The DSA "Earthen architecture, building cultures and sustainable development" course

is a post-master's program leading to a Diplôme National de Spécialisation et d'approfondissement en Architecture (DSA), accredited by the French Ministry of Culture and awarded by the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Grenoble.

The training is part of the activities of the UNESCO Chair "Earthen Architecture, Constructive Cultures and Sustainable Development", which aims to set up teaching programs with existing training organizations, in order to accelerate the dissemination of scientific and technical knowledge on earthen architecture.

Objectives

The aim of the "architecture and heritage" specialization diploma is to meet international social demand in fields relating to earthen architecture, particularly in the following areas:

  • the scientific and technical foundations of earthen architecture and its age-old knowledge and know-how: raw materials, materials, elements, structure, building systems, architecture

  • conservation and sustainable management of architectural, archaeological and historical heritage

  • fundamental scientific research on the material

  • research & development in constructive innovation

  • a contemporary approach to architecture and environmental, social and economic balance

  • economic housing with a view to sustainable local development

  • university and professional training in earthen architecture

  • research training in the field, with a view to doctoral studies

Within the framework of the DSA Architecture de terre program, the architectural project is approached in a systemic sense, taking into account the entire life cycle: from the material (quarry) to the territory, via the production of materials, recycling, construction and the conservation of architecture and cities. The dynamic life-cycle approach implies taking into account the evolution of techniques and social demand in relation to doctrines; and mastering the environmental and social impact of architecture and urban planning on the landscape. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

In addition to the technical aspects, which are based on a life-cycle approach, training is reinforced by the acquisition of methodological skills (programming, situational diagnostics, etc.), the foundations on which technical and architectural solutions can be combined to achieve the strategic goals that are essential for making concrete progress in terms of sustainable development, respect for the natural environment and cultural diversity, and thus enabling a change of scale in interventions. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Study organization

The DSA in Earthen Architecture is organized over two years for a total of 2,400 hours, divided into supervised hours, hours of personal work and hours of work experience.

The themes covered in the teaching units are :

  • 1

    Earthen architecture and building cultures

  • 2

    Scientific, technical and methodological foundations associated with earthen architecture

  • 3

    Earthen architecture trades in Housing and Heritage

  • 4

    An experimental approach to earthen architecture

  • 5

    Architectural conservation and development research

Theoretical and practical courses are taught by lecturers and researchers from the Architecture, Environment & Constructive Cultures research unit (AE&CC, the result of the 2010 merger of the CRAterre and Constructive Cultures laboratories), as well as by internationally recognized experts. Seminars bring together students, researchers, professors and graduates to focus on various works in progress, enabling students to better position themselves in relation to professional practices. Work placements, which can take a variety of forms, provide an irreplaceable training complement. The dissertation is a personal piece of fundamental or applied research. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

For more information

https://www.grenoble.archi.fr/dsa-terre/

Mme Salima KERKOUB – Bureau du DSA-Terre
Ecole nationale supérieure d’architecture de Grenoble
60 avenue de Constantine / BP 2636
38036 Grenoble Cedex 2 – France
Telephone: +33 (0)4 76 69 83 13 ; Fax : +33 (0)4 76 69 83 69
E-mail : kerkoub.s@grenoble.archi.fr ;