Three themes: a coastal observatory, “growing houses”, the Pinerolo market canopy
What the track asks
A sealed envelope with three alternative practical-exam themes (Section A), each with its linked written test (a report on formal, dimensional and technological choices and construction criteria). THEME 1 — a coastal observatory: a small building on elevated points along the coast for navigation, boating, fishing and naturalistic watch (2-3 operators per shift, possible overnight stay, a 120° visual horizon), in high-value windy landscapes: the most compact surface and volume possible, natural ventilation, solar-radiation protection, photovoltaic power, minimal external services, resistance to saline climate and wind load (+800/−500 N/sqm), thermal insulation (ref. −5°C/+20°C) — with the constraint that the site may be unreachable by construction machinery, driving techniques and materials. THEME 2 — a settlement of 10 “growing houses” on assigned 9×18 m lots: incremental dwellings from 36 gross sqm up to 108 sqm (36×3) with a programmed-growth system in max 3 phases (one or two storeys), for young couples with growing needs, cohousing allowed; an unspecified Mediterranean coastal context, 3 m between blind fronts and 6 m between windowed fronts, minimum heights 2.70 m (services 2.40 m). THEME 3 — the regeneration of piazza Roma in Pinerolo (about 3,110 sqm, a 38×83 m rectangle), the town's historic market square: replace the existing steel canopy with a new structure hosting about 40 stalls of 4×2.15 m and opening the square — fully pedestrian yet accessible to service and emergency vehicles — to other uses, giving value to the roof's upper face seen from the tall surrounding buildings and favouring low-maintenance materials.
Required drawings
THEME 1: drawings of the candidate's choice describing the design, with a report on siting, sizing, technological/structural choices and construction criteria. THEME 2: plans, sections and views of the typical dwelling and of the aggregation at suitable scales (1:100–1:200–1:500); technological details 1:50–1:20; a report on growth and aggregation. THEME 3: urban-insertion plan 1:500; plans, sections and elevations 1:200/1:100; technological details of canopy and paving; typological and functional diagrams; a report with architectural 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.
This theme, across the archive
The same brief seen by theme: every other past exam that asked for it, and the norm kit they share.
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Editorial summary for study orientation — not the official text and not legal advice. Formats change: check the current ministerial ordinance and your university.