Department of Architecture University of the Free State

tment’s approach to the human ecological landscape is critical rather than normative, investigative rather than prescriptive, and process-orientated, rather than result motivated. Students are encouraged to investigate this multi-dimensional character of architecture in view of the different interrelationships between man [both as an individual and social being], the environment [natural and man-made], culture [local as well as universal] and time [historical and contemporary]. Through these different ecological interrelationships, regular design principles and form-giving elements are identified that prepare the student for local and international design - course. The academic discourse secures the development of a learning environment where students and academic staff are brought together through research [dedicated masters and doctoral programs], practice [site visits, annual design excursions and the UNESCO accredited Unit for Earth Construction] and teaching [the Free State Department of Architecture is accredited as an architectural academic institution by both the South African Council for the Architectural Profession and the Royal Institute of British Architects], and are at the same time challenged, taught, and supported in the spirit of place-making in the South African context.