Portrait Architecture

Creating sustainable living spaces

Architecture impacts and moves people, which is why it must create identity and wellbeing, while also using resources economically and contributing to the quality of life in our built environment. We work with the Wood Division, Civil Engineering Division and our research units to develop integral solutions in the context of our lecturing and research activities.

Our understanding of architecture

• We regard architecture as a core discipline in the design of living spaces – whether in the Swiss Plateau, the Jura region or the Alps. Our courses make students sensitive to aspects such as spatial quality, comfort and identity. We grapple intensively with issues of space, construction, materials and energy. We seek the sustainable development of the built environment through constructive design. We create in-depth understanding of phase-oriented construction and planning processes.
• Close links with industry and strong regional ties are important to us. We liaise with municipalities and regions to define specific, current assignments for our students that we review with local industry professionals and present at our annual exhibition.
• With our extensive national and international networks, we participate in diverse architectural forums. We foster links with various universities in Switzerland and abroad and support national and international research projects from an architectural perspective.

Knowledge in practice

Our lecturing and continuing education programmes as well as our research and development activities focus on the requirements of architecture.

• Students gain a generalist basic training during the three-year bachelor’s degree. On the subsequent master’s degree programme, students are encouraged to think critically and work independently. Theory and practice are closely linked on both courses: practical experience is assured by trips, semester papers and project theses in cooperation with the municipalities in the region. By incorporating knowledge from research and development, students are given a glimpse into the future of architecture and construction.
• We foster discussion between professionals, students and experts through various exchange platforms and continuing education opportunities. From half-day events to courses lasting several months, we offer a wide range of options to meet the needs of industry professionals.
• Through the courses, programmes, conferences and events of our continuing education activities, we convey the very latest knowledge and provide an opportunity for dialogue between industry professionals.
• In the context of research projects, we work with partners from industry and society to develop solutions for their products and services. Our range of services covers consulting, expert appraisals, product testing, field and lab tests and new developments. 
• We possess state-of-the-art infrastructure and extremely well-equipped laboratories. We operate the largest research centre in the Swiss wood industry in Biel, a roadbuilding lab in Burgdorf and a comprehensive construction and geotechnical engineering lab with the Institute of Geological Sciences at the University of Bern. Most of the testing carried out at our laboratory is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited by the Swiss Accreditation Service, a member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), accreditation number: STS 0317.