Real architecture competitions as exam themes
What the track asks
The practical exam of the first 2009 session (Section A): an unusual, demanding envelope — the commission chose to set, as themes, several architecture competitions actually held in Italy, asking the candidate to depict a real setting for the proposal, with preparatory sketches, overall and detail site plans, plans, elevations, sections and three-dimensional views. For the old system (single 8-hour graphic test) the three themes are: a polyvalent building supporting the town hall in the hamlet of Degioz at Valsavarenche (a hall for the local association and the library, services, minimal environmental impact, a tight budget); the new Carabinieri barracks at Manerbio (ground-floor offices, upper-floor guest quarters, basement parking, about 1,500 cubic metres above ground); and the “Ponte Pigneto” ideas competition in Rome for a 30×5 m pedestrian and cycle bridge as a district landmark, with integrated lighting and photovoltaic/wind technologies. For the 4S category (first 6-hour practical test) the three themes are: an office building serving a sorting and composting plant, based on eco-sustainable building and energy efficiency (about 2,000 cubic metres, max height 12 m); the Oristano intermodal passenger centre and interchange station (up to 10,000–20,000 sqm, with assigned indices); and “SAIE Selection”, sustainable low-cost, low-energy housing with aggregation potential. The second written test asks for the report justifying the structural and settlement sizing. Transparency note: the university does not publish the exam texts; this sheet is reconstructed from a preparation archive (source below), with the usual editorial summary.
Required drawings
For the chosen theme: preparatory sketches; overall and detail site plans; plans, elevations and sections; three-dimensional views; and any detail drawings at the scales most suited to understanding the proposal. The 4S category also has a second written test: a report justifying the structural and settlement sizing, with graphic notes or bibliographic references.
Regulations this track calls into play
Editorial anchoring: the rules a well-prepared candidate should have in hand for this theme, each with its current status.
Full official text at the university source ↗
Practice this track in the exam room →
Editorial summary for study orientation — not the official text and not legal advice. Formats change: check the current ministerial ordinance and your university.