Impromptu designs at the MSA | Münster School of Architecture
In the winter semester 2001/02, the MSA was the first Faculty of Architecture in Germany to introduce a graduated, five-year bachelor and master programme.
An essential element in the first semester of the Master's degree programme is the impromptu work in the subject of design. Within one semester, students train by developing three inten- sive short drafts in "rapid method" design. On the basis of their study experience in the undergraduate studies, students can re-examine their previous knowledge and develop their own stance at the beginning of the Master's programme.
International and renowned
At outstanding European universities such as Barcelona, Delft, Krakow, Prague, Venice and Zurich, short-term modules are offered especially for MSA students. In addition, renowned, internationally active architects become involved as guest lec- turers for the impromptu work at the MSA. In the past, these included, among others, architects from the offices of Delu- gan Meissl Architects, Diener & Diener, Herzog & de Meuron, Plasma Studio Architects, Olafur Elíasson, and Volker Staab Architekten.
In this way, students can experience the different methodolo- gies of the various architectural philosophies and thus develop a personal relationship with architecture.
Procedure of the impromptu weeks
The processing period is narrow, with about 4 weeks; this helps training an intensive working methodology. The first days are planned for an on-site analysis and first test drafts. After a sub- sequent independent processing phase, the final presentation will be concluded with a closing review by the visiting lecturer at the MSA. In the intensive discourse with the external per- sonalities and the confrontation with the respective space, the students experience different approaches to the design process.