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Architectural Engineering

In our Architectural Engineering programme we seek innovative and inspiring architectural solutions for environmental and societal issues. We are driven by the need to think differently about our building culture. Understanding existing potentials, knowing the possibilities of renewal and discovering how to design, innovate and change are central themes of Architectural Engineering. Focus areas are circularity, climate design, digital manufacturing, product design, material research, structural mechanics and computational modelling. Focus and approach Architectural Engineering encourages students to explore their role as architects in facing today’s challenges. Under the guidance of a team of enthusiastic design tutors and together with various stakeholders, students search for innovative technical solutions for diverse problems in various contexts in both the Netherlands and abroad (i.e. Indonesia and the Caribbean). The three main research by design domains promoted by Architectural Engineering are ‘Make’, ‘Flow’ and ‘Stock’. Each domain requires a different approach and offers unique design solutions, while creating multiple value for the built environment together. Programme Architectural Engineering offers a set of inspiring studios: MSc 1 In MSc 1 'EXTREME architecture' the close connection between architecture and technology in an extreme geographical context is explored. Programme MSc 1 fall semester 2024 (pdf) MSc 2 In MSc 2 'Bucky Lab A'* students design and build prototypes (as part) of an innovative and sustainable building concept. Programme MSc 2 Bucky Lab spring semester 2024 (pdf) EXTREME Technology is a MSc 2 course for Building Technology students, but is open for architecture students.2 Programme MSc 2 Extreme Technology spring semester 2025 (pdf) MSc 3 In MSc 3/4 'Architectural Engineering Graduation Studio' (aE Studio) students define their own graduation assignment, related to different selected contexts, societal challenges and technical topics. The first semester (MSc3) consists of research into a technical topic in relation to architecture. During the second semester (MSc4) research and design are further developed, resulting in an integrated design. More information about the approach of aE studio and the student work can be found in the aE Journal series on BK Books , a yearly publication of Architectural Engineering. Programme MSc 3 spring semester 2025 (pdf) Staff Prof.ir. Thijs Asselbergs, ir. Ferry Adema, Dr. Ing. Marcel Bilow, ir. Gilbert Koskamp, arch. Mauro Parravicini, ir. Roel van de Pas, ir. Job Schroën, ir. Mo Smit, ir. Anne Snijders, ir. Paddy Tomesen, ir. Engbert v/d Zaag Additional information For detailed course descriptions, please visit the study guide: MSc 1 (only in fall semester) MSc 2 * (only in spring semester) MSc 3 * The MSc2 semester of the Architecture track consists of a 5 EC compulsory course and 10 EC of track-specific Architecture electives in the third quarter, followed by a 15 EC (intra)disciplinary elective in the fourth quarter, which can be an intensive architectural research and design project or an intradisciplinary elective in which you are challenged to work together with students from other tracks on overarching themes. Contact MSc 3/4 Annebregje Snijders A.Snijders@tudelft.nl

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Researchers hand over Position Paper to Tweede Kamer

On behalf of the TU Delft PowerWeb Institute, researchers Kenneth Brunninx and Simon Tindemans are handing over a Position Paper to the Dutch Parliament on 14 November 2024, with a possible solution to the major grid capacity problems that are increasingly cropping up in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is unlikely to meet the 2030 climate targets, and one of the reasons for this is that large industry cannot switch to electricity fast enough, partly because of increasingly frequent problems around grid capacity and grid congestion. In all likelihood, those problems will actually increase this decade before they can decrease, the researchers argue. The solution offered by the TU Delft PowerWeb Institute researchers is the ‘flexible backstop’. With a flexible backstop, the current capacity of the power grid can be used more efficiently without sacrificing safety or reliability. A flexible backstop is a safety mechanism that automatically and quickly reduces the amount of electricity that an electric unit can draw from the grid (an electric charging station or a heat pump) or deliver (a PV installation). It is a small device connected or built into an electrical unit, such as a charging station or heat pump, that ‘communicates’ with the distribution network operator. In case of extreme stress on the network, the network operator sends a signal to the device to limit the amount of power. Germany recently introduced a similar system with electric charging stations. The backstop would be activated only in periods of acute congestion problems and could help prevent the last resort measure, which is cutting off electricity to users. ‘Upgrading the electricity network remains essential, but in practice it will take years. So there is a need for short-term solutions that can be integrated into long-term planning. We, the members of the TU Delft PowerWeb Institute, call on the government, network operators and regulator to explore the flexible backstop as an additional grid security measure,’ they said. The entire Paper can be read here . Kenneth Brunninx Associate Professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Governance and Management, where he uses quantitative models to evaluate energy policy and market design with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions. Simon Tindemans is Associate Professor in the Intelligent Electrical Power Grids group at Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science. His research interests include uncertainty and risk management for power grids. TU Delft PowerWeb Institute is a community of researchers who are investigating how to make renewable energy systems reliable, future proof and accessible to everyone.

Empowering professionals – vital for the longevity of any organisation

Empowering professionals – vital for the longevity of any organisation “Employers need to recognise that allowing employees to develop themselves is essential to business success, and space must be made for that,” says Willem van Valkenburg, Executive Director of TU Delft’s Extension School for Continuing Education. In a recent Topic Talks interview on New Business Radio , van Valkenburg highlighted the need for a robust learning culture within organisations to keep pace with an evolving job market and rapid technological advancements. Barriers to continous development Reflecting on the learning culture in the Netherlands, as an example, van Valkenburg pointed out an often-overlooked barrier: although resources for professional development exist, business needs frequently take precedence, sidelining employee growth. “Employers must actively create environments that encourage continuous learning and foster dialogue about upskilling and growth opportunities. This is especially crucial for companies struggling with unfilled vacancies. When staffing is low, the demand on existing employees intensifies, making it harder to prioritise time for learning.” Recognising these challenges, TU Delft has developed short-duration online courses to help professionals fit learning around their work responsibilities. The importance of up-to-date skills is clear: businesses need to adopt new technologies to remain competitive, yet they often face skills gaps that traditional training does not cover. Van Valkenburg shared an example of a professional who, after completing TU Delft’s AI in Manufacturing course, applied their learning to increase production by 50%. To address the need for specialised knowledge, TU Delft’s approach goes beyond standard coursework, fostering innovation through collaborative learning communities. “Our learning communities bring together researchers, professionals, and policymakers to collaboratively address real-world problems. This structure enables participants to learn while actively solving practical challenges,” explained van Valkenburg. Throughout the conversation, van Valkenburg emphasised the value of aligning academic expertise with industry needs. By integrating TU Delft’s research into their courses, participants have access to the latest advancements, keeping them at the forefront of their fields. “Our courses, accessible in English and designed for a global audience, allow professionals from diverse sectors to stay ahead of technological shifts,” he said. Tangible impact In addition to cutting-edge content, the Extension School maintains a learner-centred approach. Feedback is integral, helping TU Delft ensure its courses remain relevant and impactful. “What moves me the most are people in developing countries who say, ‘I took a course on solar energy. With the knowledge I gained, I wrote a project plan to install solar panels in our village. Now, we have more electricity and can develop ourselves further.'" Building lifelong learning at all levels is essential to creating a resilient workforce and a sustainable future. TU Delft’s Extension School is committed to keeping these conversations alive, empowering professionals worldwide to drive meaningful change. For those interested in hearing the full interview in Dutch, please click the link. Luister hier Support Willem van Valkenburg and our work by giving us a shout-out on LinkedIn linkedin