Architecture and Digital Fabrication

Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) ist eine Nachdiplomausbildung der Hochschulen und entspricht mindestens 60 ECTS-Punkten.

The MAS ETH in Architecture and Digital Fabrication teaches advanced methods and technologies at the forefront of digital design and fabrication and their implementation in architecture and construction. With a focus on computational design, robotic fabrication and 3D printing, projects and assignments enable students to develop strong design concepts and realise large-scale prototypes using the unique robotic construction facilities and 3D printing laboratories at ETH Zurich.

Courses are designed not only to teach a thorough understanding of computation and digital fabrication in architecture but also to foster students’ understanding of how new technologies, materials and processes contribute to an advanced and sustainable construction culture. 

The MAS is run jointly by two co-organizing Chairs: DBT - Digital Building Technology, and GKR - Gramazio Kohler Research.

Structure:

The MAS in Architecture and Digital Fabrication is a comprehensive one-year full-time programme. It is structured in trimests:

• Trimester 1 - Skills:
  The first trimester is dedicated to skilling and teaching.
• Trimester 2 - Design & Fabrication:
  The second trimester is dedicated to designing and building at 1:1 scale.
• Trimester 3 - Individual Master Thesis:
  In the third term of the MAS programme, students focus on developing their own research thesis, working individually or in groups of two.

Structure and format: one academic year (1'500 - 1'800 hours of study) 

• Master's degree in architecture or engineering acknowledged by ETH, or equivalent educational qualifications (i.e. a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years of professional experience in a directly related field)
• Proof of creative design skills and technological capabilities
• English C1

Apolication documents:

• Motivation letter
• CV
• Portfolio
• 3 Reference letterts

Portfolio requirements:

• Three projects which demonstrate your design capabilities as well as your technical knowledge
• Layout quality will also be evaluated and should emphasise images and design diagrams
• Letter explaining why you would like to participate in the programme and three letters of recommendation

The portfolio can be uploaded in PDF format and should not exceed 10MB.

Target group

• university graduates from Switzerland and abroad
• qualified applicants who are specifically interested in improving their skills and experience in computational design methods, 3D printing and robotics in construction and architecture

CHF 21'460.-

Application fee: CHF 50.- for persons with a Swiss university degree, CHF 150.- for persons with another university degree