SwitzerlandProgram
The Master of Advanced Studies ETH in Architecture and Digital Fabrication is a one-year full time educational program positioned within a vibrant multidisciplinary research environment. Jointly organised by the Chair for Digital Building Technologies and Gramazio Kohler Research it enjoys strong links with the Institute of Technology in Architecture (ITA) and the Architecture Department (D-ARCH) of ETH Zurich. Furthermore, the MAS is the educational program of the National Centre for Competence in Research (NCCR) Digital Fabrication, one of the biggest and world leading interdisciplinary research clusters on digital fabrication and robotics in architecture.
Focus
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 realize large-scale prototypes using the unique robotic construction facilities and 3 D 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.
Perspective
Participants develop strong competences in digital design and fabrication, enabling them to take leading positions in the field of architecture, construction, innovation development and production management. Knowledge of and experience with advanced fabrication equipment, as well as innovative design technologies, position participants as cutting-edge practitioners in the field. The MAS program facilitates regular interactions with leading representatives from academia, industry and practice, providing participants with insight and access to a network that will prepare them for both practice and further studies.
Application
The Center for Continuing Education is responsible for all applications for admission to MAS programs.
Application process
1. Submit your application via the online platform eApply (www.lehrbetrieb.ethz.ch/eApply) and pay the application and handling fee using your credit card.
2. After submitting your application online, print the confirmation and send a signed copy by post together with all required supporting documents to the Center for Continuing Education. The portfolio, letter describing why you would like to participate and letters of recommendation should be sent separately to admission@dfab.ch
Candidates will be informed of their acceptance by the end of May. In case of acceptance, the candidate has 30 days to provide a final response.
Application documents
1. Motivation letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Portfolio
4. 3 Reference letters
Portfolio requirements
The portfolio should feature three projects which you feel demonstrate your design capabilities as well as your technical knowledge. Layout quality will also be evaluated and should emphasize images and design diagrams. The portfolio can be uploaded in PDF format and should not exceed 10MB. Please include a letter explaining why you would like to participate in the program and three letters of recommendation.
Deadlines for submission
Applications for the MAS ETH in Architecture and Digital Fabrication for the academic year 2021-22 will open on January 1st 2021.
Deadline for applications: February 28th 2021.
This deadline applies to the printed application and the required documents as well as the online application. The documents must have been sent by the deadline (the date on the postmark) and must have reached the Center for Continuing Education eight days thereafter. Late applications may be considered if places are still available. The program accepts a maximum of 18 students per year.
Eligibility
A master’s degree in architecture or engineering recognised by ETH Zurich, or an equivalent educational qualification (i.e. a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years of professional experience in a directly related field) is required. Also required are proof of creative design skills and technological capabilities. Documents submitted with the application and a portfolio review will be used to assess a candidate’s qualification.
Tuition fees
Tuition for the course is CHF 13,500 (this includes all building materials as well as costs for tool development). Fees and administrative costs are CHF 1,460 for three trimesters. The total for the programme is CHF 14,960.
