Object and Spacial Design

Object and Spatial Design at Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts offers an innovative and comprehensive approach to the creation spaces that shape our everyday environment. This program is designed for students passionate about designing functional, aesthetic, and sustainable objects and spaces that enhance the quality of life. Students will explore a wide range of design disciplines, including product design, interior architecture, urban planning, and environmental design, enabling them to develop versatile skills applicable in various contexts. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, encouraging students to think critically and creatively throughout the design process. Emphasis is placed on user-centered design, sustainability, and technological integration to ensure that future designers can effectively respond to societal and environmental challenges. The program facilitates hands-on learning through workshops, studio projects, and collaborations with industry partners, providing students with real-world experiences that prepare them for professional careers. Faculty members bring extensive expertise from the fields of architecture, design, and planning, guiding students in their development as innovative designers. Graduates of the Object and Spatial Design program will be equipped to work in diverse sectors such as interior design, urban development, product development, and exhibition design, contributing to the creation of spaces and objects that are both functional and inspiring. With a focus on intercultural and interdisciplinary cooperation, the program also encourages students to address global challenges with local solutions, fostering responsible and forward-thinking designers. The university’s modern facilities, including specialized workshops and digital labs, support a progressive learning environment. After completing this program, students will be capable of conceptualizing, designing, and realizing objects and spaces that meet contemporary needs and anticipate future trends in design.

Object and Spatial Design at Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts offers a comprehensive and practice-oriented education that prepares students to become innovative designers capable of shaping the built environment. The program focuses on developing a deep understanding of spatial concepts, design processes, and material applications, enabling graduates to create functional, aesthetic, and sustainable spaces across various contexts. Students engage in a variety of project-based learning activities, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in designing architectural, interior, and urban spaces. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging students to work with experts from related fields such as engineering, environmental planning, and visual arts to develop holistic design solutions. The program covers core topics including spatial planning, design theory, construction methods, digital modeling, and sustainable development. Students also explore contemporary issues in urban development, adaptive reuse, and innovative material use, fostering a forward-thinking approach to design challenges. The curriculum typically integrates studio work, seminars, workshops, and field trips to provide real-world insights and practical skills. Graduates of the Object and Spatial Design program are equipped for diverse careers in architecture, interior design, urban planning, and related disciplines. They are prepared to participate in the creative process from concept to realization, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and user-centered design. The program also offers opportunities for students to develop their individual style and creative voice, supported by experienced faculty members and industry partnerships. Overall, it aims to cultivate talented designers who can contribute to improving living environments and making a positive impact on society through innovative spatial solutions.

Admission to the Bachelor’s program in Object and Spatial Design at Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts requires applicants to hold a general higher education entrance qualification or an equivalent qualification recognized in Germany. Prospective students must submit a complete application form along with certified copies of their academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency in English or German depending on the program’s language of instruction, and a portfolio showcasing their creative and conceptual skills in design, architecture, or related fields. The portfolio should include sketches, projects, or other relevant work that demonstrates the applicant’s ability to think spatially, creatively, and critically.

Applicants may also be required to participate in a selection interview or assessment center designed to evaluate their motivation, artistic talent, and potential for success in the program. Prior knowledge or experience in design, spatial planning, or architecture can be advantageous but is not mandatory. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary skills, creative problem-solving, and the ability to develop innovative design concepts for both interior and exterior spaces.

The program aims to develop students' competencies in visual communication, conceptual thinking, technical drawing, and digital modeling. Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in sustainable design practices and social responsibility within spatial environments. Only those whose portfolios and applications meet the academic and creative standards of the university will be considered for admission.

International students must also verify their language skills through recognized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS for English proficiency, or TestDaF or DSH for German proficiency, depending on the language of instruction for their chosen track. All applicants should ensure that their application materials are complete and submitted before the application deadline specified by the university, typically in the early months of the year for winter semester intake. Successful candidates will be invited for an interview and must meet all additional entry requirements outlined by the program.

Financing studies for the Object and Spacial Design program at Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts typically involve a combination of various funding sources available to international and domestic students. Tuition fees for this program are generally structured to support students throughout their coursework, with possible additional costs for materials, workshops, and excursions. In Germany, many undergraduate and postgraduate programs at public universities like Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts often have low or no tuition fees due to government funding; however, students are usually required to pay semester fees that cover administrative costs, student services, and public transportation tickets. These semester contributions usually amount to a few hundred euros per semester and are applicable to all enrolled students.

Students can explore scholarships provided by the university, government programs, or external organizations to assist with living expenses and study costs. The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers numerous scholarships for international students enrolled at German universities, including those studying design. Additionally, students who are EU or EEA citizens usually benefit from domestic tuition fee regulations, while non-EU international students may have to pay higher fees depending on current policies. Part-time work is also a common way for students to finance their studies, with regulations in Germany allowing students to work a limited number of hours per week during the semester to support living expenses. The cost of living in Dortmund includes accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses, which students are advised to plan for accordingly.

Financial planning for this program should also incorporate expenses related to coursework supplies, computer equipment, and participation in design projects or exhibitions. Students are encouraged to contact the university’s student financial services or international office for detailed, up-to-date information on available funding options and the specific cost structure associated with the Object and Spacial Design program. Overall, the funding landscape in Germany emphasizes accessible higher education through low tuition fees, campus-based financial support, and external scholarships, making it feasible for students to pursue their design education with reasonable financial planning.

The Bachelor’s degree program in Object and Spacial Design at Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts offers students comprehensive training in the fields of design, architecture, and spatial planning. The program is designed to develop students' creative abilities, technical skills, and theoretical knowledge necessary for designing functional, aesthetic, and sustainable living and working environments. Throughout the course, students engage in a variety of projects that span the conceptualization of spatial concepts, detailed design, and the implementation of real-world solutions. The curriculum combines foundational courses in design and architecture with advanced topics such as materiality, building technology, construction methods, and digital design tools.

Students are encouraged to explore interdisciplinary approaches, integrating aspects of environmental psychology, urban planning, and cultural context to create designs that are innovative and socially relevant. Practical experience is integral to the program, with opportunities for internships, collaborative projects, and workshops with industry partners. The program emphasizes sustainability and eco-friendly design practices, aiming to prepare graduates for contemporary challenges in urban development and spatial organization.

Instruction is conducted by experienced faculty members who bring professional expertise from various design disciplines. The program fosters a learning environment that promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative experimentation. Graduates of the Bachelor’s program are equipped with the skills necessary to pursue careers in architecture firms, interior design companies, urban planning agencies, or to continue with studies in Master’s programs related to design and architecture. The program is conducted primarily in German, with some courses offered in English to accommodate international students. Overall, the Bachelor’s degree in Object and Spacial Design provides a solid foundation for students aiming to contribute innovative and sustainable design solutions to the built environment.