Modules WS 2019/2020

MASTER (please switch the language to German to see the description for Bachelor students):

. Development of constructive design related to the theme Craft.
. The Integration of topics are dealt with in the design task by being directly accompanied by specialist lecturers from the subject field.
. Process]oriented approach in the analysis of the task and the development of innovative concepts.
. Examination of specific questions from the field.
. In-depth knowledge of the construction and building technology.
. The deepening of the learning content dealt with in the project studio will be developed through a link to regional and global practice.
. Based on case studies, the learning content should be reviewed, critically reflected, deepened and further developed.

Craft spans from material to design and to construction in scale 1 to 1.
Expertise in building technology as well as a holistic approach to architecture deepen the understanding of the art of joinery. Analogue tools meet digital productions. Traditional and innovative methods are being applied with an emphasis on material and construction. Cooperations with local experts foster the implementation of projects close to praxis, which provide added value for the society.
MASTER (please switch the language to German to see the description for Bachelor students):

. Development of constructive design related to the theme Craft.
. The Integration of topics are dealt with in the design task by being directly accompanied by specialist lecturers from the subject field.
. Process-oriented approach in the analysis of the task and the development of innovative concepts.
. Examination of specific questions from the field.
. In-depth knowledge of the construction and building technology.
. The deepening of the learning content dealt with in the project studio will be developed through a link to regional and global practice.
. Based on case studies, the learning content should be reviewed, critically reflected, deepened and further developed.

Craft spans from material to design and to construction in scale 1 to 1.
Expertise in building technology as well as a holistic approach to architecture deepen the understanding of the art of joinery. Analogue tools meet digital productions. Traditional and innovative methods are being applied with an emphasis on material and construction. Cooperations with local experts foster the implementation of projects close to praxis, which provide added value for the society.
MASTER (please switch the language to German to see the description for Bachelor students):

-Architectural design with specific task related to the theme Landscape in the context of the relevant parameters for the implementation of the task.
-The Integration of topics are dealt with in the design task by being directly accompanied by specialist lecturers from the subject field.
  • In-depth knowledge of interactions between people and their environment.
  • In-depth knowledge of planning and urban design.
-Process-oriented approach in the analysis of the task and the development of innovative concepts.
-Examination of specific questions from the field.

Landscape means an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors. (European Convention (2000/2004): European Landscape Convention. Florence.)
Landscape is both, expression and imprint of culture.
Landscape is public good and resource, which we carefully use and design, in order to improve qualities of life.
MASTER (please switch the language to German to see the description for Bachelor students):

-Architectural design with specific task related to the theme Landscape in the context of the relevant parameters for the implementation of the task.
-The Integration of topics are dealt with in the design task by being directly accompanied by specialist lecturers from the subject field.
  • In-depth knowledge of interactions between people and their environment.
  • In-depth knowledge of planning and urban design.
-Process-oriented approach in the analysis of the task and the development of innovative concepts.
-Examination of specific questions from the field.

Landscape means an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors. (European Convention (2000/2004): European Landscape Convention. Florence.)
Landscape is both, expression and imprint of culture.
Landscape is public good and resource, which we carefully use and design, in order to improve qualities of life.
MASTER (please switch the language to German to see the description for Bachelor students):

  • Architectural design with specific task related to the theme Upcycling in the context of the relevant parameters for the implementation of the task.
  • The Integration of topics are dealt with in the design task by being directly accompanied by specialist lecturers from the subject field.
  • Process-oriented approach in the analysis of the task and the development of innovative concepts.
  • Examination of current questions from the field.
  • Advanced knowledge of structural, technological and sociocultural challenges related to reuse and upcycling.
  • Advanced knowledge of building regulations and economic parameters.

The essence of Upcycling consists of the recording, evaluation and qualitative development and upgrading of existing architecture and urban structures.
The history of building has always been the history of recycling and renewal. In times of structural changes material legacies can be found everywhere within areas of settlement. The use, rediscovery and qualitative development of the existing is no longer a question of ideology, but of resources, economy, spatial and constructive qualities of architecture and urban planning.
MASTER (please switch the language to German to see the description for Bachelor students):

  • Architectural design with specific task related to the theme Upcycling in the context of the relevant parameters for the implementation of the task.
  • The Integration of topics are dealt with in the design task by being directly accompanied by specialist lecturers from the subject field.
  • Process-oriented approach in the analysis of the task and the development of innovative concepts.
  • Examination of current questions from the field.
  • Advanced knowledge of structural, technological and sociocultural challenges related to reuse and upcycling.
  • Advanced knowledge of building regulations and economic parameters.

The essence of Upcycling consists of the recording, evaluation and qualitative development and upgrading of existing architecture and urban structures.
The history of building has always been the history of recycling and renewal. In times of structural changes material legacies can be found everywhere within areas of settlement. The use, rediscovery and qualitative development of the existing is no longer a question of ideology, but of resources, economy, spatial and constructive qualities of architecture and urban planning.
This module provides an overview and a comparative analysis of specific building cultures. It defines parameters forming a building culture, provides a historical overview and identifies definitions of building cultures and their role in contributing to the formation of identities. Building cultures are not only assessed according to their architectural output, but also analysed and understood within their social, economic and environmental context. Different Architecture languages must be experienced as part of a general cultural discourse. The course will encourage students to actively investigate the specificities of different cultures, positions and tools as necessary components for a conscious architectural attitude. Beside lectures and excursions the students will be actively participate to the shaping of the module through short presentations and essays.
The module provides a practice-based understanding of communication as well as insights into research strategies in architecture. By way of exploring architectural firms or institutions the participants develop and learn their communication and research skills through observing, reflecting and developing communication and research practices of architectural firms.
The Master's Thesis builds upon the Preliminary Study. It includes a developed hypothesis which is verified (or falsified) within the context of a given or freely chosen design project.
This module, to be undertaken in the third semester, allows students to compose a Preliminary Study. The Preliminary Study serves as a basis for the Master's Thesis. It contains a research question, an in-depth theoretical investigation as well as a conceptual outline for the Historical and Theoretical Report as well as the Technical Report.
The Pro Bono Project gives the student an opportunity to draw a close connection to the practice. Through the preparation of a Pro Bono project, the students gain a deeper insight into the three main areas of professional activity: concept phase, execution phase and reflection phase. In this way the students can complement and/or test their theoretical studies with practice-relevant work.
Das Bachelorstudium zeichnet sich durch eine enge Verbindung zur Praxis aus. Die Studierenden erhalten durch die Erarbeitung eines Pro Bono Projektes einen vertieften Einblick in die drei massgeblichen Bereiche der beruflichen Tätigkeit von Konzeptphase, Ausführungsphase und Reflexionsphase. Sie verbinden damit ihre theoretischen Studien an der Universität - dem Stand ihrer Ausbildung entsprechend - mit praxisrelevanter Arbeit.
To support the holistic educational aim of artistic and technically skilled graduates, this report unites technical disciplines embedded in the curriculum into a compulsory document/ report.
It is coordinated with the lecturers of the technical subjects that are supporting it by iterative consultations. Intensive research, experiments on material or processing level, simulations, cooperation with industries, innovative interpretation of taught content and tools, are just some examples how students prove their technical skills applied to the design process of their individual project.
To support the holistic educational aim of artistic and technically skilled graduates, this report unites technical disciplines embedded in the curriculum into a compulsory document/ report.
It is coordinated with the lecturers of the theoretical subjects that are supporting it by iterative consultations.