used;
5. expected outcomes.

In the intermediate autumn report, required for progression to the following year, PhD candidates present their work through a digital presentation that also accounts for activities carried out during the academic year, and submit a written report – according to the procedures established by the Academic Board – illustrating the state of progress, essays produced, and results achieved within the training activities.

PhD candidates may apply for University start-up research funding (Avvio alla Ricerca).

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SECOND YEAR

For Academic Year 2023/24, within the second-year programme, PhD candidates are required to attend activities common to the three cycles and those organised by the Doctoral School in Architectural Sciences.

They attend the design seminar ROME. Prenestino Area and Urban Transformation, which runs throughout the academic year and is divided into thematic lectures involving both members of the Academic Board and Italian and international experts. After an initial phase in which the Board introduces the theme, PhD candidates, organised in small mixed-cycle groups, develop a design exercise proposing a solution within the constellation of cultural sites of the Capital.

PhD candidates also attend book presentations and conferences organised by the Doctoral School in Architectural Sciences.

The outcomes of the seminars are always subject to publication.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE TEACHING AND RESEARCH STRUCTURE – SECOND YEAR

The second-year programme is characterised by guided instruction on the basic materials for the design workshop scheduled for the academic year, which also involves first-year PhD candidates (5 CFU).

Significant emphasis is placed on individual research activity carried out autonomously by the PhD candidate under the supervision of the tutor (20 CFU).

Three mandatory intermediate review meetings are scheduled to assess research progress.

PhD candidates participate in the annual design seminar, also attended by first-year candidates, fostering effective knowledge transfer among PhD candidates at different stages and faculty members (20 CFU).

Subject to approval by the Coordinator and the Academic Board, PhD candidates may attend courses offered by national and international universities, demonstrating their relevance to the research activity.

PhD candidates may also propose a period of study and research abroad at internationally recognised universities or research centres. In such cases, a programme proposal approved by the tutor and the Academic Board is required.

Participation in seminars and workshops may take place within the PhD programme, other doctoral programmes of the University, or external institutions, subject to approval (10 CFU).

Research-related activities may include participation in Doctoral Schools, seminars, national and international conferences, or a research stay at an international research centre.

The PhD candidate’s research activity is organised according to a timetable (cronoprogramma), verified at each intermediate review.

At the autumn intermediate review, required for progression, PhD candidates present their work digitally and submit a written report detailing progress, produced essays, and achieved results.

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THIRD YEAR

The third year is almost entirely devoted to autonomous research activity. PhD candidates are expected to actively contribute to activities organised by the Doctoral School, including workshops and conferences.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE TEACHING AND RESEARCH STRUCTURE – THIRD YEAR

The third-year training plan is aimed at achieving a further level of research autonomy.

PhD candidates may select seminars held at external institutions by experts closely related to the advancement of their research. Research-related activities may include participation in Doctoral Schools, national and international conferences, and research stays abroad.

PhD candidates may propose and manage contributions by external experts in accordance with the PhD programme guidelines, subject to approval by the Academic Board.

Based on their curriculum – Architectural and Urban Design, Valuation and Appraisal, Urban Morphology, Built Environment – PhD candidates select courses and activities deemed essential by the Academic Board.

INTERMEDIATE EVALUATION

PhD candidates submit their thesis draft at an intermediate stage to two external evaluators outside Sapienza University, according to the procedures and deadlines established by the regulations.

 

SUBMISSION AND ADMISSION TO THE FINAL DEFENCE

For admission to the final examination, the tutor prepares a written report summarising the PhD candidate’s activity. Admission follows presentation to the Academic Board and upload of the completed thesis to the Sapienza Infostud platform. The thesis is deposited with the Doctoral Secretariat and made available to Board members for review over a one-month period. Any observations must be addressed by the PhD candidate through reasoned responses and, where necessary, revisions.

The Academic Board deliberates on the recognition of the 60 CFU for the third year and on admission to the final examination.

Following a positive evaluation by the two external reviewers and the Academic Board, the complete thesis is sent to the members of the Final Examination Committee at least 30 days before the scheduled defence.

The examination consists of an oral presentation supported by audiovisual material, lasting approximately 30 minutes, followed by discussion with the national committee. Candidates are invited to present the most significant aspects that emerged during the research process and the conclusions of their work.