Architecture - Built Environment - Interiors

Program Overview

The "Architecture - Built Environment - Interiors" program at Politecnico di Milano is a Master's degree that provides advanced training in architectural design with a focus on transforming the built environment. Graduates are equipped with skills in architectural resilience, urban fabric regeneration, and interior design, preparing them for diverse roles in the architecture and design industry. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience through design studios, internships, and elective courses.

Program Outline

Program Details: Architecture - Built Environment - Interiors

Degree Overview:

The "Architecture - Built Environment - Interiors" program is a Master's degree (equivalent to MSc) offered by the Politecnico di Milano. It provides advanced training in Architectural Design, aiming to graduate practitioners capable of transforming the built environment. The program focuses on modifying and regenerating urban fabric, fragile territories, building extensions, transformations, restorations, and enhancements. It emphasizes architectural resilience and affordance.

Objectives:

The program aims to equip graduates with the skills to:

• Transform the built environment in its physical, architectural, and landscape elements.
• Empower architectural resilience and affordance.
• Modify and regenerate urban fabric and fragile territories.
• Execute interventions of building extensions, transformations, restorations, and enhancements.

Outline:

The program is structured over two years and offers a balance between theoretical, practical, and applicative aspects. It integrates feasibility and environmental, economic, and social sustainability into the design process.

Course Schedule:

1st Year:

• Structural Design
• History and Theory of Contemporary Architecture
• Architectural Design Studio
• Architectural Preservation Studio
• Architecture of Interiors Design Studio
• Design and Construction Studio
• Advanced Computational Design

2nd Year:

• Elective Thematic Design Studio (fields: Architecture; Preservation; Environment; Interiors; Urbanism)
• Elective and Thematic Courses
• Internship
• Advanced Computational Design
• Elective Final Design Studio (fields: Architecture; Preservation; Environment; Interiors; Urbanism)
• History and Theory of Contemporary Architecture: This module explores the historical development and theoretical underpinnings of contemporary architectural movements and styles.
• Architectural Design Studio: This studio provides hands-on experience in architectural design, allowing students to develop their design skills through practical projects.
• Architectural Preservation Studio: This studio focuses on the preservation and restoration of existing architectural structures, emphasizing the principles of conservation and heritage management.
• Architecture of Interiors Design Studio: This studio explores the design of interior spaces, considering factors such as functionality, aesthetics, and user experience.
• Design and Construction Studio: This studio integrates design and construction processes, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the building process from concept to completion.
• Elective Thematic Design Studio: Students can choose from a range of thematic design studios based on their interests, such as architecture, preservation, environment, interiors, or urbanism.
• Elective and Thematic Courses: Students can select from a variety of elective courses to deepen their knowledge in specific areas of architecture.
• Internship: Students are required to complete an internship in a relevant professional setting to gain practical experience and apply their theoretical knowledge.
• Elective Final Design Studio: Students choose a final design studio based on their chosen specialization, culminating in a comprehensive design project.
• MSc Thesis: Students conduct independent research and write a thesis on a chosen topic related to architecture.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Design Studio Reviews: Regular critiques of design projects by faculty and peers.
• Exams: Written examinations to assess theoretical knowledge.
• Presentations: Oral presentations of design projects and research findings.
• Portfolio Review: Evaluation of students' design work and professional development.
• Thesis Defense: Oral defense of the MSc thesis before a panel of examiners.

Teaching:

The program employs a combination of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Formal presentations of theoretical concepts and historical context.
• Studio Sessions: Hands-on design workshops and project development.
• Seminars: Guest lectures and discussions with industry professionals.
• Field Trips: Visits to architectural sites and construction projects.
• Workshops: Practical exercises and skill-building activities.

Careers:

Graduates of the "Architecture - Built Environment - Interiors" program are highly qualified designers recognized by the European Union. They are prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in the architecture and design industry, including:

• Independent Professionals: Establishing their own architectural practice.
• Public Administration: Working for government agencies and institutions involved in urban planning and development.
• Research Institutes: Conducting research and development in architecture and design.
• Private Firms: Joining architectural firms and design studios.

Other:

• The program offers the possibility to personalize the study plan by choosing elective thematic design studios.
• Specific courses on Computation Design are available throughout the program.