Master of Arts in Interior Architecture

Program Overview

It combines theoretical, practical, and experimental exercises, culminating in a final thesis and eligibility for registration with the chamber of architects with two years of experience. The program offers a range of elective modules and features international visiting professors and study abroad opportunities.

Program Outline

The program emphasizes furniture and lighting design, revitalizing existing buildings, spatial communication, and the design of strategic and social spaces. It combines theoretical, practical, and experimental design exercises. The program's integrative approach involves all students working on a common topic simultaneously in different design studios, beginning in semester 1. The curriculum explores the interrelations between interior architecture, architecture, urban design, and theory within the context of curated interior design projects. The program culminates in a final thesis, including both a design and a written component. The usual language of instruction is German, but English is available on demand in many courses. Upon completion and with two years of professional experience, graduates are eligible for registration with the chamber of architects and admission to higher public service.

Outline:

The program spans four semesters.

Semester 1:

• Curated Interior Design: Focuses on building construction, urban design, and theory.
• Furniture, Products, Materials: Covers design and production aspects.
• Digital Production Methods for Interiors: Explores digital tools and techniques.
• Compulsory Elective Module (choose one): Design Theory and Methodology, History and Development of Heritage Conservation, or Advanced Architectural Theory.

Semester 2:

• Interior Design Studio: Integrated focus on either lighting design or the technical construction of interior finishings, and either graphic analysis or digital spatial development.
• Lighting Design (if chosen as a studio focus).
• Interior Finishings and Construction (if chosen as a studio focus).
• Technical Construction of Interior Finishings (if chosen as a studio focus).
• Compulsory Elective Module (choose one): Advanced Theory of Design, Graphic Analysis and Communication, or Digital Spatial Development and Multimedia.

Semester 3:

• Interior Design Studio: Individual focus.
• Compulsory Elective Modules (choose two): Spatial Contexts, Social Spaces, Spatial Strategies.
• 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: Preparation for the final thesis.

Semester 4:

• Master’s Thesis: A final design and written work.
• Compulsory Elective Module (choose one): Advanced Architectural History, Advanced Art History, Theory and Spatial Aesthetics, or Sociology of the Built Environment.

Throughout Semesters 1-4:

• 1x Intra Muros: Project Week (each winter semester)
• 1x Extra Muros: Excursion (each summer semester)
The program culminates in a final thesis, which includes both a design and a written component. The program involves design studios, seminars, and elective modules. The availability of international visiting professors and the option of studying abroad at a partner university suggest a diverse teaching approach. The usual language of instruction is German, with English available on demand in many courses.

Careers:

Upon completion of the master's program and with two years of professional experience, graduates are eligible for registration with the chamber of architects and admission to higher public service. The program includes project weeks (Intra Muros), excursions (Extra Muros), and a lecture series.