The department pursues a modern teaching and learning concept that focuses on project work and teamwork. Students learn from and with each other across disciplines and semesters. The BlueBox offers the ideal spatial conditions for this with 3,500 sqm of teaching and learning space – a unique selling point and a central identifying feature of the department. Every student has a modern workplace here. The working atmosphere closely resembles that of a large architectural firm. A PC cluster and a self-organised plot service round off the facilities on offer.

The one-year Master's degree programmes in Architecture Media Management (AMM) and Architecture Project Development (MAE) are characterised by a particular focus on practice. 20 professors and lecturers from various communication and project development disciplines introduce the students to the world of media management and business development using current examples. Both Master's degree programmes organise an architecture conference as a real-world laboratory. Practical work also includes the realisation of exhibitions, the production of videos and podcasts and networking with leading players in the architectural and media scene, the real estate world and building culture.

An international module is integrated into the BA degree course. Students can gain experience abroad as part of an Erasmus exchange or a work placement abroad. Alternatively, for those who do not go abroad during their studies, there are modules with international visiting lecturers held in English. This visiting lecturer programme has brought both European and South American lecturers to our university in the last few years.

BlueBoxBochum with digital planning workshop; BIM Institute; Computer cluster with subject-specialist software; 3D Printing; Laser cutters

CoBotCraftLab: Laboratory for digital crafts; 3DLightOnSite: Automated concrete printing; AufgeMerckt: Pilot deployment and demonstration of colour-neutral innovative glazing; ECO+: On the path to positive environmental impacts of neighbourhoods; ECOsights: Sustainable Museum Detmold; Einfach (Um)bauen: Concepts for robust renovation; LEGO: Extruded vertically perforated clay bricks for interior walls; Modular – Circular – Digital: Customisable standardisation; THALESruhr – sub-projects 8 and 9; Applied Excellence Department (AED) – sub-project EINZ.

This eight-semester long Bachelor's degree course entitles graduates to be registered with the Chamber of Architects after acquiring two years of professional experience. The topic of sustainability is implemented in the university development plan and is an integral part of studying Architecture. Diversity is welcome in the department. The different educational backgrounds of the students are addressed with the programme "Diversity-Sensitive Initial Study Phase". A campaign promoting diversity awareness provides recommendations for dealing with diversity. In addition, the department supports individual needs with individual solutions.