Course Content

To impart project-based knowledge of design and construction in lightweight construction, with a focus on facade construction, taking into account energy-efficient planning and construction aspects. The course examines the interdependencies between structural and finishing grids, the construction of the building envelope, as well as design principles and the integration of glazed elements into the building envelope.

Through assignments of moderate complexity, the relationships between the structural framework, materials, the form of the building envelope, and energy losses are examined. The relationships between orientation and energy balance are calculated in accordance with the requirements of the EnEV. The development of form and structure is illustrated in models and drawings; functionality is demonstrated using selected details.

Through large-scale model-building, students gain knowledge of materials and their processing.

Learning Objectives

Students acquire in-depth knowledge of structural design in lightweight, filigree construction, as well as a solid understanding of building envelope construction in relation to the requirements of the EnEV. They apply this complex knowledge in process-oriented design and planning processes.

They are able to apply the complex knowledge they have acquired in a systematic and typologically structured manner within the architectural planning process.

Contents

Assessment and analysis of an existing urban situation, including its shortcomings and potential for development. Conceptual design for a reorganization, taking into account typical framework conditions and restrictions. Development of urban planning and, where applicable, building design sub-concepts through a process of dialogue and feedback. Presentation of the results using plans, spatial visualizations, and models.

Practical design exercise at scales of 1:1,000 and, where applicable, 1:500. Conversion of the urban design into a zoning plan that complies with regulations.

Learning Objectives

Students are familiar with the fundamental tools and concepts of urban land-use planning and understand their various meanings as well as their interrelationships. They possess basic competencies in urban design within a given spatial context.

In addition, they are able to translate an urban design into a zoning plan largely independently.

Contents

Building on the fundamentals of digital methods (CAD, basics of parametric modeling, and digital visualization), this module provides in-depth knowledge in these areas. Through exercises based on real-world examples, the module not only teaches the methods but also demonstrates their concrete applications in architectural projects.

Another key focus is on digital fabrication methods. The module covers material-specific digital planning processes, machine technologies, and the associated logistical processes, particularly in the field of prefabricated construction.

At the core of the module is a design project in which digital parameters such as construction, materials, ecology, urban planning, and cost-effectiveness are specifically integrated. Based on alternative design approaches, students also develop a conscious awareness and understanding of the complex interactions between the built environment and its context.

Contents

The first building design project during the degree program in the context of its surroundings: working on a design assignment of moderate complexity with a precise examination of the interrelationships between the building, its surroundings, and its boundaries. Topics covered include functional spaces, the use of light and movement, surface structures (particularly facade design), and materiality. The design is understood as a field of information.

The exercise can be carried out either as a comprehensive individual design or in the form of several different impromptu designs. The projects are integrated into landscape and open-space contexts and prepare students for design tasks on a larger scale.

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to develop a classical building design while integrating the content and competencies from the foundational modules. In addition, they will acquire social skills through the specific project assignment. They will learn to understand architecture as an interplay of ecology, economy, context, and construction.

Course Content

To impart fundamental knowledge of project-based structural design in solid construction, with a focus on the interactions between design and construction. The lecture introduces the essential structural elements of a building, including foundations, facades, openings, floors, roofs, and stairs.

Through an integrated project, students will gradually explore the interplay of these structural elements as well as fundamental issues in structural design. A simple residential design assignment serves to teach process-oriented aspects of material-appropriate and structurally sound design.

The architectural concept is developed with consideration of spatial formation and structural principles as well as the design of openings, and is realized in drawings and models.

Learning Objectives

Students acquire fundamental knowledge of component-oriented structural design in solid construction and are able to apply this knowledge typologically in architectural planning.

They are able to integrate structural requirements into a process-oriented design process and develop architectural solutions that take into account structure, materials, and spatial design.

Course Content

Students deepen their skills in understanding and designing spaces and building forms and develop an independent approach to specific typological and topological issues.

Building on methodological design competencies, they develop alternative solutions to architectural challenges, both on an urban and landscape scale and at the structural and spatial level. In addition, methods of building analysis are taught and applied through examples in the context of a design project or research paper.

Learning Objectives

Students acquire knowledge of key references and theoretical foundations of typology and topology. They formulate independent design ideas and further develop these into structurally, spatially, and contextually compelling architectural concepts, taking into account given constraints.

They apply their design skills, spatial understanding, and knowledge of design processes to develop complex architectural solutions. In doing so, they use experimental approaches, models, and design methods to test and justify their architectural stance.

Furthermore, they are able to critically reflect on their designs and architectural positions and present them coherently through oral, graphic, and substantive means. They work in teams, evaluate different approaches, and synthesize them into a consistent overall result.

Content

As part of a project-based course, students acquire knowledge in the design and construction of wood and lightweight structures. The focus is on facade construction, with particular emphasis on energy-efficient design and construction methods. The course covers the structural fundamentals of timber construction as well as the composition of the building envelope, with a focus on facade technology and energy efficiency.

For a design project, students develop a load-bearing structure of moderate complexity using timber construction methods. The design is developed as a timber or lightweight construction and involves the development of a timber-specific structural system, taking into account the interactions between the structural grid and the construction grid. Students examine in detail the layering sequence of the building envelope, fundamental structural principles, and the integration of glazed components into the building envelope.

The design project addresses fundamental issues in timber construction. Students tackle tasks of moderate difficulty, examining how structural design depends on wood as a material, as well as the relationship between the building envelope’s construction and energy losses.

In addition, they learn about the interaction between daylight and energy balance, as well as its significance for facade design. The development of form and structure is illustrated using models and drawings, which also serve to examine selected details in terms of their function. Material properties and fabrication techniques are taught using a larger-scale model. In addition, students acquire skills in building architectural models for design and construction purposes.

Learning Objectives

Students will have in-depth knowledge of delicate timber structures as well as a solid understanding of the construction of building envelopes and their typological application in architectural planning.