Architecture | Bouwhouse Symposium

While the master track of architecture can be seen as an extension of the Bachelor, it has a more flexible structure and offers the possibility to freely concentrate on topics of ones choosing. The two years should be used to develop and strengthen every individual's understanding of architecture by combining diverse contributions and giving the student the chance to position themselves. The structure of the Master is intended to facilitate the transition into the working life at an architecture firm, which is why it touches on many different aspects of the architect's work. Our practice is one that combines art, science, and research and the master track of Architecture mirrors this in its curriculum.

Next to following a number of mandatory courses, architecture students can freely choose studios and electives from a broad offer. This also makes it possible to experience the varied chairs and design methodologies in the first and second semester. The chairs from the Architecture track propose approaches that range from practical to theoretical, with different focuses on concept, aesthetics, and detail. The design projects are in different scales and often connected to an excursion to the building site that can be all around the world, enhancing the broad portfolio of the design work. Many of the professors and teachers are from established Dutch architecture firms and offer an insight into the Dutch architectural landscape. The second semester also offers the chance to experience classes from the other five master tracks of the faculty: Building Technology, Landscape Architecture, Urbanism, Management in the Built Environment, and Geomatics. By collaborating with students from the other tracks, architecture students can learn more about the faculty and other practices in the built environment.

The second year is reserved for a graduation project that enables in-depth research and design at one of the chairs or a freely chosen project at the Explore Lab. This project consists of a written part, the actual design, and the building technology. For this purpose, students are assisted by teachers from different backgrounds and complete a holistic proposal. Due to the high number of international students from different universities, the master's discourse is very diverse. The varied backgrounds enable students to actively learn from each other in order to broaden their knowledge.

This is where we as ARGUS come in, as we want to contribute to the education by offering a space of free discussion and expression that is inclusive for everyone. We are an international collective that is intent on making the master track more comprehensive and strengthening education by taking up topics of interest. ARGUS aims to provide a platform where its various members, including students, alumni, practitioners, PhD-candidates and academics can connect, exchange ideas and explore architecture and its peripheries. We do so by organizing in-depth monthly events such as excursions, lectures, workshops and debates, and papers. In this way, we hope to contribute to the architecture discourse that is happening at our faculty.

ARGUS board 2020/21