DesignBuild at TUM

TUM DesignBuild offers  Architecture Students with their realstudio classes the opportunity to design, plan and realise socially involved projects while gathering practical experience over the course of one year under the supervision of the Chair‘s Team.

To date, almost all of the projects have taken place in Africa due to the high demand for education, child care and medical facilities. Students from the TUM were able to come together with local students, trades and craftsmen in developing nations, quickly realize the planned buildings under the guidance of experienced Architects. The transfer of knowledge and experience between locals and students in both ways, as well as an architecturally sophisticated construction contribute to well rounded projects.

Research, prototyping, testing and implementing new constructions with well known materials as well as monitoring the projects afterwards to provide data and building manuals for the local communities´ next building projects is the aim of the studio. TUM DesignBuild evolved out of the Design Build Projects at the professorship of Architectural Design and Timber Construction. The professorship of Architectural Design and Timber Construction has completed eight projects within a Development Aid framework since 2006. Educating grown-up architects who are able to stand global challenges with social responsibility and knowing to use their community sense for social engagement. High architectural standards, the recognition and development of indigenous construction methods and the use of biological sustainable building materials are just as much a part of our ethos as our close co-operation with our partner NGOs and the local population.