Report on the General Assembly of Heads of Schools of Architecture in Iran
14 December 2015

The second general assembly of heads of department and academic staff of schools of architecture in Iran took place in the College of Art at the University of Tehran. The themes of discussion revolved around the following two issues:

1. strengthening the relationship between theory and practice
2. the question of redefining the Master of Architecture programmes in terms of typological specialisations.

First, Prof. Shahin Heydari (head of School of Architecture of the University of Tehran) welcomed those who had participated and emphasised the necessity of such meetings between the schools of architecture in Iran and encouraged the continuation of this event in future years.

Then, Dr. Amirsaeed Mahmoudi, the director of the conference, presented a report of last year's manifesto and thus began the discussion. The heads of schools of architecture (or their representatives) expressed their comments and opinions, the summary of which is presented below.

School of Architecture - Art University
The following issues were raised by the head of school of architecture of Art University:
1. The necessity of defining the outcomes of architectural education with respect to the needs of the society and future prospect of architectural design in Iran.
2.  Paying attention to the limitations and shortcomings of architectural education with respect to the needs of different parts of the country.
3. The necessity to control or even eliminate the acceptance of non-architects to master of architecture programmes.
4. The presence of a representative or a group of representatives of the General Council of Schools of Architecture in decision making sessions of the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution and the Council of Higher Education Reform.
5. Abstaining from altering the title of Master of Architecture by adding prefixes or other supplementary words.

School of Architecture - Imam Khomeini International University
The following issues were raised by the head of school of architecture of Imam Khomeini International University:
1. The necessity to review the idea to branch out the Master of Architecture programme into different specialisations.
2. The necessity to review the content of courses comprising the Master of Architecture programme.
3. Emphasis on the importance of continuing the issues raised in Bachelor of Architecture programmes in Master of Architecture.

School of Architecture - Islamic Azad University of Qazvin
1. Different schools of architecture should operate according to their own specialisations.
2. Serious review of theoretical courses.
3. Restrain in the number of acceptances issued for new students with respect to the needs of the society.

School of Architecture - Islamic Art University of Tabriz
1. The necessity of reviewing theoretical and practical courses with respect to the needs of the society and the profession. For example introducing a two unit professional experience course in order to compensate for the gap between academic teachings and professional experience.
2. The significance of specialisations at the Master level, for example, Landscape Design, Architecture and Energy, Islamic Architecture, Interior Architecture and so on.
3. The necessity to pay more attention to entrepreneurship in architecture.

School of Architecture - Kashan University
1. The Master of Architecture course should be divided into "Architectural Engineering" and "Architectural Design".
2. Clear review of theoretical courses with weak definition and content.
3. Giving more emphasis to History of Architecture as the foundation of architectural education and strengthening its relationship with theoretical courses.
4. Making studios the centre of teaching activities. Theoretical courses can be defined by each particular studio. With this set up, it is possible to reduce independent theoretical courses to just one unit and the rest of theoretical teachings can be done within studios work.

School of Architecture - Sistan and Baluchistan University
1. The influence of academia on the guidelines and regulations of architectural profession should become stronger.
2. Some of the theoretical discussions within academia should be directed towards professional issues.
3. A redefinition of the boundaries and limits of architectural design courses is necessary. The theoretical courses should be adjusted accordingly.

School of Architecture - Yazd University
1. The necessity for harmony between the Ministry of Sciences, Research and Technology and Ministry of Roads and Urban Development and the Ministry of Finance in order to create a balance between supply and demand and the architectural profession using the following:
    - joint meetings
    - the presence of architectural council representatives in ministry meetings
    - the presence of key ministry staff in university meeting
    - inter-university collaboration for creating harmony and unity in defining architectural education.
2. Paying more attention to the length of Bachelor of Architecture degree as a key factor in the experience and proficiency of architectural graduates.

School of Architecture - University of Gilan
1. Since a unified definition of the Master of Architecture programme for the different schools of architecture across Iran causes major problems with respect to the geographical, social and cultural contexts of these schools of architecture, it seems necessary that the details of architectural education should be left to each school of architecture and their goals and characteristics.

School of Architecture - Shahid Beheshti University
1. The decomposition of the Master of Architecture programme into different scientific/technical specialisations should be stopped immediately.
2. Renowned and capable universities (which should be defined carefully) should have the opportunity to choose master students from their own bachelor students via a comprehensive exam.

School of Architecture - Shahid Rajaee University
1. The acceptance of non-architect students for the master programme should be stopped.
2. In order to gain entry to bachelor of architecture, a sketching/freehand drawing examination should be carried out (much like industrial design).
3. After graduating from bachelor of architecture programmes, graduates should gain professional experience for at least two years before being allowed to enter into master of architecture programmes.
4. The students should have more access to bridling construction sites and historical buildings and fabrics.

School of Architecture - University of Tehran
1. It is absolutely necessary that the Master of Architecture programme maintain its central role as the backbone of postgraduate architectural studies.
2. It is necessary that a select committee from members of this assembly is established in order to review the titles, contents and specifics of the master of architecture programme, under the supervision of the Ministry of Sciences, Research and Technology.
3. It is necessary that the structure of theoretical and practical courses be reviewed and in this process 70% compulsory courses and 30% optional courses be defined so each university can adjust their programme according to their own goals and educational philosophy.
4. Certain recommendations for the continuation of such events and meetings:
    - the yearly meeting of this assembly should be continued in conjunction with the exhibition of architecture ("From Studio to Exhibition" series) in the University of Tehran
    - a website devoted to the news and comments related to this event and the academics and students who are interested in architectural education.

In the meeting, it was agreed that every year, the General Assembly of Heads of Departments and Academic Staff of Schools of Architecture in Iran be held at the University of Tehran.