MA Thesis

Master’s Thesis

Your independent master’s thesis topic should build on an architectural question that identifies a contemporary problem and provokes an architectonic investigation.
This question may arise, for example, from the identification of a material resource problem, the evolution of a building typology, or a certain construction technique. While the questions may start broad to engage with cultural or societal issues, they should be clearly tied to an architectural objective. The development of a coherent thesis statement is essential.

The thesis and the preparatory seminar may be pursued individually or in pairs.

Application

Students are required to submit a curriculum vitae, a portfolio of selected work, and a concise exposé. In the case of a duo, the CV and portfolio of each candidate should be submitted.

Exposé
The exposé does not have to present a fully developed design idea but should clearly state your research question, its broader relevance, and outline the anticipated architectural project. A proposed program or site may also be included, but this remains of secondary importance compared to the formulation of the thesis statement. (Max. 10 A4 pages)

Portfolio
3–5 relevant recent personal projects, plus CV.

Procedure
The application deadline for the winter semester is July 1.
The application deadline for the summer semester is January 6.
A subsequent interview may also take place. Admission to the preparatory seminar will be based on this process.

Preparatory Seminar

The seminar Methodical Development of Research Questions will take place during the semester break before the start of the thesis. The seminar provides the theoretical and practical framework to define the thesis in terms of research question, approach, methodology, objective, and schedule. After successful completion of the seminar, students may proceed to the independent thesis.

Contact

Lukas Brecheler
Daniel Stephany