Quality Policy of the Academic Unit

for the development and improvement of the MSc “Reuse of Buildings and Complexes”

Quality Policy Statement

The Master's Program of the Department of Architecture (DA) of the Polytechnic School at the University of Thessaly, titled “Reuse of Buildings and Complexes,” aims to provide students with the appropriate scientific knowledge, skills, and competencies that will support their personal academic development and future professional career, and will make them professionals with social and environmental sensitivity. The program strives to train architects who are technically competent and equipped with social and cultural awareness.

The purpose of the program is to organize coherent theoretical and practical research in the field of:

  1. The reuse with new functions of existing abandoned and obsolete shells, complexes, and areas.
  2. Their constructional, structural, and energy upgrading.

The utilization and reuse of architecture from the past dates back centuries and has long contributed to preserving significant monuments of world culture while transmitting information about the technical culture of those times. Reusing and reactivating historic constructions, and beyond, is considered globally the most environmentally appropriate method for sustainable and balanced urban development. Demolition and use without any other level of evaluation have been abandoned and are internationally regarded as unacceptable.

The main causes of decline, degradation, and abandonment of individual buildings or residential, administrative, industrial areas, military camps, etc. are globalization, changes in land use, shifts in commercial interest, and the aging of the building stock. In Greece, interest was rekindled mainly during the crisis of the last decade, as many buildings within the central urban fabric fell into complete disuse.

Under what conditions will this transformation occur? Are there rules and methodological approaches? A key concern is the initial decision to introduce new uses and how compatible they are with the architectural, structural, and constructional organization of the existing building. The degree of intervention must be the result of fully documented decisions and collaboration by an interdisciplinary team.

Framework for Achieving Educational Objectives:
  • A Providing high-quality education centered on student-centered learning.
  • B Pursuing learning outcomes in accordance with the European and National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education (European Directive 2005/36/EC Article 46).
  • C Periodic updating of the curriculum and adaptation to scientific developments and cutting-edge topics.
  • D Systematic encouragement of the Department's outward engagement through international and domestic collaborations (Erasmus, joint studios, conferences, etc.).
  • E Conducting high-level research through European, National, and private programs.
  • ST Supporting the research and architectural work of faculty members.
  • Z Transparency in decisions, prevention of discrimination, and application of strict ethical standards.

The Quality Assurance System of the MSc follows the “Standards and guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area,” according to the declaration of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA). For this purpose, the Department commits to implementing the Quality Assurance Policy with the participation of all community members (faculty, research staff, technical staff, administrative staff, and students), which is officially published on the website and presented at the annual orientation for new students. Quality Policy ENQA →

Target and Action Planning

The MSc “Reuse of Buildings and Complexes” implements quality procedures aimed at the following axes:

Α
Program Structure and Organization

Suitability review in accordance with the European and National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education. The established Study Committee monitors the program and proposes improvement and updating measures to the Coordinating Committee (CC).

Β
Quality and Effectiveness of Teaching

Ensuring high qualifications of the staff. Faculty members publish detailed CV information (publications, distinctions) to promote competition and social accountability. The website includes extensive course descriptions (syllabi) following HQA standards.

Γ
Promotion of Research and Artistic Work

Continuous strengthening of the quality and quantity of research, architectural, and artistic output produced by members of the academic unit.

Δ
Quality of Support Services

Upgrading administrative services, building infrastructure, the library, and the Network Center in collaboration with the University of Thessaly central services. The use of asynchronous education (e-learning) is systematically encouraged to support courses.

Ε
Student Participation in Evaluation

Strengthening the participation of postgraduate students in evaluation procedures. To overcome electronic voting challenges, alternative paper questionnaires are introduced, while instructors highlight the importance of the process during classes.

Internal Evaluation Team (OMET):

The MSc has organized a dedicated Internal Evaluation Team that feeds the quality assurance system and works closely with the Quality Assurance and Internal Evaluation Unit (MODIP) of UTh. Proper assessment of the work leads to well-documented recommendations for taking strategic measures to improve the educational, research, and administrative operation of the program based on objective academic criteria.