Architectural Design

The instruction provided in the Architectural Design department is aimed at training students to become independent designers with their own vision: It aims to teach students to develop their own vision on the relationship between humans and the space that surrounds them. It aims to stimulate an independent and critical attitude towards the discipline for the development of a personal approach. It aims to help students develop their own approach to the spatial assignment, preparing them for the different situations they will encounter after their studies. It encourages the study of the overlap between Architectural Design and other art forms; for example, the autonomous arts are a constant source of inspiration, while furniture design can be linked with product design.

Teaching in the department is focused on the individual. Small classes facilitate personal interaction between you and the lecturers. Because the lecturers work in the field themselves as architects, interior architects, architecture critics, landscape architects, artists or building engineers, you are introduced to a variety of views and current developments. The development of spatial understanding, expressive capacity and conceptual thinking are the focus of the assignments. A good technical basis is formed by paying attention to architectural aspects, materials, details and structures. There is room for reflection on the theory of the discipline, and a work placement exposes students to professional practice. Computers and new media are important teaching tools, as a replacement of the drawing board and for researching and visualising projects. New applications relating to the discipline are also stimulated, such as the design of a virtual exhibition hall.

Courses offered

Architecture: the scale of the city, the public space, the building. Fashion design and objects: design on a 1:1 scale, prototype development, material research. Spatial communication: designing stories by means of exhibitions and interactive media. Architecture and technology: architectural knowledge and understanding of materials, details and structures. Fine art and public spaces. Architectural considerations and the history of architecture.

See all Architectural Design projects

Study structure

First specialisation year.

In the first specialisation year, you will work on the basis of assignments. These assignments concern architecture, furniture design, spatial communication, fine art and public space, and architectural history. Attention will be given to reflection on the theory of the discipline. The development of spatial understanding, expressive capacity and conceptual thinking are the focus of the assignments. A good technical basis is formed by paying attention to sketching, technical drawing, 2D/3D, architectural aspects, materials, details and structures.

Second specialisation year

In the second year, you will work more independently on the basis of assignments. The emphasis of the assignments is on developing your own views and on stimulating an independent and critical attitude towards the discipline. These assignments are more practice-oriented. There is a lot of attention for reflection on the theory of the discipline, and a work placement exposes students to professional practice.

Third specialisation year

After completing a work placement in the second specialisation year, you will conclude your study programme with a thesis and two projects. Students choose their own subjects for this in consultation with the examining lecturer. Presentations are given before an audience during the final examination exhibition.

Projects and Excursions

The Architectural Design department is regularly involved in projects that take place within or outside the Academy, and excursions and museum visits are standard parts of the study programme. Recent projects and workshops of interest: * Research SoliDNA + publication * International workshop ‘The colours are a changin’’ in Halle, Germany * International workshop ‘Living on water’ Amsterdam * ‘Floating swimming pool’ workshop * Department excursion ‘Industrial heritage’ in Belgium and France * ‘Lightness’ workshop * ‘Geuzenveld fencing’ workshop

Theory

During the study programme, you will learn about the history of architecture as well as architecture theory. Studium Generale is a standard part of the theoretical instruction. This provides a general historical context concerning current themes in the contemporary international art world. The Studium Generale brings in prominent speakers from the Netherlands and abroad to give lectures. For more information, see Studium Generale

Work placements and exchange programmes

Students are required to undertake a work placement during the Architectural Design programme at the Rietveld Academy. Students may also participate in exchange programmes, but only if it fits within the study programme, and following consultation with the lecturers.