The Division of Architectural Building Structures and Architectural Physics was established in 2006 on the basis of the Department of Architecture of Civil and Industrial Buildings (hereinafter, the Department of Architectural Structures). It has existed since 1971 and continues to operate successfully within the Faculty of Architecture.
The Division's principal objective is to teach students the distinctive features of the architectural-planning and structural composition of buildings and structures, together with the principles of energy efficiency and sustainable development, so that in the course of their professional practice they are able to apply this knowledge to resolve and develop, at an appropriate design level, buildings and structures, their individual structural elements, joints, and details.
An important part of the curriculum is the study of architectural physics (climatology, insolation, lighting, thermal physics, and architectural acoustics), without which it is impossible to produce a complete, modern architectural design.
The Division is staffed by highly qualified faculty engaged in scientific and practical work in architecture and architectural physics, including doctors of architecture, full and associate professors, and instructors.
The Division serves both the Faculty of Architecture, Urban Planning and Design and the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the Georgian Technical University.
Faculty members of the Division teach the following courses at the Faculty of Architecture: “Structures in Architecture” (Parts I, II, and III), “Architecture and Structures of Buildings,” and “Architectural-Structural Systems of High-Rise Buildings.” At the Faculty of Civil Engineering, they deliver lecture courses in “Architectural Planning and Urban Development” and “Architecture of Buildings and Structures.” In addition to lecture courses, the Division's faculty conduct studio classes in course design as well as practical and laboratory work.
This differentiation of the disciplines listed above reflects the specific requirements of teaching architectural planning, which takes into account the particular features of different specializations.
Instruction in the Division is conducted at all three levels of higher education: bachelor's, master's, and doctoral.
From the founding of the department until 1984, it was headed by Professor Akaki Berishvili. From 1984 to 1994 it was led by Doctor of Architecture, Professor Tengiz Kvirkvelia. From 1995 to 2006, by Doctor of Architecture, Professor Davit Chichua, and from 2006 to 2015, by Doctor of Architecture, Professor Levan Beridze. Since 2015, the Division has been headed by Professor Vakhtang Pirtskhalava.
Today the Division's faculty include: Gia Natsvlishvili, Bidzina Berishvili, Vakhtang Pirtskhalava, Giorgi (Gia) Beridze, and Zakaria Shavadze.
Over the course of the department's existence, in addition to the colleagues mentioned above, the following have worked here at various times: Valerian Gagoshidze, Vladimer Nikoladze, Hamlet Mosulishvili, Lali Kandelaki, Eldar Chkheidze, Nestan Razmadze, Marina Nareshelashvili, Ilia Doghonadze, Enver Chikovani, Irine Gagoshidze, Tamar Landia, Givi Eristavi, Tinatin Eristavi, Aleko Korkotashvili, Platon Khukhia, Maka Malaghuradze, Giorgi Tskhovrebashvili, Giorgi Mukhiashvili, Jumber (Jondo) Malaghuradze, and others.
Members of the department have published textbooks, methodological guidelines, as well as supplementary manuals and normative documents. Members of the department also hold patented inventions.
Most of the Division's staff are practicing architects, who successfully combine their professional practice with scientific and pedagogical work.