ITECH

Integrative Technologies &

Architectural Design Research
M.Sc. Programme, Faculty of Architecture and Urban
Planning, University of Stuttgart

Winter Semester 2015/16

Coordinating Institutes:
ICD - Institute for Computational Design
Prof. AA Dipl.(Hons.) Arch. Achim Menges
ITKE - Institute of Building Structures and Structural
Design Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jan Knippers

CONTENTS
Introduction p.05
Agenda p.06
Team p.07
Content p.08
Programme Structure p.09
Curriculum p.10
Advanced Standing p.17
Modules p.18
Application p.19
FAQs p.22

ITECH OVERVIEW

The M.Sc. Programme Integrative Technologies & Architectural

Design Research is a multidisciplinary, research-oriented, experimentbased programme shaped around contemporary aspects of the built
environment and practice.
IMAGE: ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2012, University of Stuttgart, 2012.
ICD/ITKE University of Stuttgart.
IMAGE ON COVER: ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2013/14, 2014.
ICD/ITKE University of Stuttgart.

ITECH OVERVIEW

The goal of the ITECH programme is to prepare

a new generation of students from different
disciplines for the continuing advancement of
technological and computational processes
in architecture, through merging the fields of
design, engineering, construction and natural
sciences. Coupling an intensive, critical and
analytical approach to computational design
simulation and fabrication processes, the
ITECH programme is focusing on challenging
the design boundaries of current architectural
and engineering practice. It seeks to provoke
a re-examination of techniques, practices and
theories of design in relation to the fields of
engineering, robotics, digital manufacturing,
material science and biology.
The programme is open to students with a
recognized Bachelor degree in architecture
(or architectural science), urban planning,
civil engineering, biology or biomimetics,

environmental engineering or similar

engineering or natural science degrees.
The programme is structured as an
internationally accredited 2 year professional
masters degree for students with a 3 year
bachelor degree. However, students with a
suitable 4 years bachelors degree or students
who already hold a masters degree may
apply for advanced standing after enrolment
subject to the review by the university. Such
applicants will be considered for placement on
the third semester of the programme.
As the German university system offers free
education, there are no tuition fees for both
German and international students studying in
the ITECH M.Sc. programme.

IMAGE: ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2013/14, 2014.

ICD/ITKE University of Stuttgart.

ITECH OVERVIEW

AGENDA - Why ITECH?

Technological progress has always been a
catalyst for design innovation in architecture.
Today, technological advancements across
multiple disciplines suggest a profound
transformation of the way the future built
environment is conceived, designed and
materialized. New alliances are being forged
between the fields of design, engineering
and natural sciences, leading to novel
multidisciplinary and multifaceted design
cultures. Design plays a critical role in this
transformation: Here, the notion of design is
extended beyond the design of space, surface
and structure to the design of processes,
systems and reciprocities.
The ITECH programme investigates the realm
of integrative technological advancements as
novel tectonic, spatial, structural, aesthetic
and ecological potentials in architecture. It
seeks to prepare students for the complex
contemporary conditions of architecture,
which is facing stringent environmental and
economic challenges while experiencing the

emergence of new technical opportunities at

an unprecedented speed. Thus, the master
programme is inquiry-oriented, experimentbased and shaped around contemporary
aspects of design research. Students will
engage in the integration of cutting-edge
computational architectural design techniques,
structural and climate engineering and
advanced fabrication and construction
technologies. The interrelation of such topics
will be exposed both as a technical and an
intellectual venture.
The programme encourages a conjoining
conception of technological progress,
design innovation and cultural production,
emphasizing rigorous investigation, creative
engagement and critical reflection on the
implications and potentials of technological
innovation for architectural design.

IMAGE: Contour Prototype for Spacer Fabric Architecture, 2013/14.

T Kuma - ICD University of Stuttgart.

ITECH OVERVIEW

TEAM Who we are

The M.Sc. Programme Integrative Technologies
& Architectural Design Research is coordinated
by the ICD Institute for Computational Design
and the ITKE Institute of Building Structures
and Structural Design in collaboration with the
IBK2 Institute of Building Structures.
ICD - The Institute for Computational Design
provides expertise in advanced design
computation and robotic fabrication as it
pertains to architecture. The ICDs researchers
have studied in world renowned schools of
architecture and/or have worked for leading
architectural practices. Prof. Achim Menges is
internationally renowned for his design work
and research, with visiting professorships at
both Harvard University and the Architectural
Association. (link)

The multidisciplinary and research-oriented

character of the ITECH programme has been
developed to provide students with the
opportunity to take full benefit of the larger
international network of interdisciplinary
research and expertise available through
the partner institutes, the university and its
related external-industry collaborators. The
programme has the unique advantage of being
situated within the heartland of technological
innovation in Germany. The ITECH programme
is aimed at furthering long-standing
relationships with industry networks that the
institutes have already established.

Stuttgart University is recognized

internationally for education and research in
technology and garners significant research
funds in a vast array of fields. The Faculty of
ITKE - The Institute of Building Structures and Architecture consistently ranks among the
top schools in Germany, and is supported
Structural Design is focusing on research in
by extensive research through both private
highly efficient structures and new materials
industry and publicly funded projects. The
for architecture. The multidisciplinary team
University of Stuttgart is also renowned for
of ITKE research associates brings together
creatively engaging the rigour and insights of
competences from various fields of advanced
engineering science in architectural design.
building technologies. Prof. Jan Knippers is
author of numerous books and publications, as High level of research exposure is reflected
well as partner in an international engineering directly in the quality of the schools faculty
and curriculum.
firm collaborating with renowned architects
around the globe. (link)
IBK2 - Institute of Building Technology,
Construction and Design
stands for an approach towards sustainable
design and the use of new materials and
methods in construction. The integration of
diverging aspects of technical, ecological,
economical and aesthetic nature
communicates the holistic design approach
of the IBK2 team. Prof. Stefan Behling is
senior executive in one of the most innovative
architecture and integrated design practices in
the world with international reputation. (link)
IMAGE: ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2010.
ICD/ITKE University of Stuttgart.

ITECH OVERVIEW
CONTENT What to expect?
The programme offers the opportunity to
study with one of the leading teams for
technological and computational design
research. As a team, the partner institutes
strive to present students with a cuttingedge educational experience that fosters the
development of ones individual interests in
architectural design, structures, technology
and computation.
The programme is structured in two parts:
group Design Research Project (first year, see
p. 11) and an individual Master Thesis (second
year, see p. 12). Both projects take advantage
of the extensive collaboration among the
partner institutes and are supported by a
diverse range of Supplementary Modules and
Expert Colloquiums, offered by the partner
institutes. The supplementary modules
provide technical and conceptual foundation
necessary for the successful development of
Research Projects while allowing students to
explore individual areas of interest.
The main fields of investigation for the
Design Research and Master Thesis Projects
include:
- Morphogenetic computational design
processes.
- Bottom-up design and engineering of
material systems and hybrid structures.
- Investigation of novel production paradigms
enabled by robotics and generative
manufacturing.
- Integration of biomimetic strategies for the
design and engineering of performanceoriented architectural morphology and
ecologically embedded architectural
physiology.
IMAGE: Connecting Intelligence, 2012.
O Krieg - ICD, University of Stuttgart.

- Exploration of novel architectural tectonics

and related performance capacities.
- Integrative testing through full-scale
prototypes and mock-ups.

ITECH OVERVIEW

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Requirements
The ITECH programme is a 2 year Master of
Science programme for students who hold a 3
year Bachelor degree (minimum) in one of the
following fields:
- architecture
- urban planning
- civil engineering
- biology or bionics
- environmental engineering
- similar engineering or natural science
degrees
Advanced Standing
Students who hold a suitable 4 years Bachelor
degree or a Master degree may apply for
advanced standing after enrolment. Such
applicants will be considered for placement
on the third semester of the programme. (see
details page 17)
Language
All program courses are fully instructed and
evaluated in English.
Tuition Fees
For both German and international students
there are no tuition fees for studying in the
M.Sc. programme Integrative Technologies and
Architectural Design Research at University of
Stuttgart. A registration fee of approximately
150 EUR per semester is required.
Degree
The programme leads to an internationally
accredited Masters degree and is offered as
IMAGE: Tensile Test, Carbon Fibre Reinforcement ETFE Welding Seam, 2014.
G Schieber, ITKE - University of Stuttgart.

a two-year full time programme (equivalent

to 120 ECTS). For students with a Bachelor
degree in architecture the completion of the
full two year M.Sc. Programme (120 ECTS)
provides an internationally accredited degree
in architecture.
What are ECTS
European Credit Transfer and Accumulation
System (ECTS) is an European standard for
comparing study attainment credits. One
academic year requires 60 ECTS credits, which
is equivalent to 1800 hours of study. One ECTS
credit is equivalent to 30 hours of study.

ITECH OVERVIEW
CURRICULUM
The curriculum is based on the German
semester system: the winter semester typically
takes place between mid October and mid
February with a two week Christmas break,
while the summer semester takes place
between mid April and mid July. It is important
to note that this is a full-time programme and
course work and studio submissions may also
take place outside the semester times. The
intensive learning and research environment
coupled with the fabrication and prototyping
nature of the program requires a full time
commitment.
Vacation Period
There are four holiday periods throughout
the Academic Year: Two Weeks at Christmas,
3 Weeks in the Winter Term Break, 1 Week at
Pentecost and 3 Weeks in the Summer Term
Break.

IMAGE: ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2012, University of Stuttgart, 2012.

ICD/ITKE University of Stuttgart.

ITECH OVERVIEW

10

CURRICULUM
First Year

Research Pavilion within the summer term.

This explorative and comparative process
During the first year, the curriculum is
will be supplemented by the two closely
structured around two Design Research
related seminars: Architectural Biomimetics
Projects(15 ECTS, each), in first and second
and Computational Design Techniques and
semester consecutively. Projects are developed Design Thinking, which will enable students
collaboratively by the coordinating institutes.
to investigate related biologic role models in
During this year, the students work collectively interdisciplinary teams as well as developing
in the studio under the close supervision
suitable computational design tools for this
of tutors and professors. The introduction
process.
to relevant topics in computational design,
engineering and construction is provided
In the Summer Semester Research Project the
through two supplementary Seminar
class works as a group on the Research Pavilion
Modules(6 ECTS, each) per semester. In
Project. Throughout the semester students
addition, a series of regular colloquia(3 ECTS)
develop the project starting with conceptual
will expose the students to presentations in
system development up to fabrication and
cutting edge research by leading experts in
constructing the structure on site.
the related fields. Both, seminar modules and
expert colloquiums are structured to provide
relevant support for the project development.
The winter semester Design Research
Project is directed towards the investigation
of biological structures. Students work
closely with biologists to analyze biological
principles wich may be abstracted into suitable
architectural systems. Based on initial studies
of performative morphologies of natural
structures, new material-based fabrication
concepts and resulting morphospaces will be
explored. The outcome of these investigations
will be an overview of the topic in the context
of the discipline. By the end of the semester
students are expected to produce a series of
biomimetically informed fabrication concepts
and proposals for their application as proto
architectural systems.The most promising
concept developed during the design studio
will be the starting point for the development
and fabrication of the 2015 ICD / ITKE
IMAGE: ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2010, 2010.
ICD/ITKE University of Stuttgart.

ITECH OVERVIEW

11

CURRICULUM
Second Year
The third and fourth semesters of the
program are designated for the preparation
and development of the Master Thesis
dissertation. The third semester is aimed at
laying the foundation for a promising masters
thesis through a Thesis Preparation Project
(15 ECTS) supported by an integrated Master
Thesis Preparation Seminar (3 ECTS) and two
supplementary Seminar modules (6 ECTS,
each).
The entire fourth semester is dedicated to the
development of the Master Thesis. The thesis
preparation project engages the students
in selection and development of a suitable
Master Thesis Research proposal.
Master Thesis research topics can be
developed from a wide range of aspects within
the field of Architectural Design Research.
However, each year a number of specialized
topic areas are offered by the participating
institutes. These research areas are directly
relating to the topics being developed by
the researchers at the institutes at the time
(for further details please visit ICD, ITKE).
Additionally, students are also encouraged and
supported in the development of their own
Architectural Design Research interest.
Areas of research focus can include:
Computational or Algorithmic Design,
CNC technologies (robotic fabrication),
Morphological Differentiation, Material
Assembly, Material Behavior-driven System
Performance, or a combination of these topics.
Students are responsible for conceptualizing,
framing and developing their own thesis
IMAGE: Hygroskin - Meteorosensitive Pavilion, 2013.
ICD - A Menges in Collaboration with O Krieg and S Reichert.

topic under the supervision of the tutors and

supervisor. The aim is for each sub-topic to
be investigated in the context of full-scale
architectural prototyping. Each research
subtopic can be explored as an individual
aspect of a larger common project to be
developed throughout the Master Thesis
Phase.

ITECH OVERVIEW

12

CURRICULUM
Given the interdisciplinary and research nature
of the program, each student must select a
supervising professor (ICD or ITKE) , suitable
tutor and any additional supporting resources
that may be required (technical equipment,
additional supervisors, etc). To better address
different research directions, there are
currently three thesis track options possible:
A Semester 3+4: Research Thesis
Track A is aimed at engaging architectural
research through a scientific and highly
methodological approach. Students may
expand on current methods, systems, and
methodologies, or it may form the basis for
the development of a new functional principle.
In all cases, this option offers the ability to
engage a research interest over two semesters.
Track A concludes with a comprehensive
research document.
B Semester 3+4: Design Research Thesis
Track B is aimed at engaging an architectural
system or processes by expanding both its
technical development as well as its design
space. Track B concludes with a spatial or
structural design study or application enabled
by the research subject (material system/
fabrication process/etc) and a related
research document.
C Semester 3+4: Design Studio and Research
Extension of Design Studio
Track C incorporates a Design Studio through
one of the coordinating institutes in semester
3 and a research extension as a short version
of (A) or (B). This option also incorporate the
ability to undertake an external design studio
within the faculty or at an external program.

Exchange semesters of external design

studios
The ECTS structure of the programme is
equivalent to the facultys general master
programme Architecture and Urban Planning.
This offers students the additional possibility
to also attend courses at some of the
other renowned institutes at the Faculty of
Architecture.
Exchange semesters of external design studios
are a great opportunity to gain additional
technical experience or expertise that may
contribute to the development of your Thesis.
In order to ensure that these external options
are feasible within the program and pertain
to the overall goal of your Thesis you must
obtain prior approval from the examination
committee.
Note: Students that obtained credits through
advanced standing can only take the ITECH
design studios exchange semester or
external studios are not possible. Independent
Thesis Topics can be pursued only by prior
agreement with the supervisors if excellent
proposals are submitted.
The ITECH design studios are offered directly
by the corresponding partner institutes (ICD
& ITKE) and their specific focus is in line with
the institutes particular research interest (for
further details please visit ICD, ITKE)

ITECH OVERVIEW

13

Supporting seminar modules expose

students to the following topics:
1 Computational Design
Contextual analysis of contemporary
computational design cultures:
Research on theoretical and professional
implications of a computationally driven
paradigm shift, precedent research work and
significant projects.
Development and implementation of advanced
computational design techniques for
architecture:
Design oriented data and geometry
management: Algorithmic procedures,
evolutionary computation, agent based
modelling, parametric modelling, simulation
and their supporting programming language
(visual programming, software specific
scripting, Python, Java, etc.).

IMAGE: Deformation in Hygroscopically Actuated Surfaces, 2014.

D Wood, Y Al-Khasawneh - ICD, University of Stuttgart.

Computational and computer-aided

methodologies for integrative design,
manufacturing and fabrication strategies:
Machine-specific constraint space modelling,
feedback techniques, automated control
language, production simulation, prototyping
and related computational tools for advanced
manufacturing and robotic fabrication.

ITECH OVERVIEW

14

2 Structural Design

3 Building Construction

Form-finding of hybrid structures:

Computational and physical form-finding
strategies for form- and surface active
lightweight structures.

Building systems:
Advanced knowledge of technical principles
for sustainable and resource efficient building
design and construction emphasizing the
interrelations between building structure,
building envelope and building technologies.

Simulation technologies and computational

optimization:
Basic knowledge of Finite Element Methods,
evolutionary optimization strategies and their
integration in computational design processes.
Characterization and testing of materials:
Specification of mechanical, energetic
and ecological properties of materials,
development of multifunctional composite
materials and exploration of their architectural
and structural potentials, methods of material
testing in theory and practice.

IMAGE: ARBOSKIN - Bioplastic Faade, 2013.

ITKE - M Hammer.

Building envelopes:
Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge
of the building envelope and its requirements,
and in the design development of complex
building skins, regarding materials and
components, basic knowledge of building
physics, adaptive systems for building
envelopes.

ITECH OVERVIEW

15

4 Biomimetics

RESOURCES

Introduction to interdisciplinary research

methods and knowledge transfer:
Joint studio research in collaboration with
biologist from local research centers.
Introduction to biomimetic design strategies:
Including bottom-up / top-down approaches
and product- / process-orientation, as well
as introduction to precedent projects and
research.

In addition to the centrally located studio

space in the downtown campus, the ITECH
programme offers access to both the
specialized resources of the partner institutes,
as well as the extensive resources of the
Faculty of Architecture and the University of
Stuttgart as a whole. These resources include:

5 Expert Colloquium
In addition to the previous modules, the
Expert Colloquium is presented as a flexible
format academic experience directed by
one or several leading guest researchers and
supported by the partner institutes. The intent
of the colloquium is to bring interdisciplinary
expertise from external researchers into
the programme through a flexible academic
format. The specific schedule, contents and
format of each colloquium will be announced
during the corresponding academic semester.
The expert colloquium also encompasses a
number of field excursion to some of the most
notable research centers, architecture and
engineering projects of interest as well as key
manufacturing industries.
6 COMMAS
Students with a Bachelors degree in civil or
mechanical engineering or equivalent have the
opportunity to take courses up to 30 ECTS of
the COMMAS (Computational Mechanics of
Materials and Structures) program, depending
on the availability. For further information:
www.msc.commas.uni-stuttgart.de

IMAGE: RoboLAB, University of Stuttgart, 2011.

ICD - O Krieg, M Burger.

- Robotic Laboratory (RobotLab, 6-axis KUKA

KR 125/2 industrial robot and a vertical turn
table as the 7th external-axis)
- Material Testing Laboratory (various testing
facilities for static and dynamic loading up to
400kN)
- Model Workshop (three laser cutters, one
cutting plotter and two 3-axis CNC milling
machines)
- Computer Laboratory (Casino IT, Faculty of
Architecture computer laboratory, 3D printer
and plot service)
- Wood Workshop, Metal Workshop
- Photography Studio

ITECH OVERVIEW
ADVANCED STANDING
All applicants will initially be offered
acceptance to the first semester and are
highly encouraged to pursue a full two-year
programme.
Students who have completed at least a 4 year
Bachelor or Master Programme (equivalent to
a minimum of 240 ECTS) are eligible to apply
for advanced standing based on their ability
to provide proof of equivalent credits of up to
60 ECTS . These credits must be from courses
that are part of their previous education, and
that are equivalent to modules offered as
part of the first year curriculum of the ITECH
programme.
Please note, that advanced standing applicants
might receive advanced standing on some
or none of the course credits based on the
committees assessment. Equivalent credits
must be analogous to the course of study
of the first year of the ITECH programme
curriculum and must also demonstrate high
level of academic performance and design
proficiency.
Please note: Due to the professionally
accredited status of the programme, all
international applicants degrees will undergo
an equivalence check to confirm eligibility
within the German academic system.
Students holding degree qualifications that
differ from the list provided above (page 9) will
be assessed on an individual basis.

IMAGE: FEM of Wrapping Prestress ICD/ITKE RP 2012, 2012.

F Waimer, R La Magna, ITKE - University of Stuttgart.

16

ITECH OVERVIEW

17

MODULES

Master Thesis Module (30 ECTS)

Colloquia Modules (3 ECTS)

Integrative Technologies and Architectural

Design Research Master Thesis

(Module 011600900)

Expert Colloquium 1

(Module 011300701)

Project/Design Studio Modules (15 ECTS)

Integrative Technologies and Architectural
Design Research Project 1

(Module 011600801)
Integrative Technologies and Architectural
Design Research Project 2

(Module 011300802)
Integrative Technologies and Architectural
Design Research Thesis Preparation Project

(Module 011300805)

Expert Colloquium 2

(Module 011600701)
Thesis Preparation Module

(Module 011600705)
Subject to the prior approval of the ITECH
examination committee students can take
courses up to 30 ECTS from other MSc
Programmes of the University of Stuttgart (for
example COMMAS, see page 12). For further
curriculum information see page 15.

Seminar Modules (6 ECTS)

Computational Design

(Module 011600601)
Computational Design and Digital Fabrication

(Module 011600602)
Form Finding

(Module 011300601)
Material and Structure

(Module 011300602)
Building Systems

(Module 010220601)
Building Envelopes

(Module 010220602)
Computational Design and Simulation

(Module 011600603)
Architectural Biomimetics

(Module 011300605)

IMAGE: Arboskin FEM Analysis of Snow and Wind Displacements, 2014

T Fildhuth, ITKE - University of Stuttgart.

ITECH OVERVIEW

18

APPLICATION How to join?

In order to apply for the ITECH M.Sc.
programme. However, for the admission to the
programme (winter semester 2015-16, starting programme the completion of the Bachelor
on 12 October 2015) please submit the
degree is required.
following materials by 15 February 2015.
Please note: The dates mentioned above
The application process includes the following are relevant for the coming winter semester
2015/2016 only. The dates will change for the
steps:
following application terms. Please refer to this
Step 1: Digital application
website for regular updates.
In order to apply for admission to the Masters
programme in winter semester 2015/2016
you need to submit digitally a full set of the
required application documents (see below)
no later than 15 February 2015.
Step 2: Pre-selection and interviews
If you have passed the pre-selection stage, you
will be interviewed by two members of the
selection committee. This interview may be a
face-to-face or a telephone/Skype interview.
For the intake in winter semester 2015/2016
interviews will take place at the end of March
beginning of April 2015. Please make sure your
application documents contain an up-to-date
telephone number and an email address as we
will have to contact you in order to make an
appointment for the interview. If we cannot
contact you we will not be able to consider
your application further.
Step 3: Selection, submission of hard copy
documents, scholarships
The final selection will take place at the middle
of April 2015. You will be informed of the
results as soon as the decision has been made.
If selected to the ITECH M.Sc. Programme,
hard copy of all of your documents is required.
Please make sure to have all the documents
ready for timely hard copy submission.
Important: Students currently studying in
the final year of a Bachelor programme can
apply for a conditional acceptance to the

IMAGE: ICD/ITKE Research Pavilions 2011.

ICD/ITKE University of Stuttgart.

ITECH OVERVIEW

19

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
In order to apply for the ITECH M.Sc.
programme please submit the following
material in digital form:
1. Application form
The online application form (link) will allow
you to generate two (2) documents to be
submitted with your application, both an
Application Data File and a print out of
your completed Application Form. (further
instructions)
2. Copies of qualifications and passport
- Copy of your school-leaving certificate
(general qualification for university entrance
certificate, high school certificate, diploma or
equivalent)
- Copy of your university transcript
- Copy of your university degree diploma
Please note: The copies of these documents need
to be officially authenticated and English or German translations are required.

- APS Certificate: Applicants from China,

Mongolia and Vietnam have to add a
certificate from the Akademische Prfstelle
(APS) des Kulturreferats der Deutschen
Botschaft to their application material.
- Proof of your English proficiency: TOEFL
score of 213 (CBT), 550 (PBT), 79 (iBT) or
IELTS (academic) 6.0 or a certificate of an
equivalent test not older than two years at
the day of the application deadline. The
TOEFL ITP is not accepted for the application.

Please note: If an applicants first language is

English or his/her university studies have been conducted in English, written confirmation of English
proficiency from the university can be sent instead.
Transcripts or other graduation documents indicating English as the sole language of Instruction are
accepted.

- copy of your passport

(optional but recommended)
- Scan documents and save them in a PDF
Format.
3. Your motivation, professional and academic experience documents.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
(optional but recommended).
- Letter of motivation (one A4 page maximum)
stating your interest for applying to this
specific programme.
- Portfolio: The portfolio should include work
samples relevant to this master programme
as well as the Bachelor degree work. If you
are still studying in the final year your
Bachelor programme and thus apply for a
conditional acceptance to the programme,
please provide an alternative work sample.
Students with a previous degree in
engineering or natural sciences should
provide work samples including a short
summary of their bachelors thesis. The
portfolio / work samples should be submitted
as one PDF document: maximum 10 pages,
format DIN A4.
Scan documents and save them in PDF Format.
Important: Please compile all documents including portfolio - into a single PDF with a
maximum file size of 10MB.

ITECH OVERVIEW

20

SUBMISSION
Your submission should include two (2)
separate files:
1. A PDF document including your complete
Application Form (with signature and passport
photo), supporting documents (copies of
qualifications, passport, etc.) and portfolio.
(Max. 10MB)
2014_LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_ITECH.pdf

Living Expenses
For additional information on living costs in
Germany (insurance, accommodation, etc)
please see the International Affairs website of
the University of Stuttgart (link)

2. An Application Data File (generated by the

online application template, see item 1)
2015_Last Name_First Name. txt
Please send both files to:
info@itech.uni-stuttgart.de
Only if you receive conditional acceptance to
the M.Sc. programme, will you be required to
present a complete hard copy version of all the
supporting documents. This will be presented
in person to the admissions office during
enrolment. We advise candidates to start
preparing their documents in advance.

COST
Tuition Fees
For both German and international students
there are no tuition fees for studying in the
M.Sc. programme Integrative Technologies and
Architectural Design Research at University of
Stuttgart. A registration fee of approximately
150 EUR per semester is required.
Additional Programme Costs
A supplementary contribution of 150 EUR
per semester, payable to the coordinating
institutes, is required. Additional living and out
of pocket expenses for academic tours, travel,
software, materials, equipment use and other
related expenses should be expected.

IMAGE: ICD/ITKE Research Pavilions 2012.

ICD/ITKE University of Stuttgart.

ITECH OVERVIEW

21

FAQs
Q: When is the application submission
deadline?
A: The application deadline for the upcoming
winter semester 2015 (Starting 13 October,
2015) is scheduled to be: 15 February, 2015.
Q: When is the notification for acceptance?
A: Notifications of acceptance will be issued
middle of April 2014.
Q: Where can the application forms be found?
A: Please refer to the ICD and the ITKE website
at: (link)
Q: What are the eligibility criteria?
A: Admission to the programme will be
based on the mandatory completion of a
Bachelors degree (or equivalent), examples
of your previous work in the form of a
portfolio, as well as your motivation letter.
You may apply prior to finishing your degree,
though acceptance to the programme will be
contingent upon the completion of the degree
prior to the start of the Masters programme.
Q: What are the language requirements?
A: The programme will be exclusively taught
in English. However, for international students
who consider taking some basic German
language courses. The university offers some
introductory courses but this are neither
included or mandatory in the program and
need to be arranged at the students own
expense. See info here (link)

Q: What are the portfolio requirements?

A: The recommended contents of the
portfolio are: a list of projects (student
projects, professional projects) relevant for
course content; written description and
graphic illustration of selected projects in
terms of their content and relevance for the
programme. The file size of the portfolio
together with the application should not
exceed 10 MB.
Q: Do I have to submit hard-copies of the application material?
A: No, You will submit your complete
application package online (See Application
How to Join section). However, acceptance
to the ITECH M.Sc. Programme, will be
conditional on the on-time submission of all
certificates and related documents in hard
copy during enrolment.
Q: Is the M.Sc. programme registered with
the Architecture Chamber in Germany? Does
it qualify a graduate to be able to apply for a
professional license?
A: The ITECH MSc programme provides
an european accredited MSc degree in
Architecture. The degree is suitable for
students with a previous degree in architecture
to pursue professional Architecture licensing
with the respective German Chamber of
Architects. However, it is important to note
that every regional Chamber of Architects has
their own individual set of requirements in
ordert to apply for a professional license or
registration. These requirements include: the
completion of a mandatory 2-year practical
experience, an individual degree assessment
(including your previous degrees and related
portfolio), etc.

ITECH OVERVIEW

22

FAQs
Q: What are the research prospects after
the MSc degree? A: The ITECH programme is
aimed at providing students with the tools,
research foundation and practical technical experience to pursue a wide range of professional roles in cutting edge research, engineering
and design. Graduates will be very well suited
to undertake professional roles in advanced
architecture and engineering offices, advanced
research and development institutes, or other
related industries. Additionally, the ITECH
programme will also be an ideal foundation to
pursue further doctoral studies through one of
the partner institutes.

Q: Are there recommendations for scholarships

and grants? A: For foreign students wishing
to study in Germany, a good starting point is
the website of the DAAD German Academic
Exchange Service (link).
Q: How many students will be admitted in total
and how many will be able to do their Masters
through the ITECH programme? A: For every
intake we aim at recruiting an international
and multidisciplinary group of 15-20 students.
Contact
Email: info@itech.uni-stuttgart.de

Web resources
Q: Will there be a boarding availability for international students? A: There are student dorUniversity of Stuttgart, Study Programmes (link)
mitories on campus and in Stuttgart-Vaihingen, International Affairs office - University of Stuttgart (link)
ICD - Institute for Computational Design (link)
however, it is up to each individual student to
ITKE - Institute for Building Structures and Structural Design (link)
apply for accommodations. You can find infor- M.Sc. Architecture and Urban Planing - University of Stuttgart (link)
Application Forms for Masters Programs - University of Stuttgart (link)
mation in both English and German through
FAQ online application - University of Stuttgart (link)
the International Center (link). Additionally, the
city of Stuttgart also provides attractive renting
options in and around the city center. In either
case, students must try to secure accommodations in advance - a few months prior to your
arrival - as there is generally high demand for
accommodations, particular during the late
months of summer.
Q: What will be expected expenses to account
for living, lodging, education materials, research trips, etc.? A: In order to calculate your
monthly expenses you will have to take into
account the cost of living, lodging, trips and
course-specific study materials. Some support
is often provided by the University for costs of
travel related to a Design Studio or Seminar,
such as a field trip or manufacturer visit. A
general guide to student living cost in Stuttgart
can also be found with the International Office.

IMAGE: Stress Plot of ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2011, 2011.

F Waimer, R La Magna, ITKE - University of Stuttgart.

Coordinating
Institutes:

In Collaboration
with:

Contact
Email: info@itech.uni-stuttgart.de
last modified 08.12.2014

IMAGE: ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2013/14, 2014.

ICD/ITKE University of Stuttgart.