The first year is common to all three specialisations and aims to equip all the students at SAC with an understanding of contemporary conceptual problems in architecture while providing them with the necessary theoretical and practical tools to process their design and project work in relation to these. This training gives the students a research oriented background and the knowledge and executive ability to critically engage and deal with contemporary issues in architecture and concomitant design challenges. To this end, the programme arms the next generation of architects with advanced design methods and strategies, the critical capability to see emerging and relevant design and project opportunities within their own work, and incorporate considerations of advanced material systems and performative aspects, such as environmental, urban and sustainable issues, in their designs.

Chief input is drawn from the respective areas that the three Master specialisations represent. By the end of the year the students are expected to have acquired a mature comprehension of architecture and have developed a set of executive techniques and methods with which they can articulate their personal approach to architecture. This first year concludes by each student choosing one of three areas of specialisation offered by SAC.