Aim of the programme

Authentic spaces are capable of dialogue. The design of architectural space as communicative space has grown significantly in recent years and continues to develop in complexity, challenging design expertise.

The master’s degree programme in Kommunikation im Raum (Spatial Communication) investigates issues and challenges of spatial communication. The programme studies spaces in which communication and information are expressed in exceptional ways. This includes the study of interactive, user-driven objects and spaces responsive to differing needs, as well as
intelligent, communicative media spaces, exhibition design and spaces containing information and graphic surfaces; and in which these objects, spaces and contents are combined to form complex systems.

Study Programme

The Masters in Kommunikation im Raum is a four semester programme. At the center of each semester is an interdisciplinary project involving the study of communication and space. From the project`s initial idea, innovative issues are examined corresponding to real-life conditions, bringing together various disciplines required to realise the project. Students are taught and supervised by a team consisting of professors and lecturers with core expertise in fields including architecture, colour, art, technology, product design, materials, lighting, digital media, construction and theory. Using this interdisciplinary approach, the project is discussed from a variety of perspectives.

Interdisciplinary subjects are offered together with the departments of Communication Design and Media Design. Visiting lecturers from industry as well as international visiting professors bring added value to this practice-based course of study. The backdrop is the culturally and economically attractive Rhine-Main region with its internationally outstanding museums, the ZDF headquarters (German public service television channel), Frankfurt Trade Fair, and numerous cutting-edge industries. The master’s programme also benefits from international partnerships with universities in England, Poland, Australia, New Zealand and other countries.

Resources

Master’s students have access to work-stations in studios shared by students from a variety of disciplines. Students may also work autonomously at PCs equipped with the latest software in our computer pools. They also have access to a carpentry workshop, a model-making workshop, an interdisciplinary digital lab, an art studio, a materials library, and a well-stocked departmental library.

The model-building and woodworking workshops contain, in addition to the standard equipment, a triple-axis CNC milling machine and a laser cutting system, as well as computer-controlled machines that allow digital 2D and 3D data to be directly converted to real models and prototypes.

Natural and artificial lighting conditions, building technology and media architecture can all be tested in the interdisciplinary digital lab using technologies such as DALI-controlled lighting systems, a natural light simulator and an LED media kit. The interdisciplinary digital lab conducts research in close cooperation with major partners in industry.

Application for master`s programme

The condition of entry to the master’s programme is a completed bachelor’s or German diploma degree (final grade at least 2.5).

Applicants to the master’s programme should submit a portfolio containing papers from their primary studies and work samples from professional practice. Suitable candidates will be invited for interview. If a candidate shows extraordinary aptitude, the examining board may allow for a change to the conditions of entry.

Closing date for applications

The closing date for receipt of applications for the following winter semester is 1 June.

Start of Study Programme

The programme commences each year in the winter semester

Combining studies with family life

Mainz University of Applied Sciences has been recognised and certified by the German federal government as a family-friendly university. The university guarantees child-care facilities for all students with children aged six months or older. Further information on the university’s network of child-minders can be obtained from the university’s Women’s Officer (Frauenbeauftragte).