The educational process is structured around five main pillars:

A) Theoretical Approach

• Lectures covering a broad range of topics in building construction, including reinforced concrete structures, stone, metal and timber constructions, seismic-resistant systems, electrical installations, innovative materials and façade technologies, glass structures, green roofs, shading systems, bioclimatic design, exposed concrete, and self-cleaning concrete.
• Analysis of fundamental architectural principles through theory and applied examples, based on the study of completed projects from Greece and abroad.

B) Site Visits

• Students participate in on-site visits at different stages of construction, such as foundation works or masonry construction.

C) Survey and Documentation Exercises

• These include measured drawings related to the site visits, which may be accompanied by freehand sketches.

D) Semester Design Project

• The project focuses on the design of a residential building with a reinforced concrete structural system and an external envelope made of conventional building materials. Students prepare general construction drawings at a scale of 1:50, as well as detailed design drawings (1:20, 1:10, 1:5) for selected building elements, such as staircases, kitchens, bathrooms, drainage systems, and the roof.

E) Small-Scale Research Assignment (three-week duration)

• Students, working in pairs, select a building from the international literature and present it in a short ten-minute lecture. The objective is a concise yet well-documented presentation of its architectural design.
• Students are required to keep detailed lecture notes, accurately recorded in a notebook and enriched with sketches, in order to support an in-depth understanding of the subject.

Learning Outcomes

This course is a continuation of Building Construction I, with further emphasis on traditional construction techniques. It examines the importance of building materials and their assembly as a fundamental component of architectural composition. Building construction is intrinsically linked to architecture, as it constitutes the primary means of expressing design intent and realizing the built form.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Analyze the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of various building materials, enabling their appropriate selection and combination for the design and execution of engineering works.
• Develop a deeper understanding of contemporary construction techniques, allowing for informed choices that meet technical and economic criteria and ensure the successful implementation of projects.
• Cultivate collaboration skills in order to translate an architectural concept into reality, working alongside professionals from other disciplines (civil engineers, electrical engineers, surveyors, etc.), and recognizing the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in the creation of sustainable and functional projects.
• Thoroughly study all individual components of a construction project (structural system, external and internal envelope, openings, staircases, roofs, flat roofs, etc.) in accordance with applicable regulations, aiming at the production of complete final design studies and the advancement of procedures required for building permit issuance.
• Focus on detailed technical design, with a solid understanding of construction documentation and the construction details required for accurate implementation.
• Apply knowledge of bioclimatic design principles, such as natural lighting and ventilation, shading through vegetation or specialized shading devices, with the aim of reducing the environmental footprint of buildings and contributing to lower energy consumption.
• Develop strategies for the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy, into building projects, as well as for the implementation of Building Management Systems (BMS) for centralized energy control, leading to reduced emissions and enhanced environmental protection.