The course is the fifth in a row of eight studio courses for Architectural Design (semesters 1-8 th). Its object is the design of public buildings and small complexes in an urban context. During the course of the semester, exemplary works from the history of architecture are analysed and different building design methodologies are taught. The studio examines the symbolic dimension of the public building and its role in the urban environment and investigates various hypothetical scenarios for the future development of urban life. The particular object of study is a building of public interest in the centre of Patras (Greece). The building program and the basic assumptions of design are determined by each tutor with the contribution of the students. Students work either individually or in groups of two. The main objective of the course is to familiarize students with the main methodological tools of analysis and synthesis that are necessary for addressing a design problem of medium scale and high complexity. Particular emphasis is given to the definition of the conceptual background for the documentation of synthetic ideas, as well as to the presentation of proposals with drawings, images and architectural models. Some of the basic investigations involve: the defining of the building program, the circulation organisation of the building and its connections to urban networks, and the representation of public space through emblematic images. The course includes a theoretical and studio component. The theoretical component consists of lectures and in-depth seminars on key issues of architectural theory and design methodology. The studio component of the course is carried on by dividing the students into smaller groups of 15-20. Design studios allow for direct communication between students and tutors. Teaching, also, involves criticism of the projects by the tutors and the students themselves, as well as 6 hrs workshops, where students develop specific parts of their projects within the class.