Graduation

Completion of a graduation project comprising research as well as design, the focus can differ and be a technical-scientific study and design research, or, an execution of a design. While the graduation project's subject can relate to any of the disciplines represented within the department of Architectural Engineering & Technology, the themes of climate design, façade & product design, structural design and design informatics, are especially emphasized.  Passing the AR3B015 User-centred Sustainability Studio (former SWAT) or CORE is a prerequisite to begin the Graduation Studio.

Structural Design

Structural Design is the backbone of any architectural design. Without the structure no building would stand, no canopy would shelter and no bridge would span. In some cases a structural design can be serviceable to the architectural concept, in the best of cases the structural design can inspire the entire project and form and define the space around it. Airports, skyscrapers, sport stadiums, bridges and train stations form the playfield for those architects with a mind for structure as well as those structural engineers with a passion for architecture. Teamwork and an integrated sustainable approach are essential in this process. 

Key topics are typological studies, global design, modelling, form finding. To accomplish this a whole range of materials is at our disposal; traditional materials such as steel, concrete and wood as well as innovative materials such as glass, ultrahigh performance concrete or fibre reinforced polymers.

Climate Design

Climate Design covers the indoor environment, the outdoor environment and the dividing skin in-between, as well as the essential flows that enable living, working and travelling: energy, water and materials. Strongly founded on the existing knowledge and experience, Climate Design focuses on themes that are currently significant in terms of societal and scientific value. 

These are: climate and energy planning and design (in relationship to climate adaptation and carbon neutral redevelopment of cities and buildings), e-novation (energy renovation of existing buildings), autonomous housing concepts (self-supporting building designs), closed and connected cycles (control of the essential flows), comfort and health (in buildings and the built environment) and green product development (building skin, elements and services).

Façade & Product Design

Façades & Product Design concerns innovation in building envelopes and products. Façades are one of the most technically challenging, complex and multidisciplinary parts of a building. A façade defines not only a building’s appearance and its architectural expression, but also how well it functions with regard to comfort, safety, pleasant ambience and sustainability. Within this context students will learn how to design and develop façade structures on an academic level. 

Key topics are energy consumption and sustainability, typology, materialization, fabrication and assembly of façades and products. 

Education is strongly connected to the Architectural Facades and Products Research Group and linked to an international network of universities. Also students can benefit from close relations with professional practice.