ACE Thematic areas & work groups

In pursuit of its overarching mission, ACE prioritises 4 key thematic areas that hold particular significance for the architectural profession across Europe: Access to the profession, Practice of the Profession, Achieving quality in Architecture / Baukultur, Research & Development.

1. Acesso à profissão

   A major policy objective is to simplify and boost the cross-border mobility of the architectural profession by facilitating the establishment and service provision of Architects across Europe.

   Learn more about the scope of work and activities of our Work Groups:

   1. Diretiva Qualificações Profissionais, Experiência de Prática Profissional e Grupo de Trabalho para o Desenvolvimento Profissional Contínuo (Grupo de Trabalho PQD-PPE-CPD)
   2. Grupo de Trabalho de Questões Regulamentares do & (Grupo de Trabalho RQI)

2. Practice to the Profession

   In this area of focus, the ACE addresses key issues impacting registered European architects, including public procurement, insurance requirements for cross-border practices, and digitalisation.

   Learn more about the scope of work and activities of our Work Groups:

   1. Innovation in Architecture Work Group (IA WG)
   2. Grupo de Trabalho «Mulheres na Arquitetura» (WIA TF)
   3. Grupo de Trabalho do Comité de Prática (GT PC)
   4. Task Force Internacionalização & Novos Modelos de Negócio (IBM TF)
   5. Concursos de Desenho Arquitetónico de Contratos Públicos & (PP & ADC)
   6. Grupo de Trabalho de Modelização da Informação da Construção (GT BIM)

3. High-quality architecture & built environment/ Baukultur

   In the context of global warming, where building energy consumption accounts for 40% of Europe’s total energy needs, ACE emphasises the importance of exploring new legislative, political, and financial mechanisms at both EU and national levels to foster a more sustainable built environment. Through this thematic Area 3, the Architects’ Council of Europe seeks to promote the role of architects in achieving architectural quality and responsible design.

   Learn more about the scope of work and activities of our Work Groups:

   1. Grupo de Trabalho para as Catástrofes Naturais e Provenientes do Homem (FT Catástrofes)
   2. Grupo de Trabalho para a Transformação Urbana e Habitacional (UHT WG)
   3. Grupo de Trabalho «Património» (Grupo de Trabalho «Património»)
   4. Grupo de aprendizagem interpares sobre prémios de arquitetura (PLG AA)
   5. Grupo de Trabalho Ambiente e Arquitetura Sustentável (GT da ESA)

4. Research & Development

   This fourth pillar is designed as a platform and method to engage, coordinate, and monitor synergies among all participants in ACE’s thematic areas, facilitating the execution of specific tasks assigned to the three working groups: EU-funded Projects, New European Bauhaus Activities, and Relations with Other Countries.

   Learn more about the scope of work and activities of our Work Groups:

   1. Grupo de Missão para a Solidariedade com a Ucrânia
   2. Grupo de Trabalho UE-Projetos de Investigação Financiados (Grupo de Trabalho Projetos)
   3. Grupo de Trabalho para o Novo Bauhaus Europeu