pr: Architecture as a profession to be restructured [Cyprus]

27.04.2007



Northern Cyprus is to restructure the profession of architecture to 
react to the increasing needs and changing conditions in the country, 
and to bring the profession, as practiced locally, up to international 
standards. The rules and regulations concerning architecture are to be 
reorganised.

The International Association of Architects prepared an Architectural 
Education Provision to form a global architectural education network. 
Within the frame of an EU membership, The Council of Higher Education of 
the Republic of Turkey (YOK) have prohibited all Architecture Faculties 
from writing the term ‘Professional’ on diplomas issued after the 
completion of a 4-year university Architecture course. This fact made 
the restructuring inevitable.

In the Architectural Education Provision, prepared cooperatively by the 
International Association of Architects and UNESCO, it is anticipated 
that for the title Architect to be granted one has to complete 5 years 
of full-time education at university or an equivalent institution. Any 
diploma programme that lasts less than 5 years will not be accepted in 
international arenas, because they would not be able to meet requisite 
educational content and prescribed levels of quality.

The Chamber of Architects, with these alterations in mind, with Eastern 
Mediterranean University’s cooperation, has organised a General Assembly 
of Architecture and Education for May 3-4, in which it is expected that 
decisions shaping the education and practice of architecture in Northern 
Cyprus will be taken and is supported by the other universities in 
Northern Cyprus together with the Turkey’s Chamber of Architects.

In a report that will be presented by the Chamber at the General 
Assembly, the introduction of a 5-year-education supported with 
internships for architectural education is anticipated as it is stated 
in the Architectural Education Provision prepared by International 
Association of Architects. The title of Architect will only be granted 
after two years of practice. To be able to keep the title, one must 
undergo 25-30 hours of vocational training per year.