Master of Interior Architecture

Exploring Spatial Potentialities & the Poetics of the Existing

The Faculty of Architecture and Arts welcomes applications for an innovative international master’s programme in (interior) architecture with a focus on adaptive reuse.

It is safe to assume that (interior) architects will have to deal increasingly with the transformation and adaptation of the built environment. Today, the role of architecture is being re-defined due to demographic, economic and ecological challenges. Transition and reuse take centre stage in the practice and theory of the profession.

This academic master’s programme is innovative as it considers preservation through the act of adaptive reuse instead of mere conservation and restoration. Rather than relying on an archaeological perspective, it emphasises a designerly approach to give new and unexpected energy to buildings. Therefore, the programme seeks to train students who explore and activate the rich potential of existing sites through design supported by research and theory.

Ideally positioned in a region full of historical sites with various identities (cultural, artistic, religious and industrial), the faculty is in close geographic proximity to a rich laboratory of potential cases that span 600 years. Students are taught to conceive of these sites as palimpsests rather than monuments. They are encouraged to explore the beauty, memory, hidden qualities and broader potentialities of the sites handed down by our predecessors.

The master’s programme departs from the conventional understanding of the ‘interior’ as a quantifiable spatial category by underlining its richer artistic and ethical dimensions as Public Interior.

One year programme

The one-year master’s programme consists of three major components: design studio, theory module and master’s thesis and project.

1. The design studio focuses on the study, transformation and adaptation of existing buildings and sites. Representative examples could be: transforming a 17th-century monastery, a concrete office tower of 1970, or a 19th-century prison with a panoptical plan. During this process, considerable attention is paid to heritage value, atmospheric qualities, construction details and spatial characteristics that no longer correspond to the new buildings. In this context, two research seminars hinge on the design studio and the theory module. One seminar concentrates on reading spaces by means of various techniques such as hand drawing, photography and model making. The other seminar explores the changing meanings of spaces, as their functions are transformed. In this way, the programme explores both the material and immaterial values of the built environment. 
   
   
2. The theory module introduces students to the emerging theory and frame of reference related to adaptive reuse by studying relevant texts and recent case studies. It offers a historical, philosophical and artistic approach required in order to gain a profound insight into the spatial and conceptual dimensions of the interior. Study visits to several historical cities and adaptive reuse projects in the Euregio are part of the master. A traditional trip to the richly layered city of Rome forms a cultural introduction and is included in the programme.
   
   
3. Preceded by a two week workshop, the master’s project and thesis conclude the programme, consisting in a personal and original work of design on an existing building and its surroundings. A written and/or graphical thesis presents the research supporting the design. Students will be invited to consider sites that are part of ongoing research projects but may also propose sites from their own home countries.

Research

The programme is strongly embedded in the ongoing research on adaptive reuse by TRACE, part of the research group Arck of the Faculty of Architecture and Arts, Hasselt University. Our ambition is to actively involve the international students in this research.

Ongoing and finished doctoral research on adaptive reuse deals with very diverse typologies such as mining sites, monasteries and churches, as well as post-war detached houses. While research is always related to design output, we develop potential strategies and programs for buildings and sites without ready-made answers. This is the case when, for instance, a building is a listed monument and its reuse would involve strong spatial adaptations. Finally, we analyse the material and immaterial qualities of sites, especially when the latter reveal exceptional atmospheric conditions that are valuable in the transition process.

Course overview

You can find all information regarding the study programma in the study guide.

How do ECTS credits work?

The university decree for Flanders is built around a credit point system that is based on the principles of ECTS (European Credit Transfer System).

Each year of a full-time degree programme counts 60 ECTS. Ideally, these credits are equally spread over two semesters: 30 ECTS per semester. One credit represents a study load of 25 to 30 hours. This includes time spent in class, personal work and exams.

Diploma requirements

The international master of Interior Architecture with focus on Adaptive Reuse focuses on bachelors or masters in Architecture and/or Interior Architecture with a strong interest in adaptive reuse and the cultural aspects of (interior) architecture in a broad sense.

Hasselt University will assess students individually on the basis of their portfolio and previous academic record and qualifications. General requirements imply diploma requirements and language requirements. The Examination Board of the programme evaluates each application individually with regard to the applicant’s portfolio and academic record, with specific attention to projects dealing with a complex and historical context.

Language requirements

Candidates have to demonstrate a good command of English, both written and spoken. English language skills need to be confirmed as follows:

• Minimum TOEFL (academic TOEFL, internet based): 89. For more information about the TOEFL, go to www.toefl.org. Students who take the test are required to indicate institution code 9005 so that the results are transmitted to Hasselt University directly.
• Minimum IELTS-scores (academic IELTS): 6.5. For more information, visit www.ielts.org. On the day of the test, Hasselt University can be selected as the institution to which the test result should be sent, with reference to the contact person of the programme for which you wish to apply.
• Cambridge: C1 Advanced (CAE).

• Holders of a diploma of higher academic education issued in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxemburg do not need to provide English language test results.
• Holders of a diploma of higher academic education (at least one academic year or 60 ECTS credits) in an English-taught Bachelor or Master program from Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America are also exempted from providing a language test certificate.
• Holders of an English-taught academic Bachelor's or Master's diploma issued in another country than stated above can be exempted from a language test, but official proof that English was the medium of instruction is required.

How and when to apply?

Deadlines:

• Non-EEA citizens: 1 May.
• EEA citizens: 1 September (however, it cannot be guaranteed that applications which are submitted after 15 August will be processed before the start of the academic year).
• Master Mind candidates: 1 March (cf. 'Scholarships', when interested immediately contact Els Hannes).

Application process:

In order to apply for the Master in Interior Architecture, you need to complete the general admission procedure before the deadline applicable to you. This is an online registration, which includes uploading your portfolio, motivation letter and an overview of studies for evaluation, on which you will need to gain approval (see below for more information)

We cannot stress enough the importance of uploading all of the required documents. Your application can only be processed when all steps of the application process have been completed.

For eligible Master Mind Scholarship applicants, there is an additional step in the application process: contact Els Hannes before 1st of March and complete the Master Mind Application Form before 15th of March.

• About uploading your portfolio, motivation letter and overview for evaluation

You will need to gain approval from the Faculty of Arts and Architecture, based on the evaluation of a portfolio.

We require you to upload a portfolio (in pdf, max. 50Mb), a motivation letter (in pdf, max 300 words), and an overview of your studies.

In your portfolio we want to see a selection of your work that shows:

• Your experience in the field of (interior) architecture, urban design and/or landscape design.
• Your interest in cultural heritage and adaptive reuse.
• Your architectural drawing skills (floor plans, sections, facades, axonometric views, …).
• Your presentation skills (hand drawings, sketches, models, montages).
• Your knowledge of materials and architectural detailing.
• Your personal understanding of the conceptual complexity of spatial design in the context of an existing building or site.
• The aesthetic quality of your portfolio and its content.
• Other interests that can be relevant (artistic experience, literature, history of art and architecture, …).

The overview of your studies should be a separate and simplified document with a clear and concise overview of your study programme and the disciplines you were taught in order to achieve the relevant diploma for acceptance to this master. This document should only include

• The years you have studied,
• the names of the disciplines you've followed in English, and
• the ECTS or equivalent study points per discipline per year, to reach a total of 180 ECTS (or more).
  For more information on ECTS, please refer to the website of the European Commission.

The admission board will come together at regular intervals to evaluate all the applications. You will be informed shortly thereafter about the outcome. A negative evaluation means we cannot continue with your application. Of all the applications we receive, we can only accept a limited number per year.

For more information in regards to the above step, please mail to architectuur@uhasselt.be

For more information about the general application process, please follow the link below.

Tuition fees, study costs 

Information about the tuition fee, study costs and scholarships can be found here: www.uhasselt.be/tuition-fees-and-scholarships.

Scholarships

Master Mind scholarship is a scholarship programme by the Flemish Government.
Only international students with a high standard of academic performance can apply for this scholarship. Check if you are eligible for a Master Minds scholarship.

The Master Mind Scholarship includes:

• Grant of €9,600.
• Tuition fee waiver per academic year of 60 ECTS.

For eligible Master Mind Scholarship applicants, there is an additional step in the application process:

At the level of the International office of UHasselt (DIOS) you will need to:
Complete the Master Mind Application Form

Why study in Hasselt?

Hasselt is known for its hospitality, making international students feel right at home.

• Located in the heart of the EU-region.
• Ranked 47th best university under 50 years.
• 15% international students from 75 different countries.
• 550 PhD students.

New to Belgium?

Are you new to Belgium and still finding your way?

UHasselt has a specific website to help international students get around campus and the city of Hasselt.