Student Life

At the Institute of Architecture and Design, faculty and students are united in building a challenging and rewarding learning experience in an international environment. Students are introduced to an interdisciplinary study environment that to a great extent simulates a future work situation. Cross-disciplinary collaborations are highly valued and facilitated within research, artistic research and education.

“When I decided to study at the Institute of Architecture and Design, two central characteristics were essential to me: The focus on the relationship between the smaller scale and the greater context, and the interdisciplinary collaboration that enables designers and architects to share methods and knowledge.”

Student / Institute of Architecture and Design

Engage Commit Encourage Courage Curiosity Experiment Discipline Contribute Challenge Include Diversity Dialogue Respect

The Institute of Architecture and Design engages over 400 students. Diversity lies at the very core of the institute, and reasons with the Academy’s vision of educating students with a global scope and mindset. The wide range of nationalities creates a community which focuses on democracy and personal growth. The institute seeks to encourage a non-competitive and collaborative environment with room to fail — where dialogue and different perspectives are welcomed in any form and measure.

Students at the Institute of Architecture and Design become part of a prestigious and strong Danish design and architecture tradition. All Bachelor’s and Master’s studies require a high degree of discipline as well as an ability to work independently, and progress is driven by personal motivation. Students must be prepared to face challenges, and to seek advice from fellow students, supervisors and teachers along the way.

With a multitude of backgrounds, the students will experience a unique learning environment and make connections across cultures and abilities. The network of fellow students will become crucial to their professional life after graduation.

The Academy is located at Holmen, which is a water-bound Copenhagen neighbourhood, occupying the former grounds of the Royal Naval Base and Dockyards. Many rooms and details in the buildings are reminiscent of the old machinery and life that used to be led here.