Re thinking space

TEXT BY Prof. Martin Schroth Head of Department

Interior designers work in a broad field which fundamentally deals with the creative, technical, economic, ecological and social planning of interior spaces and the associated structural changes to buildings. In addition to design skills, the learning process includes the examination of current constructions, technologies and materials.

At the beginning of the programme, the basic approaches to a concept are taught, which encompasses both the design process and the constructive analysis of buildings. This teaching is supported using both digital and practical tools in the local workshop, which is relevant for the implementation of the projects.

In the further course of the programme, students work on projects in which the knowledge learned can be applied to an overall concept. The challenge lies in integrating processes with a sensible division of the new use, and in doing so in meaningful way.

A unique aspect of Trier is while a bachelor's degree generally allows you to join the Chamber of Architects after you have worked in the profession for 2 years, this requirement is completed during the eight semesters of the programme, which requires a practical or international semester in the 6th semester. This means that all the points required by the Chamber of Architects are fulfilled through our programme. The cooperation with the BDIA (Association of German Interior Architects) is very im- werden. Die Zusammenarbeit mit dem BDIA (Bund der deutschen Innenarchitekten) hat bei uns eine hohe Bedeutsamkeit, denn dieser Bund erleichtert den Studierenden den Sprung ins Berufsleben und bietet viele Möglichkeiten, sich über andere innenarchitektonische Projekte zu informieren. Zudem zeichnet er jedes Semester eine der Abschlussarbeiten aus. In den vergangenen Jahren haben sich jegliche Gestaltungsfächer mit dem Prozess der Digitalisierung beschäftigt, so auch die Innenarchitektur. Es sind unterschiedliche Software-Programme auf den Markt gekommen, die die Arbeit im Gestaltungsprozess grundlegend verändert haben. Dazu kommen software-gesteuerte Maschinen wie CNC-Fräse, Lasercutter oder 3D-Drucker. So gibt es ganz neue Möglichkeiten, um an ein Projekt heranzugehen und es umzusetzen. Die Studierenden lernen diese verschiedenen Werkzeuge zu nutzen und miteinander zu verbinden. Somit ist das breite Spektrum von traditionellen Holzverbindungen bis zum komplexen Körper eines 3D-Druckes gegeben. Dieser Prozess der Digitalisierung wird uns auch in Zukunft begleiten und unsere Arbeit maßgeblich beeinflussen. Zudem sind neue narrative Formate im Studium integriert worden, die sich mit einem sinnvollen Einsatz von Materialien auseinandersetzen. Die Zukunft verlangt einen ressourcensparenden Umgang mit Materialien, dem wir uns gerne annehmen und der sich hervorragend in die verbundenen Prozesse integrieren lässt. portant to us, because this association makes it easier for students to transition into professional life and offers many opportunities to learn about other interior design projects. In addition, it awards a prize to one of the final theses each semester.

In recent years, all design subjects have been involved in the process of digitalisation, and interior design is no exception. Various software programmes have come onto the market that have fundamentally changed the design process. In addition, there are software-controlled machines such as CNC milling machines, laser cutters or 3D printers. So there are completely new ways to approach and realise a project. The students learn to use these different tools and to combine them with each other. Thus, a broad spectrum from traditional wooden joints to the complex body of a 3D print is at our students’ disposal. This process of digitalisation will also accompany us in the future and significantly influence our work. In addition, new narrative formats have been integrated into the programme which deal with the sensible use of materials. The future demands a resource-saving use of materials, which we are happy to take on and which can be excellently integrated into the interior design processes.

Die lichtdurchfluteten Ateliers des Campus am Paulusplatz. The light-flooded studios of the campus at Paulusplatz.

PHOTO Maxi Virgili

Ausstellungen von Modellen und konzeptionellen Raummodulen. Exhibitions of models and conceptual spatial modules.