The master program Akademie c/o researches patterns, methods and conditions of architectural production. “Architecture” is neither understood as an addition of walls, columns and windows, nor as an optimization of procedures for aesthetic, economic or constructive demands, but rather as “the ordering of social relations through built structures.” (Christian Posthofen) Architecture is a question of use, of not-building, why building or building for whom. The master program understands itself as a place for a continuous review of existing models of thought: Instead of teaching architectural conventions or technical skills, the program aims at questioning, revising, adjusting or confirming them. The objective of research-based studies is not the invention of a new kind of architecture, but an actualized efficacy of design concepts.

The Akademie c/o master program is participant-orientated with a flexible time-schedule. The participants focus on an individual subject, which is developed step by step, deepened in a written thesis and finally elaborated in a master project. The subjects as well as the form of realization can be chosen according to the participants own research interest. The program can be completed either in minimum two (full time) or maximum four years (part time). The program can be joined in the winter as well as in the summer semester. (The admission deadline however is only once a year, mid-May)

The Akademie c/o master program is spacially active. Each Semester is structured with 4-5 seminar blocks of, each 8-14 days. The locations (c/o) of the seminars change according to the requirements of the program, linking as closely as possible to the seminars content. Participation in the seminars is compulsory; the participants however are free to choose their place of residence.

The program is insofar directed towards participants looking for an opportunity to advance their practical-academic qualifications, without having to give up established working- and living environments.

The Akademie c/o master program is discoursive.

The program understands itself as an active participant and initiator of contemporary discourses. The concept of a spatially active academy addresses questions with concrete spatial situations but also allows for intensive co-operation and discussion between different initiatives, universities and other kinds of institutions. The integration of changing guest-professorships, a flexible modeling of seminars, lectures and other teaching assignments creates a proactive initiative.