The term «structure» has to have a broad scope, from urban and settlement structures to spatial structures and material structures. Integral to the core thematic «Building as a System» developed by the Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture, and by way of complementing the cooperative master’s course at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, the building is considered from its external envelope through to its interior. The context continues to play a decisive role here.
Inside the building, the structure can be summed up in five structure types: bearing structure, spatial structure, infrastructure, service supply structure and tectonics of the building envelope. Their mutual relationships and how they are assessed for use in individual structures are of particular interest. For example, structures can be developed that serve to create space or ones that put the structure itself in the limelight. At the same time, individual or multiple structures are already clearly separated or merged together during the design process. The bearing structure can attempt to defy gravity through lightness or organic shapes, or accept it through its mass and geometry.
In terms of longevity and flexibility, a differentiation is made between constituent and transitory elements in the bearing structure and spatial structure. In connection with current energy standards, the structure of the building envelope – in other words, the congruency or difference between core form and art form – takes on new importance.
To the Architecture and Structure focus on the website of the cooperative master’s course.
Franziska Furger, architect at the Cangemi architectural practice
IDuring my bachelor’s degree program, my rucksack became laden with «architecture». The master’s degree program then gave me the opportunity to unpack it. The knowledge I acquired was further developed in an in-depth project. At the same time I was always able to learn new things, which really expanded my horizons. I enjoyed working in the studio. This promotes exchanges between the students. The knowledge of each individual is shared with fellow students and constantly passed on. The exchange semester at the Dublin Institute of Technology greatly enriched my degree program.
Daniel Hauri, architect at Graber & Steiger
A bachelor’s degree in architecture gives us all the tools we need to start work immediately. The knowledge that we bring to the table is held in high regard, but the scope of our possibilities is limited. And we are also driven by curiosity – we want to be more than just co-pilots and want to choose our direction, altitude and destination ourselves. The master’s degree program sees young architects come together who all follow the same goal: to continue tirelessly to research, discover and expand their personal horizons. In contrast to the bachelor’s degree, the master’s program takes students to new heights. Of course, this also means that the fall is greater, but our personal flight controllers – lecturers and fellow students – have a keen intuition in handling this challenging situation. We learned how to hone the skills we have acquired, to gain new perspectives on the discipline and to develop our own position on a sound footing. In doing so we not only grew professionally, but also personally as well. The campus at the Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture is more than just a place of learning – for students, it is a community combining work, life and personal interests.
