Module WS 2023/2024

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.

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.