Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and Interior Architecture

Program Overview

This combined Bachelor's program in Architecture and Interior Architecture from the Peter Behrens School of Arts equips students with fundamental knowledge and skills in both disciplines. After completing core modules in the first semesters, students specialize in either Architecture or Interior Architecture, leading to a Bachelor's thesis project and advanced elective modules. Graduates can pursue careers in the building construction, interior architecture, design, and construction industries, among others.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Peter Behrens School of Arts (PBSA) at Hochschule Düsseldorf offers a combined Bachelor's program in Architecture and Interior Architecture. This undergraduate program is designed to build professional qualifications step-by-step, often in combination with a consecutive Master's program. The program aims to provide fundamental expertise, methodological skills, and key competences in both architecture and interior architecture. It takes into account changing qualifications, skills, and profiles. The program allows students to specialize in either architecture or interior architecture in semester 4, based on knowledge acquired in the first semesters. The program concludes with a Bachelor's thesis in semester 6, which includes an individual architectural or interior design project and a related written work. The usual language of instruction is German, but English is available on demand in many courses.

Outline:

The program is structured across six semesters.

Semesters 1–2:

Fundamentals of Architecture and Interior Architecture. Modules include: Architectural and Interior Design 1–2; Graphics 1–2 (CAD 2D and 3D, freehand drawing, building typologies and graphics); Fundamentals of Design 1–2; Architectural History 1–2 (History of Architectural Eras and Styles); Building Construction 1–2; and Construction Materials and Materials Science 1–2.

Semester 3:

Orientation Architecture and Interior Architecture. Modules include: Interior Design Studio (with integrated advanced building technology); Furniture Design; Exhibition Design; Interior Finishings and Construction; Structural Design; Fundamentals of Technical Building Performance; Lighting Design 1; and Architectural History 3.

Semester 4:

Orientation Architecture and Interior Architecture. Modules include: Design Studio (with integrated building design and advanced structural design); Building Typologies; Urban Design; Design and Construction in the Existing Context 1; Building Construction; Structural Design 2; Fundamentals of Building Physics; Architectural History 4; and History of Urban Design. Students decide on their specialization (Architecture or Interior Architecture) in this semester.

Semester 5:

This semester includes a design studio focusing on either an urban context (Architecture) or complex spatial design (Interior Architecture). Advanced compulsory elective modules vary depending on the chosen specialization.

Architecture Specialization (Semester 5):

Modules include: Instruments for Urban Planning; Landscape Design and Planning; Design and Construction in the Existing Context 2; Housing; Fundamentals of Design 3; Typologies; Graphics 3 (CAD 3D/DTP); System Buildings and Façades; Ecology and Energy Engineering; Lighting Design 2; Digital Design, Planning and Construction; Architectural History 5; Architectural Theory; Theory and Spatial Design; and Selected Topics in Theory.

Interior Architecture Specialization (Semester 5):

Modules include: Design and Construction in the Existing Context 2; Interior Design; Spatial Communication; Fundamentals of Design 3; Graphics 3 (CAD 3D/DTP); Typography and Graphics; Lighting Design 2; Furniture and Product Design; Temporary Spaces and Structures; Architectural History 5; Architectural Theory; and Theory and Spatial Design.

Semester 6:

The final semester culminates in a thesis: Architecture (for Architecture specialization) or Interior Architecture (for Interior Architecture specialization). Advanced modules include German Architectural and Construction Law and Construction Management. It only mentions that the program concludes with a Bachelor's thesis in semester 6, which includes both a design project and a written component.

Teaching:

The text mentions that the usual language of instruction is German, but English is available on demand in many courses.

Careers:

A Bachelor's degree from this program provides a first step towards becoming a registered architect. Graduates can pursue careers in the private sector or public service, gaining further qualifications in their chosen specializations. The text lists potential professional fields including design, planning, heritage conservation, construction management and supervision, project development, urban and regional planning, communication in architecture, consulting, and property management within the building construction, interior architecture, design, and construction industries.