MSc in Adaptive Reuse in Architecture

Curriculum, Course Descriptions & Elective Courses

1st Semester 30 ECTS

The course "Theories and Strategies of Adaptive Reuse" (Theory) focuses on the theoretical foundation of adaptive reuse as a contemporary architectural, social, and environmental practice. Historical and modern theories, intervention strategies, and international examples of reuse are analyzed, covering both monuments and historical buildings as well as modern building stock. Particular emphasis is placed on reuse as a tool for addressing housing issues, abandonment, and sustainability.

The course "Architectural Documentation with Analog and Digital Tools" (Intensive Field Workshop) focuses on the systematic survey, documentation, and analysis of existing buildings and ensembles in the field. Analog and digital recording methods are combined to produce reliable data for reuse design. Documentation is approached as a critical stage in understanding and interpreting the built environment.

The course "Architectural Atmospheres and Technology in Adaptive Reuse" (Theory) explores the role of architectural atmospheres in adaptive reuse projects and the contribution of technology in shaping them. Issues of materiality, lighting, climate, environmental control, and sensory experience in the relationship between old and new are examined. Technology is treated as a tool for design, adaptation, and environmental optimization.

The course "Architectural Design and Adaptive Reuse: Periphery" (Intensive Design Workshop) examines adaptive reuse in the context of the countryside and regional areas. It focuses on issues of abandonment, demographic decline, and the reactivation of the local built stock. Reuse is approached as a strategy for sustainable development and spatial revitalization. Interventions in existing buildings and ensembles are explored as a response to contemporary rural challenges.

Elective Course 01*

2nd Semester 30 ECTS

The course "Structure, Load-Bearing Capacity, and Materiality of Existing Structures" (Theory) focuses on understanding the structural behavior and materiality of existing structures as a basis for reuse interventions. Issues of load-bearing capacity, pathology, reinforcement, and structural adaptation to new uses are analyzed. Structure is treated as an active design tool rather than merely a technical constraint.

The course "Architectural Design and Adaptive Reuse: Metropolis" (Intensive Design Workshop) focuses on adaptive reuse in metropolitan areas and urban centers. Interventions in existing buildings and ensembles are investigated as a response to contemporary urban challenges, such as housing shortages and urban decline. Design is linked with social, economic, and environmental parameters.

The course "Architectural Design and Adaptive Reuse: Industry" (Intensive Design Workshop) focuses on the reuse of industrial and manufacturing building shells and complexes. Their spatial, structural, and symbolic characteristics are analyzed, and new social, cultural, or residential uses are explored. Industrial heritage is approached both as a historical trace and as a contemporary resource.

The course "Public Lectures in Adaptive Reuse" includes a series of public lectures given by guest academics and professionals. Theoretical approaches, research projects, and applied examples of adaptive reuse from Greece and abroad are presented. The lectures foster dialogue and strengthen the connection between the MSc program and contemporary practice.

Elective Course 02*

Elective Course 03*

Elective Courses* 3 ECTS each

The course "Digital Documentation and Analysis Methods and Technologies – SfM/MVS" (Seminar), offered on a case-by-case basis, introduces modern digital photogrammetry techniques and 3D analysis of the built environment. Their application in surveying, documenting, and evaluating existing buildings and ensembles is examined. These methods are integrated into the context of reuse design.

The course "Digital Systems and Building Management Technologies – BMS" (Seminar), offered on a case-by-case basis, examines building management and operational systems and their role in the energy, functional, and environmental upgrading of existing structures. Particular emphasis is placed on integrating such systems into adaptive reuse projects.

The course "Digital Modeling and Architectural Data Management – HBIM" (Seminar), offered on a case-by-case basis, introduces information modeling of existing buildings as a tool for documentation, analysis, and data management. HBIM is approached as a supporting tool in the design and management of reuse interventions.

The course "Spatial Information Systems and Spatial Analysis – GIS" (Seminar), offered on a case-by-case basis, focuses on using geospatial tools for analyzing the built environment at the scale of building complexes and regions. GIS is utilized for a strategic approach to reuse interventions in urban and peri-urban environments.

The course "Special Topics in Adaptive Reuse I" is offered on a case-by-case basis during the winter semester, features a varying thematic focus, and is taught by a guest lecturer. It focuses on contemporary, specialized, or emerging topics in adaptive reuse, with content tailored to current research and professional developments.

The course "Special Topics in Adaptive Reuse II" is offered on a case-by-case basis during the spring semester, features a varying thematic focus, and is taught by a guest lecturer. It focuses on contemporary, specialized, or emerging topics in adaptive reuse, with content tailored to current research and professional developments.

The course "International Collaborations – Workshop I" is offered on a case-by-case basis in the winter semester within the framework of international collaborations and exchange programs. Students participate in collaborative design or research processes for adaptive reuse in a transnational and intercultural context.

The course "International Collaborations – Workshop II" is offered on a case-by-case basis in the spring semester within the framework of international collaborations and exchange programs. Students participate in collaborative design or research processes for adaptive reuse in a transnational and intercultural context.

3rd Semester: Master's Thesis

30 ECTS