Profile
The Faculty of Architecture of Peter Behrens School of Arts (PBSA) at HSD offers a combined bachelor’s programme and three specialised master’s programmes in architecture, interior architecture and civic design. The master’s programme in ar chitecture provides advanced studies of the different aspects of design and building construction.
Work on theoretical, practical and experimental design exercis es is at the centre of the programme. Beginning in semester 1, you explore the general understanding of the interrelations between architecture, urban design, spatial design and theory in the context of a curated architectural design project. Follow ing this integrative approach, all students work on a common topic simultaneously in different design studios – each focus sing on a different aspect, merging in a common discursive presentation. In semester 2, the focus of the design exercises shifts to include either structural design or sustainable building construction as well as graphic analysis or digital methods of spatial design. In addition, semesters 1–2 include seminars and lectures on building construction, digital production and design techniques, structural design, advanced theory of de sign, graphics, technical construction of interior finishings, building physics and lighting design. In addition, you can choose a design studio supervised by an international visiting professor in semesters 2–3. Or you can spend a semester at a partner university abroad.
Semesters 3–4 offer various elective options for individual specialisation in design and theory. The topics of the design studios vary. The pre-thesis in semester 3 serves to prepare the contents of the thesis. At the end of your studies, you present your final thesis including a design and written work.
Please note: The usual language of instruction is German. In many courses, English is available on demand.
Career Options
With the completion of the master’s programme in architecture and two years of professional experience, you are eligible to apply for registration with the chamber of architects. The de gree also qualifies you for admission to higher public service. Potential professional fields include executive positions in e.g. architecture, construction management and supervision, herit age conservation, housing, project development, urban and regional planning.
Syllabus
Semester 1
- Curated Architectural Design Studio with a Focus on Spatial Design Aspects, Urban Design and Theory
- Building Technology and Construction
- Digital Production and Design Techniques
- Compulsory Elective Module (choose one): Design Theory and Methodology | History and Development of Heritage Conservation | Advanced Architectural Theory | Urban Design Theory
Semester 2
- Architectural Design Studio with an Integrated Focus on:
– Structural Design or Sustainable Building Performance
– Graphic Analysis or Digital Spatial Development - Advanced Structural Design
- Advanced Sustainable Building Performance 1
- Advanced Lighting Design
- Compulsory Elective Module (choose one): Advanced Theory of Design | Graphic Analysis and Communication in Architecture | Digital Spatial Development and Multimedia
Semester 3
- Architectural Design Studio: Individual Focus
- Compulsory Elective Modules (choose two): Design and Construc tion in the Existing Context | Landscape and Urban Space | Build ing in Urban Contexts | Construction Methods | Sustainable Building Performance | Advanced Housing | Ecology and Energy in an Urban Context | Urban Districts
- Compulsory Elective Modules (choose two): German Planning and Building Laws and Regulations | Advanced Construction Management | Business Start-Ups and Management | Copyright and Protection of Designs
- Pre-Thesis
Semester 4
- Master’s Thesis
- Compulsory Elective Module (choose one): Advanced Architectural History | Advanced Art History | Theory and Spatial Aesthetics | Sociology of the Built Environment | Civic Design Theory | Urban Sociology and Economy
During semesters 1–4:
1x Intra Muros: Project Week (each winter semester),
1x Extra Muros: Excursion (each summer semester),
1x Lecture Series (Faculties of Architecture and Design)
Please check the module manual (currently in German only) for detailed information on the contents of the study programme.
