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Profile: Design ∙ Build ∙ Preserve

Architecture and Urban Design (BA)

Ansicht des Hofgärtnerhaus der Römischen Bäder Sanssouci
© Stadtraumfoto, René Wildgrube, m.a.arch.

Urban architecture is the central theme of the degree programme in architecture and urban design at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. Starting with architectural design, the Bachelor's degree programme teaches you technical and cultural fundamentals as well as design methods for responsible work as an architect. The 8-semester Bachelor's programme provides for a close relationship between design, theory-history, landscape architecture and design. The aim is to enable students to develop an independent critical and historically reflected architectural attitude towards the current topics and questions of today's architectural and urban development.

Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Type:
Full time
Course language:
German
Standard study period:
8 semesters full-time, incl. 10-week internship
Start of study:
Winter semester
Application deadline:
15/05 – 15/07 (restricted admission)
Admission requirements:
General university entrance qualification/ entrance qualification for studies at universities of applied sciences/ equivalently recognised prior vocational training, participation in the aptitude test
Credits:
240 ECTS credits
Module Manuals & Regulations
Profile

Architecture and Urban Design

The profile of the study programme architecture and urban design in the subject area "CITY | BUILDING | CULTURE" is shaped/determined by three positions:

  • the ongoing determination of architectural design, increasing the building scale, through the parameters of type and topos and the understanding of building as continuing to build,

  • the close interplay of the design module with design and landscape architecture

  • the scientific basis of architectural theory, architecture and urban planning history, history of garden and landscape architecture and technology.

The aim of the first year of study is to define and convey the concepts of space, architecture and city in their fundamental meaning. In the second year of study, the focus is on the house with all its details, inside and out, as part of an urban whole and, conversely, on the urban structure as an assembly of urban houses. The third and fourth years of study each offer a broad spectrum of design topics that you can choose freely.

International projects, workshops and interdisciplinary seminars round off the programme. Between the 3rd and 4th year of study, you have the opportunity to complete a practical semester. We strive to promote exchange between universities through existing international contacts. A semester abroad can be integrated into the course of study.

Profile

Urban architecture

Urban architecture is the central theme of teaching in the architecture and urban design degree programme. It is closely related to two leitmotifs of teaching: firstly, the strategy of building in, extending and converting, and secondly, the complementary interrelationship of city and landscape.

Tradition and the present

Potsdam and Berlin are still characterised by a classical understanding of architecture. At the same time, Berlin is the capital of classical modernism. The legacy of this tradition is not least the ideal of an overarching architectural order in the appearance of the buildings and the urban structure. It is the common goal of all teachers in the department to do justice to this heritage by teaching architecture in a demanding manner that is oriented towards international standards.

Design as synthesis

Architecture is primarily neither construction technology nor construction planning, neither art nor social technology. Architecture is the art of synthesis. The architectural design as its result is equally the representation of a problem solution and an independent aesthetic product.

Thinking Path - Thinking Workshop

Just as the design thinking of architects is always directed towards a plurality of references to existence and action, architecture and urban planning can only be taught in holistic structures.

Bachelor-Master

The programme is divided into two phases, an eight-semester Bachelor's programme and a two-semester Master's programme.

Is this study programme right for me?

Architects work very creatively. To study architecture and urban planning, you should have a basic interest in technical issues in addition to design skills and a spatial imagination. During your studies and in the working world, the ability to work in a team is one of the most important qualities, as many architectural projects are realized in a team and only succeed through a good exchange among the individual team members.  

You bring these qualities with you

  • Enthusiasm for the architecture of the city
  • Design creativity
  • spatial imagination
  • basic technical understanding
  • interest in social processes
  • Ability to work in a team

Podcast of the Campus Specialists

As campus specialists, Mara and Nicole share insider knowledge about the architecture and urban planning degree programme. In the podcast, they explain the special features of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam and everything about the application and aptitude test.

To the podcast

Contact

The colleagues at the student counselling service provide information to prospective students, first-year students, parents, teachers and students on all general questions about the degree programme. If you have specific questions or concerns about the bachelor's degree programme in architecture and urban design, please contact the subject counselling service: architektur@fh-potsdam.de.

Subject Counselling Service

Career Prospects

Career prospects

As a graduate of the degree programme in architecture and urban design, you can expect a project-based working environment in which you will supervise the planning and construction of buildings and structures, depending on your specialisation. This can take place on a design level as well as on a functional, technical or economic level.

Possible areas of application

  • Architectural offices
  • Planning offices
  • Urban planning
  • (Interior) architecture offices
  • Real estate industry
Study Content

Course of studies & topics

The standard period of study for the full-time degree programme in architecture and urban design is eight semesters and concludes with a bachelor of arts degree. The study plan gives you a detailed overview.

Semester 1 – 3

Design and representation, drafting, urban planning, construction, technology, natural sciences, law, history, theory
Semester 4 – 5 Design and presentation, design, urban planning, construction, technology, natural sciences, law, history, theory, elective module
Semester 6 Design and presentation, design, urban planning, construction, technology, natural sciences, law, history, theory
Semester 7

Design, urban planning, construction, technology, natural sciences, law, history, theory, elective module

Semester 8 Technology, natural sciences, law, elective module, bachelor thesis

Professors: Eckert, Jonas, Winkens

Start of the architecture degree programme
During a two-week introductory event, all first-year students are welcomed and introduced to the study of architecture by an interdisciplinary team of professors from the fields of design, drafting and monument preservation. The first foundations are laid by means of introductory lectures. On the basis of an excursion to an object in Potsdam's monument landscape, the basics of architectural drawing and building surveying are taught, thus providing a very direct approach to the study of architecture.

Professors: Bess, Cousin, Tubbesing and lecturers Rosin, Dose, Kassens

In semesters 1 and 2, "Design and Construction" is the central and integrative module in the Architecture and Urban Design programme, which is supplemented by the Design, Technology and Theory modules.

The Small House and the Landscape - The Country House/Villa and the Garden
Architectural design is determined, among other aspects, by essentially two significant parameters: the site and the type, i.e. the reference to and reflection on the given site (genius loci) and the examination of the potential building type.
The site of the first two semesters is the landscape, as a cultivated landscape park and as a designed garden. The discussion of the building type begins in the first semester with a small house ("hut") in the landscape; in the second semester, the type of country house or villa and the garden become the task. In both cases, the focus is on the further development of the existing, which is analysed and built upon. The lecture series "Construction, Components, Material" (Brands/NN) already prepares the students for the 3rd semester in terms of content.

Intermediate critique (half-time) together

Final critique together/with guests

Grading conference among all professors involved

Professors: Brands/NN, Eingartner, Kleihues, Malcovati, Dietzsch

The house in the city
"The house in the city" is the central building block of the city. The first step is to deal with the existing building, i.e. with the urban and building structure, its history and the typological peculiarities of the neighbourhood. The individual design work begins with the examination of references/comparable examples. In addition to the individual development of the design concept, the constructive elaboration of the house and its solid, sustainable materialisation are at the centre of the design work. The lecture series "Elements of Urban Architecture" (Malcovati) already prepares the students for the 4th semester in terms of content.

Intermediate critique (mid-term) together

Final critique together / with guests

Grade conference among all professors involved

The representational skills range from hand or hybrid drawings to digital renderings, which find their application depending on the project.

Lecturers: Fenske, Zitelli, Dose, Kassens

Professors: Jonas, Eingartner, Kleihues, Malcovati

The discovery of the city

Urban design "Urban Space
The design of an urban quarter is a special challenge, because in it place, type, history and concept intertwine and the questions of public and private spaces are posed. At the beginning, the design task is placed in a cultural and supra-local context on the basis of comparable references. The individual urban concept develops from this analysis and is gradually confronted with the local conditions and thus adapted to the site, whereby questions of urban morphology, house typology and landscape planning are added. The step-by-step elaboration of the urban and open spaces, the house typologies and parcelling, as well as individual architectures that shape the urban space, culminate in a holistic urban design.

Intermediate critique (half-time) together

Final critique together / with guests

Grading conference among all professors involved

The representational skills range from hand or hybrid drawings to digital renderings, which find their application depending on the project.

Lecturers: Fenske, Zitelli, Dose, Kassens

Professors: Eckert, Dietzsch, Jonas, Kleihues, Tubbesing, Winkens, Eingartner

The relationship between site and house type plays a central role in the development of architectural design, both in the landscape and in the city. Knowledge of general and local house types (lecture series "House typologies" in 5th semester / Jonas) and city typologies/urban morphologies (lecture series in 7th semester / NN) is the prerequisite for developing individual design concepts.

Since most of the work in these semesters is done on "big houses", questions of the local and historical urban context as well as the examination of programmes and projects of a comparable kind in other places and at other times play a relevant role.

Intermediate critique (half-time) with several professors

Final critique with several professors / with guests

Grade conference among all professors involved

The design offer in the higher semesters is made through open elective courses and individual counselling.

Professors: Eckert, Dietzsch, Jonas, Kleihues, Winkens, Eingartner

The design of a house with a deepening of the structural planning aspect presupposes an intensive examination of the construction of the room. In addition to the individual design work, the reflection of historical buildings and their constructive ideas thus represents an essential part of the design work. The knowledge of general and specific structural solutions and construction methods (lecture series "Great houses, construction, structure, material" in the 6th semester / all lecturers) and (lecture series "Construction theory/structural framework" in the 6th semester / N. N.) represents the prerequisite for the development of individual design concepts. The summer semester is shortened by 3-4 weeks due to the internships starting in July.

Intermediate critique (mid-term) with several professors

Final critique with several professors / with guests

Grade conference among all professors involved

Professors: Eckert, Jonas, Dietzsch, Tubbesing, Winkens

Based on the overall theme of "metropolitan architecture", the individual groups develop overarching urban planning concepts/master plans for the sites that are relevant to and shape the urban structure, and deepen them in individual approaches up to the architectural object. Joint events, meetings and lectures on general themes of the city and the specificity of the site link the different concepts in the individual groups with each other and lead to an exchange of ideas between the groups. The external students (lateral entrants) admitted for the upcoming Master's project complete the project as a design project.

(previous examples: metropolitan main streets/radials, Tempelhofer Feld, Generalzug, Mehringdamm-Tempelhofer Damm, etc.).

Intermediate critique (mid-term) with all professors involved

Final critique with several professors / with guests

Grade conference among all professors involved

Study content

In the currently valid module handbooks, study and examination regulations and statutes of the study programme architecture and urban design you will find the module overview, a detailed description of the modules and study contents, the study plan as well as the statutes for determining the degree programme-related aptitude for the bachelor's degree programme architecture and urban design. The module overview table also contains information on the structure and content of the degree programme.

Teaching formats

Students have a choice of various lectures and seminars in the individual modules, in which they deal with individual topics in detail. An important part of the degree programme is also learning practical skills. This is realised in the architecture and urban design programme in small study groups in the form of design work. Joint excursions, special lectures and interdisciplinary seminars round off the programme and serve to broaden the students' horizons.

  • Lectures and seminars in five modules
  • Design work in small study groups
  • Lecture series "Thesis Lectures
  • Individual and group consultations
  • Joint excursions
  • Interdisciplinary seminars at the university

Design and representation

In the design and representation module, students learn all the important craft techniques such as drawing and model making. The practical training forms the basis for creating their own designs.

  • Basics of design
  • Descriptive geometry
  • Architectural representation
  • Perspective drawing / Nude drawing
  • Colour theory
  • CAD
  • Film and Photography

Design, urban planning and construction

The module area "Design, Urban Planning and Construction" provides basic knowledge on the subject of design. The students learn which parameters play a role in the design of building drafts and should be taken into account.

  • Preservation of historical monuments and building in the historical stock
  • Construction of space, type and context
  • Design and material identity
  • Design and structural order
  • Structural design - city
  • Landscape architecture and garden conservation

Technology, science and law

In addition to the teaching of craftsmanship and the imparting of knowledge in the area of construction, students also receive a basic education in the areas of technology, science and law, such as the legal regulations relating to construction and also the physical, geological aspects that must be taken into account in construction planning.

  • Structural engineering
  • Building technology
  • Building maintenance/restoration, building survey/surveying
  • Building physics
  • Building materials technology/materials science
  • Planning and building organisation
  • Building law
  • Building organisation
  • Planning management
  • Business start-up/entrepreneurial thinking

History, Theory

In the History and Theory module, the subject area of architecture and urban planning is examined from a theoretical, scientific perspective and students gain insights into architectural history and theory.

  • Theory
  • Theory of architecture
  • History of architecture and urban planning
  • History of art
  • Urban history of Potsdam
  • Urban development
  • Methods in the Preservation of Monuments/History of the Preservation of Monuments
  • Garden Monument Preservation
  • History of construction

General cultural basics

Architecture and urban development are seen in a context with culture – this is precisely what is examined in more detail in the module Cultural Foundations and the students deal with sociological and cultural aspects.

  • Aesthetics/Theory
  • Urban culture
  • Culture and regional development
  • Sociology
  • Living culture
  • Communication/Presentation
  • Supplementary seminars from other universities: arts, humanities, natural sciences, foreign languages, etc.

Elective module

You choose further courses for individual focus from the individual modules.

Internship

The degree programme includes a ten-week internship, e.g. in an architectural office.

Thesis

  • Independent writing of a Bachelor's thesis
Ein Architektur-Modell auf der Werkschau 2018

In study

On the pages of the CITY | BUILDING | CULTURE department you will find further useful information and documents on the degree programme, for example on the organisation of studies, the course catalogue and timetables. In addition, our lecturers and staff are introduced there.

CITY | BUILDING | CULTURE Department

Application & Contact

Dates & requirements for your application

The most important deadlines, dates and admission requirements for the bachelor's degree programme in architecture and urban design are compiled here. You can find out which steps you need to take for a successful application in the next section.

Dates

  • by 15 July: online application (you will then receive an invitation to the aptitude test)
  • by 15 July: Application for a higher semester in order to continue a degree programme started at University of Applied Sciences Potsdam

Access requirements

  • General university entrance qualification according to the Brandenburg university act: General university entrance qualification or entrance qualification for studies at universities of applied sciences or previous vocational training recognised as equivalent
  • Passed aptitude test

This is how you apply!

In the following, we explain which aspects you should pay attention to from the online application to enrolment (registration).

The application for the winter semester takes place from 15 May to 15 July online in the MyCampus university portal of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam.

Documents to be submitted

When applying online, the following documents must be submitted as PDF files in the application portal:

  • If applicable, university entrance qualification
  • Proof of professional or other previous experience relevant to the field of study, if applicable
  • If applicable, university degree certificate and justification for taking up a second degree programme
  • Proof of service, if applicable
  • If applicable, proof(s) of hardship application or application for disadvantage compensation

Checklist & invitation to the aptitude test

After completing your online application in the MyCampus university portal, you will receive a personal checklist with the following information:

  • List of all supporting documents that you have uploaded as PDF files according to the information you provided in your online application.
  • Information on the rest of the procedure
  • Invitation link to the aptitude test: The invitation link will take you to the registration form for the aptitude test in architecture and design. Registration is possible until 15 July.

The course-related aptitude test in architecture and design consists of an aptitude interview. The basis for this is formed by the following documents, which you should print out and bring with you to the aptitude test:

  • Completed application form (you will receive this via link after the online application)
  • letter of motivation (1/2 page, A4)
  • a portfolio with at least five of your own artistic works

Note on the portfolio

  • The works should generally deal with the built environment or urban spaces of any kind: These can be city views, city details, houses and house details, squares, built-up streets or courtyards.
  • In the sketches we would like to feel your enthusiasm for CITY | BUILDING | CULTURE. These sketches (maximum DIN A3) can be created with different techniques such as line, charcoal, ink or watercolour. You have the option of supplementing your work with photos.

Evaluation criteria

The criteria for the evaluation of the architectural-artistic aptitude are artistic aptitude, aesthetic sensibility, spatial imagination, perceptive ability, representational ability and motivation.

If you have already successfully passed an aptitude test last year, please contact studien-service@fh-potsdam.de. In this case, participation again is optional.

Selection procedure

Applicants who fulfil the admission requirements take part in the procedure for awarding places.
In the allocation procedure for the first semester, the following are deducted in advance from the number of places to be allocated:

  • all applicants who were unable to accept an earlier admission due to service, as well as all applicants who are members of the national squad of a national sports association of the German Olympic Sports Confederation
  • 11 % for applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification
  • 3 % for applicants for a second degree
  • 3 % for applicants who are to be considered on the basis of hardship.

The remaining study places are allocated 80 % according to the results of a university selection procedure and 20 % according to waiting time.

The study places in the university selection procedure are awarded according to the result of the aptitude test in accordance with § 9 Para. 3 of the Brandenburg University Admissions Act.

Admission

Following the university selection procedure, the award procedure is carried out. Applicants with a correspondingly high ranking will receive a time-limited offer of admission in the MyCampus university portal, which you must actively accept.

Once you have accepted the offer of admission, you will find your notification of admission in the MyCampus University Portal. If you do not accept the offer of admission by the deadline, the ranking list will continue to be processed and the place will be reallocated.

You have passed the aptitude test and accepted the offer of admission? Then you have the option of submitting an enrolment application for the winter semester in the MyCampus university portal of the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences Potsdam.

Once you have submitted your online application for enrolment, please submit the printed and signed application together with all required documents in paper form by the deadline. The day of the enrolment deadline is decisive for the submission of the documents, whereby the date of receipt by post at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam is decisive.

Documents to be submitted

  • University entrance qualification
  • If applicable, further documents according to the enrolment application form.

Do you have questions about the enrolment process at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam? We have compiled frequently asked questions and answers regarding enrolment and admission.

Start your studies

After you have successfully completed the application process, we recommend that you take a look at the start of studies page of the degree programme in architecture and urban design. There you will find important information and dates regarding the start of your studies at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam.

Further information

The following links provide you, and especially international applicants, with further information on the topics of application and enrolment at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam.

Girlande mit internationalen Flaggen

International applicants

You would like to apply for studies from the first or a higher semester and have acquired your school-leaving qualification and/or university degree abroad? Then you can have degrees and achievements acquired abroad recognised and study with us.

Application information for internationals

Drei Studierende schauen sich Infomaterialien der FH Potsdam an

Application & Enrolment Procedure

The application and study service provides information and advice on general questions regarding the application process, admission and enrolment at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam, application for a higher semester, but also on topics such as compensation for disadvantages, part-time studies, waiting semesters and hardship applications.

Application & Enrolment University of Applied Sciences Potsdam

Contact & Services

The student counselling service provides information and advice on general questions about studying as well as on topics such as choosing a course of study, application, enrolment and study organisation.

For subject-specific questions on module contents, credit transfer, examinations or specialisations in the degree programme architecture and urban design, the subject counselling service is the right place to go.

Subject Counselling Service

Student Financing

Room 3.02a

Family Affairs Commissioner

Room 026

Office hours

Tue and Thu 9.30 am – 1.30 pm

Commissioner for University Employees with Impairment

Room 201

Office hours

by arrangement

Contact persons department of student affairs