The Master's Programme in Architecture and Urban Design at Umeå
School of Architecture is operating in-between the artistic and the
scientific field of knowledge. The program is characterized by a
consistent focus on sustainability and has an exploratory and
experimental profile with teachers from all over the world.
Ecological challenges such as climate change and social crises,
such as unequal local and global development and migration, raises
a strong demand on architecture to develop new solutions based on
broad interdisciplinary perspectives. In the Master's Programme in
Architecture and Urban Design these complex issues are dealt with
in various design studios. Departing from your own experience and
ethical position, the program wants to challenge the conventional
contemporary architectural practice and the future of the
profession.
The School of Architecture is situated on the Arts Campus - a
creative environment with workshops and infrastructure for
production and making, together with the Art and Design School, the
incubator Sliperiet and Bildmuseet.
Develop your critical thinking
The Master's Programme in Architecture and Urban Design is built
up through studios with different thematic orientations. You will
work with the exploration of new fields of knowledge related to
architecture and urban planning in a learning environment conceived
as a laboratory. The aim is to develop your own critical thinking
and your ability to apply new perspectives, designing alternative
architectural proposals, strategies and practices that can
contribute to change in today's societal- and urban
development.
Important elements of the programme are social- and
environmental sustainability, resource awareness, work on different
scales, experimenting with technical solutions and prototyping
through full-scale construction and architectural interventions and
installations in the physical environment.
The Master's programme is based on an experimental pedagogy
where theoretical knowledge is integrated with process-oriented and
artistic investigations, where the development of the subject takes
place in an exploratory and artistic approach to the practice and
profession. Important elements of the programme are social- and
environmental sustainability, resource awareness, work on different
scales, experimenting with technical solutions and prototyping
through full-scale construction and architectural interventions and
installations in the physical environment.
All instruction in English
During the first three semesters of the education, two seminar
courses run in parallel with a synthesis course in the form of a
design project. During the fourth semester a Master's thesis
project is carried out. The seminar courses introduce and deepen
theoretical and technical concepts, methods and processes and
issues concerning the profession and professional practice. Design
projects are carried out within different studios, allowing you to
choose an approach departing from your personal interest.
The program is taught in English by teachers with many different
backgrounds and specialized knowledge of the subject area.
Experimental methods
The design process is explored through investigative and
process-oriented methods. Modes of working are tested and developed
through unconventional experimentation, where prototypes, models,
projects and ideas are tested with the aim to develop alternative
strategies that can create new forms and methods within
architecture, design and urbanism. The conditions for an approach
that involves a collaborative architecture culture and practice are
created, where the strategies and proposals are developed through
collaboration. The aim is to create a work environment where
individuals can develop issues and projects, both individually and
in groups, in a collective spirit to create a common base of
knowledge. The teaching is focused on empowering you as a student
and giving you opportunity to develop through a holistic approach
to education. We work in seminars and round table discussions, and
see self-assessment and feedback as an interactive and open
dialogue process.
The programme leads to a Master of Fine Arts, which means you
can work with architecture and urban planning in both the private
and public sector. The international character of the education
provides good preparation for work in Sweden as well as in the rest
of the world. Good conditions are also provided for those who want
to do research within the subject area after their Master.
The subject area is under strong expansion and development in
order to meet the current societal developments and an increased
demand for expertise in sustainable development in architecture and
urban planning.
More information
Application and
Eligibility
Programme
Overview
UmU Education Catalogue: Master's Programme in
Architecture and Urban Design
