Architecture & Design
In Scandinavia, the built environment considers people, community, and well-being. Engage in explorations of Danish and Scandinavian design philosophies, combining strong traditions with the contemporary energy of new-wave architects and designers.
| Is this program right for you? |
It is a good fit if you study:
- Architecture
- Design
- Fine Arts
- Interior Architecture
- Interior Design
- Landscape Architecture
- Studio Art
- Urban Design
|
| View this program at DISabroad.org |
Core Courses
Architecture
Fall/Spring, 6 Credits
Architecture Design Studio: In this studio you engage in an exploration of Danish and Scandinavian design practice through challenging assignments addressing real sites and issues in and around Copenhagen. Studio groups combine students of different levels and backgrounds. This course is taught vertically, and expectations relate to you as an individual student.
Architecture Foundations Studio: You develop design skills through analysis of existing buildings and by solving realistic architectural problems in a Danish context. In studio projects, you construct spatial models in physical and digital media and advance your communication skills in expressing abstract concepts. Studios are taught vertically, combining students of different levels. Expectations relate to you as an individual student.
Interior Architecture
Spring Only, 6 Credits
Interior Architecture Studio: This studio focuses on interior architectural design in a Danish context and developing a concept and project design within an existing structure. You create a design concept shaping interior space and user experience. Adaptive reuse and transformation features are among the prioritized challenges in which you engage. Studio groups combine students of different levels and backgrounds. This course is taught vertically, and expectations relate to you as an individual student.
Interior Architecture Foundations Studio: You develop design skills through analysis of existing interiors and by solving realistic design problems in a Danish context. In studio projects, you construct spatial models in physical and digital media, and advance your communication skills to express abstract concepts. Studios are taught vertically, combining students of different levels. Expectations relate to you as an individual student.
Urban Design
Fall/Spring, 6 Credits
Urban Design Studio: Using Copenhagen as a laboratory, you solve realistic problems using analytical and design methods specifically devised for urban design and landscape issues. Some sections in studio focus on issues of human scale, temporary use, and sustainable design. Studio groups combine students of different levels and background. This course is taught vertically, and expectations relate to you as an individual student.
Urban Design Foundations Studio: This studio offers you an opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge of the field of urban design, and develop your creative design skills in a studio setting. Design projects are the basis for discussions, presentations, and the development of individual design skills. You work in physical and digital media to construct spatial models and further your graphic and verbal communication skills in conveying abstract spatial concepts. Studios are taught vertically, combining students of different levels. Expectations relate to you as an individual student.
Core Course Study Tours
All studios travel on interdisciplinary Study Tours to the following destinations:
Early in the semester, you delve into your academic focus during Core Course Week, in which you travel on a short Study Tour for three days in Denmark or a neighboring country, combined with a two-day seminar in Copenhagen. Later in the semester, you travel again with your Core Course on a week-long Study Tour in Europe.
While on tour, theories learned in the classroom come to life by meeting with professionals and experts in your field who contribute to furthering your understanding of course topics. Study Tours are hands-on and experiential, combining theory with practice, and expose you to additional cultural perspectives. You have the opportunity to visit sites and experts in your field of interest that you may not otherwise have access to.
Elective Courses
Add elective courses to complement your Core Course at DIS Copenhagen. You decide how to build your course load based on your needs and interests!
Electives range across disciplines and include research, workshops, studios, and even Exploration Electives, which come with a travel component.
Visit our website to view the full list of over 200 additional elective courses!
Prerequisites
All studios have prerequisites based on the level of the studio:
-
Studio Courses: Enrollment at a professional school or department of architecture or design. Completion of a minimum of two spatial design studios at university level.
-
Foundation Studio Courses: One drawing course at university level.
-
Additional Portfolio Needs: Examples of studio work in a portfolio to be submitted to studio instructor at the beginning of the semester. This will allow the professor to become acquainted with the design skills of each student.
Gain knowledge of the Scandinavian approach to architecture in the 21st century, combining a strong tradition with the contemporary energy of the new wave architects.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Enhance your design skills and methods through project-based studio work on real sites and concrete challenges in Copenhagen
- Small studios of approximately 12 students create a close mentorship by DIS faculty and your network of peers
- Engage in a cross-disciplinary context on both study tours and in studio presentations with Danish architects and your peers
PROGRAM STUDENT PROFILE
The two tracks of this program ensure it is right for you if you are from a professional school of architecture or design, or if you come from a liberal arts background. You wish to fully engage in the studio discourse, prepare for individual desk critique, and invest time outside of studio hours developing projects individually and in teams.
CORE COURSE OVERVIEWS
>> Architecture Design Studio
You will be instructed in a combination of one-on-one tutoring, discussions, and lectures in studio. Your assignments will focus on design from the context of Danish and Scandinavian building culture, and you will develop your design process and presentation skills from concept to final crits.
Credits: 6
Prerequisites: Enrollment at a professional school or department of architecture or design at the junior, senior, or graduate level; completion of a minimum of two spatial design studios at university level.
Week-Long Study Tour: Preference of Austria-Switzerland | Finland-Sweden
Core Course Week: A three-day study tour in Western Denmark alongside a two-day seminar in Copenhagen
>> Architecture Foundations Studio
This core course offers you an opportunity to develop design skills, giving you a foundation in spatial design - perfect if you think you would like to pursue a graduate degree in architecture.
Credits: 6
Prerequisites: Documented background in fine arts or studio art, or completion of a course in drawing at university level.
Week-Long Study Tour: Preference of Austria-Switzerland | Finland-Sweden
Core Course Week: A three-day study tour in Western Denmark alongside a two-day seminar in Copenhagen
BUILD YOUR OWN CURRICULUM
DIS has over 200 elective courses for you to build your curriculum from after choosing your required core course. You have to opportunity to focus on your major or diversify by selecting any combination of courses based on your needs.