Media Architecture

The alliance of architecture and media occurs on three main levels:
First of all, architecture itself is a medium, just as language, text and symbols are. It not only conveys, processes and records reality and its meaning, but also produces it. In this sense, architecture is always a perceptual mechanism, physical technique, semiotic tool, etc. Some of the best examples include the window as a view, an image and a mirror, glass buildings as a panorama or simply space as a choreography of use. Digital media make the expansion of real space possible and enable interaction with virtual space (calculating spaces, information and entertainment spaces, immersion spaces, etc.).

Secondly, architecture is represented in the media. Architecture circulates in media. These media in turn present themselves, in structure and discourse, as having the ability to define architecture. The representative forms of architecture (drawing, sketch, diagram, model, book, photography, film, virtual reality) as well as the techniques of their distribution contribute to its constitution. Also, architecture affects other media and serves as a model for them.

Thirdly, architecture replicates itself virtually. New technologies allow for the creation or simulation of a completely individual architecture of "artificial worlds" and bring forth new typologies of immersive spaces. At the same time, architecture always serves as a prototype of such immersive spaces. Architecture offers the metaphors, the language as well as the structure for order and for the navigation of knowledge.

In-depth Study Content
The interaction of the different subject areas outlined below allows for a differentiated examination of various issues.

Design and Architectural Theory:

• General application of the media: theoretical discourse on architecture
• Architecture as a mixed medium: perceptual mechanism, body technique, semiotic tool, physiology and performance in space
• Architecture in the media: medial impression as a defining power of architecture
• Immersion spaces: metaphors, language and structure for order and navigation of knowledge

Design and Building Form Studies:

• The "scenic": dramatics and direction as process examples for the architectural design process
• Process-oriented perspectives in (architectural) design/functional processes in architectural space
• New levels of freedom for perceptive space: synchronisation of the site relationship of architecture and the time relation of the medial event
• Light as a medium (spherical parameters of architecture)
• Physiological architecture

Presentation Methodology:

• Projective synchronisation and connection between the (technical presentation of) real and virtual, medial and architectural spaces (drawing, photo, rendering, etc.), geometric analysis and construction process
• Modelling, presenting, simulating
• Image-based virtual worlds (IVR and QTVR), areas of use, types, production, tools
• parametric and algorithmic design, rapid prototyping

Interface Design:

• Perception, effect and functional aspects of "intelligent" spaces
• Interaction concepts in space
• Distributed, site-dependent information and entertainment offerings
• Conception, production and distribution of multimedia interactive contents
• The dramatics of interaction in space
• Design concepts of the media in "real" buildings

History and Theory of Cultural Techniques:

• History of graphical operation
• Media of architectural design, media of planning
• Corridors, channels, thresholds: from urban spaces to film architecture
• Topography of the biopolitical space of human existence

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI):

• Intelligent buildings: adaptation of the space to the presence and activities of those inside
• Cooperative buildings: integrated support of social interaction and cooperation in one or several buildings
• Ambient interfaces: subtle presentation of (digital) information in space
• Architecture and cyberspace: synergies between real and virtual worlds

Educational organisation

In the MediaArchitecture course of studies, three main instructional forms are offered: design projects, seminars, and lectures.
The project module is central to the study programme. The project structure enables exemplary work on open presentation of problems. Here you will already find the elective choice between a more theoretical and a more design-practical orientation. The importance placed on both theory and practice can be determined by the student. Plenum, individual consultations and presentations structure the project module. Work in interdisciplinary project groups allows you to experience the cross-over learning method and strengthens your skills for interdisciplinary teamwork. Project consultations are offered in an interdisciplinary manner by professors from both the architecture and the media faculties.
An alternative to the projects set by the respective professors is a "free" project topic, which is developed by the student him/herself but is carried out under the guidance of the instructors in the appropriate area of studies. In this way, active participation of the students in the shaping of the study programme is encouraged.
Theory and subject modules supplement the course offer as elective requirements. They make a more theoretical or a more design-practical orientation possible. Methodical as well as conceptional skills and the use of tools in close connection with concrete tasks and questions can be acquired in such a manner. This generally takes place in lectures, seminars and specialised courses.
Differentiated - in accordance with the focus of the topic horizon - elective requirements supplement the course offering. They are offered by the faculties of architecture, media, and design. Furthermore, additional language courses can be attended.

First semester:
Project module I serves as an in-depth introduction to the six areas of instruction as well as an orientating examination of the problems peculiar to the course of study. As a result, it is divided into three project parts that comply with the study areas of the participating professors. An accompanying interdisciplinary, team-taught lecture series by the involved professors serves to provide an introduction and a deeper understanding of the respective study areas.

Second semester:
Project module II serves as a continuative project development in the research profile of the studies. It is supplemented by a project-related, specialised course. Theory and subject modules allow for alternatively academic or practically oriented work within an independent topic focus or in addition to the project. The elective requirements supplement the course offer. The second semester offers the opportunity in its detailed orientation for study.

Third semester:
Project module III serves as a continuative project development in the research profile of the studies. It is supplemented by a project-related, specialised course. Theory and subject modules allow for alternatively academic or practically-oriented work within an independent topic focus or in addition to the design project. The elective requirements supplement the course offer. The third semester offers the opportunity in its detailed orientation for study or an exchange with one of the international project partners or for an internship.

Fourth semester:
The fourth semester is reserved for completion of the Master's thesis. A monthly colloquium accompanies the thesis work.

Double-degree Master's study programme "International MediaArchitecture Master's Studies" (IMAMS): interdisciplinary, integrated, double-degree Master's programme lasting two years. Students will study two semesters at Weimar and two semesters at Buffalo University, SUNY.

Double-degree Master's study programme "Interactions and Interfaces for Digital Environments" (IDE): interdisciplinary, integrated, double-degree Master's programme lasting two years. Students will study two semesters at Weimar and two semesters at Tongji University, Shanghai.

Study abroad unit(s)

Students in the "regular" Master's programme can spend one to two semesters abroad - for studies or an internship, e.g. at one of the many partner universities of Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.
For students of the double-degree programme IMAMS and the double-degree programme IDE, a study abroad period of two semesters at the partner universities is obligatory.

Internships

No compulsory internships, but internships are recommended.

Forms of assessment

Credits are earned through written and oral exams as well as project presentations.
The written Master's thesis (theoretical or project-based) and final exam (oral) of 120 ECTS points must be completed during the last semester.

Course objectives

Due to the integrative design of the programme, MediaArchitecture opens professional opportunities not only in the fields of architecture (including conference, event and film architecture), stage, media and orientation system design, but also in the areas of knowledge, production, and image representation, and even in city and civil engineering offices.
The Master's programme provides students with instrumental as well as conceptional skills:
technical mastering of advanced media tools in the context of architecture (construction, presentation, simulation programmes), use of new digital technology in space and its interaction with architectural considerations (intelligent building, media façades, etc.), complex understanding of architecture as a medium as well as the media of architecture (theories of architecture, media, art), ability for interdisciplinary cooperation between media artists, architects and art academics, development of rhetorical skills, critical skills, generation of innovative approaches, etc.

Language requirements

Applicants for the Master's degree programme "MediaArchitecture" must prove that they have an adequate command of German and English.
Proof of either very good German (at least level B2 certified by DSH-1 or TestDaF 4xTDN 3) or alternatively very good English and good German language skills (English at level B2, German at level B1) is necessary.
Applicants whose mother tongue is neither English nor German are required to provide proof of these skills. Exceptions to one of the above can be made if an applicant has earned a Bachelor's degree at a university in a German- or English-speaking country.
For the integrated study programmes "International MediaArchitecture Master Studies" (IMAMS) and "Interactions and Interfaces for Digital Environments" (IDE), proof of proficiency in English is compulsory, e.g. TOEFL (PBT 550, CBT 213, iBT 79-80), IELTS (not older than two years, minimum score 6.0, each part at least 5.5).

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

Students must either hold a relevant degree or equivalent certificate in architecture, media or related fields with a scientific or artistic/design-oriented degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or "Diplom") and have equivalent professional experience. Additionally, students must pass the aptitude test.
Officially certified copies and a certified German translation of all degree certificates must be submitted with the application.

Enrolment fees

Approx. 160 EUR per semester. This is a contribution to student services and the student council. It further includes free regional transport, student discounts for meals at the university cafeteria, and theatre and museum tickets as well as many other activities. The additional fee for the student ID ("Thoska") is 20 EUR (one-time only fee).

Costs of living

In Weimar, living expenses tend to be lower than in larger German cities. We recommend that students budget at least 700 EUR per month.

Job opportunities

Students are supported as much as possible within institutional limitations in their individual endeavours to find jobs and internships. We recommend that students plan their finances prior to their studies and not rely on additional earnings.

Funding opportunities within the university

• University Scholarship Programme for International Students
• Scholarship Programme of the Association for Sponsorship of Students of Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
  http://www.uni-weimar.de/en/university/international/to-weimar/scholarships/

Arrival support

International Office
international-office@uni-weimar.de
Phone 1: +49 (0) 36 43-58 23 63
Phone 2: +49 (0) 36 43-58 23 73
Fax: +49 (0) 36 43-58 23 75
http://www.uni-weimar.de/international
Address for visitors:
Campus.Office
Geschwister-Scholl-Straße 15
99423 Weimar
Germany

Weimar International Network (WIN)
Information, services and buddy programme for international students prior to arrival
http://www.uni-weimar.de/projekte/win/

Services and support for international students

Academic support and counselling office: Faculty of Architecture, Dr Sabine Zierold
E-mail: sabine.zierold@uni-weimar.de
Phone: +49 (0) 36 43-58 31 61
Fax: +49 (0) 36 43-58 31 09

International Counsellor
Dr Bernd Stratmann
E-mail: bernhard.stratmann@uni-weimar.de
Phone: +49 (0) 36 43-58 26 44

International Office
international-office@uni-weimar.de
Phone 1: +49 (0) 36 43-58 23 63
Phone 2: +49 (0) 36 43-58 23 73
Fax: +49 (0) 36 43-58 23 75
http://www.uni-weimar.de/international
Address for visitors:
Campus.Office
Geschwister-Scholl-Straße 15
99423 Weimar
Germany

Weimar International Network (WIN)
http://www.uni-weimar.de/win
WIN is an online platform of services for international students in Weimar. It offers useful information and events, fosters contact between international and German students and provides orientation for newcomers to Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.
WIN offers helpful advice, links, and contact information. You can also register to participate in cultural exchange programmes and subscribe to the monthly newsletter "curious@bout Weimar." The calendar contains information about upcoming international events in Weimar and the surrounding region.
WIN is a project of the International Office of Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, coordinated in cooperation with student services Thüringen and the student initiative Bauhaus Internationals.

Accommodation

The "Studentenwerk Thüringen" (student services Thuringia) administers approx. 1,100 apartments in Weimar. Monthly rates vary from 105-280 EUR. The university itself does not provide accommodation.

E-mail: wef@stw-thueringen.de
Phone: +49 (0)3 61-7 37 18 21
Visiting address: Weimar, Marienstraße 15 a
Website: http://www.stw-thueringen.de
Application: https://tl1host.de/SWJ/?lang_id=2

Typically, up to five students share living quarters. Students have their own bedrooms and share a kitchen and a bathroom. Most rooms are furnished (bed, desk, chair, cupboard, shelf), but kitchenware and appliances are not included. Mentors for international students provide assistance in settling in during the first couple of days and also organise events.

Students advertise private and shared flats on the university website ("Pinnwand"): http://www.uni-weimar.de.