This minor offers preparation for the Master in Architecture for designers aiming to combine their artistic vision with technical skills and construction knowledge.
You explore whether the Master’s and the field are right for you, and the ways you can move forward.
You will learn how to turn designs into actionable plans, using your knowledge of construction, building physics, and realistic practical assignments.
You will learn from architects and building specialists who bring real-world experience straight into your lessons.
In the Minor in Architecture you will:
In the Minor in Architecture, you will work on design assignments. You will create a spatial concept and adapt it to a particular location and programme of requirements, while resolving practical and structural requirements in broad terms. You will also develop a more mindful approach and an understanding of the skills and elements that shape the design process.
In this minor, you will explore the technical side of architectural design, taught by practitioners with real-world experience.
Designing a building is a complex matter. From urban planning to a door handle: everything comes together and requires craftsmanship. In Architectural Design, you will develop your abilities through hands-on spatial modelling and interactive group discussions. You will learn to develop your own vision and present it convincingly.
In the first half of the pre-master, you’ll complete weekly short tasks, each centred on one element like rhythm, light, or context. In the second half, you will work on a larger final assignment in which you combine everything. This is called a small-scale capstone project.
Teachers: Antoine Bowers and Ted Maters
In Architectural Studies, you study the built environment using systematic analyses and investigate the work of prominent architects and thinkers, exploring contrasts such as machine/human, structure/sculpture, and construction/deconstruction.
You learn how to observe and understand the built environment, interpret what you discover, and form your own opinions about it. You also take a critical look at your own work.
Your attitude will be assessed. Can you ask follow-up questions effectively and distinguish the main points from the details? Are you able to use your sources in a clear and understandable manner? Are you able to form an independent, critical point of view?
Teacher: Peter Elgersma
In a series of lessons, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of graphic design. You will explore concepts such as typography, grids, composition, and layout. You will learn InDesign fundamentals so that you’re able to produce your own polished presentations, ensuring a balance between content and form. Photography is also covered.
Teachers: José Smits-Bastiaanssen and Linda Swaap
In a series of lessons, you are introduced to different approaches to (visual) writing. You will learn how to put your ideas into words and turn them into a story. We will also pay attention to verbal communication. The lessons guide you in finding your own voice and way of expressing ideas, giving you tools for your professional development.
Teacher: Sare Bakkers
In Context, the emphasis is on landscape architecture and urban planning. You will investigate how space is arranged, including both built and unbuilt areas. Exercises help with observing, analysing, and forming an opinion.
This subject shows what it means for a designer to intervene in existing areas. Analysing spatial typologies helps to understand which tools are available to shape new developments.
The final project is an urban design, always in relation to its immediate surroundings. During the process, you’ll experience how different disciplines interact, recognise the role of context, and improve your drawing skills.
Teachers: Kees Zoon and Ed Joosting Bunk
Solid preparation
This preparatory programme equips you with a solid foundation for applying to the Master in Architecture. You will also find out whether the programme is right for you, or if a different path would better suit your goals.
Admission procedure
If you’d like to enter the admissions process, check the Master in Architecture programme page to see which steps you need to follow.