Designing and constructing is an elusive process. This can be seen in the almost unlimited number and complexity of the fields of expertise and knowledge involved, as well as in the mixture of rational and intuitive decision-making processes. The study of architecture at KIT is based on the principle of project-oriented teaching. In doing so, several strands of action always overlap as they come from different levels of observation. On the one hand, we have the operational and utilization aspects and, on the other hand, the technical-constructive perspective. In the course of the design process, the different aspects appear again and again and they interfuse, each having its own effect.

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In the Institute of Design and Construction Engineering (IEB), all aspects are represented by eight subject areas listed below. Thus, the technical structure of the institute stands for the complex interrelationships in the construction industry. The planning components, which are represented by the individual subject areas and teaching areas, networked into an integrated unit, corresponding to a construction project. The focus is on the holistic view of architecture with a strong connection to the real construction process.

When designing architecture, concrete formal and functional requirements must be met and placed in a spatial context. The question of whether this is done in an appropriate manner, i.e. in the broadest sense, can withstand criteria of overall economic efficiency, is an essential part of the architectural debate. This approach requires a conscious approach to ecological conditions, the necessary resources and thus the indoor climate and room exposure, the energy balance and building materials and products. The contents always include the static-constructive discussion as well as the observance of planning, construction and usage processes, which ensure a sustainable system life cycle. Last but not least, the question of the value of the existing building structure, the reinterpretation and adequacy is asked during construction in the existing building.

The teaching at the Institute of Design and Construction Technology combines intuition and rationality in the architectural design process.

• Building Construction, Prof. Ludwig Wappner
• Basics of Building Construction, Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Haug
• Sustainable Design, Prof. Dirk Hebel
• Design Methodology, Prof. Renzo Vallebuona
• Building Lifecycle Management, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Petra von Both
• Structural Design, Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Matthias Pfeifer
• Master of Building Restoration, Anette Busse MAS ETH
• Building Techonlogy, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Rosemarie Wagner
• Building Science, Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Andreas Wagner

Institute for Urban and Landscape Design. The examination of the urban context and its design is an integral part of Karlsruhe's architectural education. This is dealt with in urban development projects as well as in building designs. In the future, building in an existing urban environment will become an increasingly important part of the professional practice of architects.

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The bachelor's program concentrates on Urban and Landscape Design for one semester. Here, the basic specialist knowledge and design tools are conveyed in lectures, seminars, and drafts. In the master's program, dealing with urban design is important for all students. In addition, the opportunity for a more in-depth study of urban planning is offered. This is understood as being a specific extension of the architectural education, which combines spatial thinking and design with conceptual urban and regional planning as well as technical, legal, economic, and organizational skills. This creates the prerequisites for strategic thinking as well as design processes and for dealing with complex urban spaces.

An outstanding feature of the Karlsruhe university education on offer is its international network. On the one hand, the training deals with topics from Baden-Wuerttemberg and Germany and, on the other hand, looks beyond the borders: to the neighbouring countries along the Rhine, especially France, Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands, to the USA, Australia, Latin America, Africa and Asia. The institute's collaborations offer an insight into current issues of international urbanization. Guest lectures, stays abroad, workshops and research projects broaden the students’ professional horizon.

• Urban Housing and Development, Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Markus Neppl
• International Urbanism, Prof. Dr. Barbara Engel
• Landscape Architecture, Prof. D.P.L.G. Henri Bava
• Urban Design and housing, Prof. i.V. Christian Inderbitzin

• History of Art, Prof. Dr. Oliver Jehle
• History of Art, Prof. Dr. Inge Hinterwaldner
• History of Building and Architecture, Prof. Dr.-Ing.Joaquin Medina Warmburg

• Winter term 2019/20: Hisham Elkadi