Start of the Degree Programme in Architecture and Urban Design
Welcome to the beginning of the degree programme in architecture and urban design at the CITY | BUILDING | CULTURE departemtn at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. We organise an introductory week for first-year students and newly enrolled students at the beginning of the semester.
Information on the start of studies
The semester begins on Monday, 25/09/2023 at 10.00 am with a welcome event in lecture hall house D/room 011. This is followed by the introductory weeks with a building survey on the Pfingstberg. An intensive phase of getting to know each other begins, during which you will get to know your future fellow students, the lecturers of the degree programme and the study environment well. You will also gain particularly detailed knowledge about a building.
The building survey consists of various practice steps that are closely coordinated. In order to approach the building part, perspective sketches are created. This exercise step clarifies proportions and the rough structure of the building. In the second exercise step, the proportions are checked by scientific measurements, and in the third step, the dimensions are brought to the page by technical drawings. The individual exercise steps are explained in detail on site. There are always enough teachers available to clarify questions and comments.
On this page you will get a rough overview of the building survey procedure and the related necessary material procurement. You will also find information about the teachers and supervisors of the first two introductory weeks. If you have any questions, please contact Lennard Dose.
Summary of the exercise steps
1. Seeing and representing
- Representation of the buildings in architecturally correct sketches: Horizon, vanishing point and auxiliary lines are tools with which spatial situations can be recorded.
- Architects can also make two-dimensional drawings of buildings - for example site plans, elevations and sections - by using a trainable imagination.
2. Analytical measurement
- Precise measurement sketches allow previously established proportions to be checked and recorded with a high degree of accuracy.
3. Layout
- The previously determined dimensions are compressed onto a large sheet in the form of architectural drawings. Simple layouts can be created by moving them by hand.
4. Drawing in
- Two delivery sheets with constructed drawings of the measured building are produced. On the sheets are floor plans, views, sections and an axonometry.
- At the end, all 4 exercise steps are handed in and assessed. The individual exercise steps are described in detail in separate exercise sheets.
There will always be enough contact persons for questions.
Important notes on required materials & costs
Paper is provided by the university.
Required materials as of 26/09/2023
- Sturdy DIN A2 plywood board as a drawing surface, approx. 4mm thick
- soft pencils (between 2B and 6B)
- sharpener and eraser (transparent)
- Tesakrepp
- camping stool
- weatherproof clothing for working on site
Required materials as of 02/10/2023
- Camera
- Calculator
- Folding rule
- Small tape measure, approx. 2 m (e.g. tailor's tape measure)
- 2 pcs. TK pencils, with 2H+4H pencil leads
- Rotary sharpener
- Architect's scale (1:100, 1:50, 1:20, 1:25, 1:125, 1:75)
- Compasses
- Drawing broom
Painting and drawing supplies in Berlin & Potsdam
Contact points for painting and drawing supplies in Berlin:
- Drawing Centre Ebeling, https://www.zc77.de
- modulor, https://www.modulor.de
- boesner, https://www.boesner.com
Contact points for painting and drawing supplies in Potsdam:
- H & W
Rudolf-Breitscheid-Str. 79
14482 Potsdam/Babelsberg
Phone: +49 331 7103 68
Contribution to costs
The fee for the events at the beginning of the semester will be around 150 euros. More information will be available on 25/09/2023. The cost contribution for participating restorers is 10 euros.
Teachers and supervisors during the introductory weeks




Accompaniment during the introductory weeks
Tutors
- Fiona Wittmann
- Sophie Wenske
- Vera Schmidt
- Elisabeth Wagner
- Oda Baumann