A Word from the Dean

The teaching of architecture has always been the subject of debate.

In Mons, our Faculty’s roots date back to the Royal Academy of Drawing, Painting and Architecture, founded in 1789.

Talking about the evolution of its teaching is akin to defining architecture. Somewhere between a profession and a discipline, its evolution over time has undoubtedly placed it within the practice of the arts, but nowadays its disciplinary scope extends far beyond that.

The aim of our training is to convey an artistic awareness, technical skills, a cultural background, an insight into societal issues, a knowledge of spatial planning tools, a holistic approach to digital technology, and, of course, a focus on environmental issues and alternative construction practices, all subject to a critical eye.

We are often asked to define the identity of our Faculty: located in the centre of the City of Mons, heritage is obviously part of its DNA. Our territory is overflowing with buildings that are both of conservation interest and physically obsolete.

From an environmental point of view, the renovation or conversion of such buildings is becoming increasingly relevant when compared with demolition and reconstruction.

Ecological and environmental awareness is constantly evolving at the FAU. Our students, researchers and lecturers regularly question, evaluate and propose adaptations and developments to our curriculum, drawing inspiration from the work carried out by the UMONS Sustainable Development Council (CDD).

New modes of governance advocate citizen participation in architectural programming. Courses in sociology, anthropology and philosophy prepare our new graduates to play the role of orchestra conductor that professional practice implies.

Digital technology is becoming more than just a tool – it’s becoming an essential discipline. It will offer new design approaches, as well as new ways of implementing buildings and new ways of living and experiencing public spaces.

Our range of courses is constantly evolving. In partnership with ULB, the creation of the 120- credit Master’s in Urban Planning and Territorial Development in Charleroi will complete our training programme from 2024. This course will be fully accessible from our Bachelor’s degree and with the recognition of learning outcomes from our Master’s degree in Architecture. It will also be open to a number of other disciplines through an application process.

Our Faculty is also convinced of the importance of developing a range of continuing education courses that the profession really needs in order to meet the skills required to meet today’s challenges. As a result, we are expanding the range of areas covered by University Certificates (BIM, professional practice, work-integrated urban planning etc.).

In collaboration with INSA Hauts de France, we offer access to a dual degree course leading to a double diploma in architecture and engineering.

The Master’s degree also provides direct access to a PhD and a possible academic career.

The courses on offer are a clear response to the desire of many young people to become ‘real’ players in the environmental transition, for which architecture, and the construction sector in general, represents a very important lever for meeting environmental challenges, such as carbon neutrality.

Etienne Godimus