Interior Architecture and Scenography BA

The Interior Architecture and Scenography degree programme focuses on the design of the urban public realm as a place of social and political action. It takes as its theme the interaction of interior and exterior spaces, a process that creates collective meaning and memory through narration, function and design.
At the centre of scenographic spatial practice is the development of dramaturgical concepts for the spatial translation of stories in publicly accessible indoor and outdoor spaces, stage spaces and exhibitions: the exploration of space, time, materiality, light, action and effect.
With regard to interior spaces and urban public spaces, the students are involved in the design of sustainable future worlds, which are closely related to spaces of social negotiation, the coexistence of human and more-than-human actors, as well as diversity as a critically-reflective examination of inclusion. These are interwoven concepts that are jointly developed and negotiated in practical, theoretical and research-oriented teaching and learning units.

Bringing spaces to talk
In Interior Architecture and Scenography, you get to deal with all facets of space: with its dimensions, with the colour and material of its surfaces, with the lighting, as well as with the objects that structure its form. At the core of all considerations are human as well as non-human beings in their role as recipients and users, whom you directly address and involve through your approach and work. You analyse the functional relationships along with the communicative purposes of interior and exterior spaces, and conceptualize and plan time-limited as well as permanent changes to specific spaces. In exhibitions, you get the chance to make content-based themes spatially perceptible, cast exhibits in their right light, and underpin the dramaturgical sequences by means of sound and moving images. Within an architectural framework you create and plan spatial structures that reflect the site-specific and contemporary conditions.

Practical relevance and perspectives
Students engage in collaborations on a regular basis in order to test the actual applicability of models or plans, publicly and on a scale of 1:1. It is only when a design concept is published and implemented, either in a real exhibition, in a proposal for a specific outdoor design, in temporary lightings or pictorial projections, that the conceptual work carried out in the studio or workshop becomes verifiable. Whether it is in the realm of stage design, in exhibition design or in urban scenographies and interventions in the field of hospitality, work and corporate design, students are given the chance to engage critically with high and popular culture and participate in socially relevant discourses. The cross-disciplinary course programme equips students with a comprehensive range of skills – including new media and technologies – and prepares them for a wide scope of practical activities between architecture, interior design, scenography, and theatre.

Connecting to the theoretical discourse
Theoretical discourses interact with social discourses and changes in the design practice. In order to be able to critically contextualise and discuss your own work and position, you will be introduced to different design theory perspectives, knowledge and experiences. Through research-based teaching and learning approaches, the impressions gleaned from collaborating with various knowledge communities, local institutions and interest groups are conveyed and reflected upon in exchange.

Working in a collective
Whether during or after your studies, you will be dealing with professionals from the fields of architecture, theatre, film, fair construction, digital media and the arts, and with experts from a variety of other fields as well. Whatever the task, working as an interior architect or scenographer requires the ability to cooperate, which is why we place such emphasis on the team and communicative skills of our students and help to develop them in the course of their studies.

Interior Architecture and Scenography
Interior Architecture and scenography mutually enrich and reinforce each other. During your BA studies you are called upon to form your own impression and develop an individual approach to both fields before, according to your own skills and preferences, settling for either one or the other in the context of your BA thesis. Both disciplines deal with space from the perspective of the people who apprehend and use it. While scenography concentrates on the spatial composition and dramaturgy of timelines and narrations, interior architecture focuses on the atmospheric impact of space in due consideration of the optimization of functional and operational processes. As far as methodology is concerned all study projects are subject to the same sequence structure: from “research and analysis” to “concept and design”, and from “preliminary project” and “project” to “documentation”. The procedure reflects a combination of scenographic practice and architectural design appreciation.

Study structure

Basic Studies Course (Semesters 1 and 2)
The first two semesters provide you with the opportunity to approach space as an activity field by way of experimentation. The workshop “Space and Scenography” introduces you to a wide range of design methods for dealing with a variety of tasks. You are familiarized with the tools of design practice and learn how to present and communicate your findings. You gather experience in matters such as colour, light, sound and material, learn about different research techniques and approaches and address the issue of reception. In addition you gain practice in the fields of concept formation and argumentation with regard to creative and design-related work.

Basic Thesis
The Basic Studies Course ends with a qualifying exam, known as the Basic Thesis. The purpose of this exam is to ascertain whether you have the ability to complete the Main Studies Course, which involves semester-overlapping project work. The Basic Thesis includes work on a design project of your own and answering questions on the theoretical matters dealt with over the last year.

Main Studies Course (Semesters 3 to 6)
By means of specific, practice-based projects you implement the knowledge and skills acquired during the Basic Studies Course. In the context of clear-cut assignments, treated in depth over the course of a semester, you conceptualize and design interior and exterior spaces, exhibition spaces and stage sets. You deal with all steps of the project including research and analysis, conception and planning as well as implementation and documentation. If possible, selected designs are implemented and presented in public.
In each semester you have at least two set tasks to choose from and are free to select the one that suits you better.
Project work is complemented by specific workshops, allowing you to expand the knowledge and skills acquired during the Basic Studies Course.

Bachelor Thesis
The Main Studies Course is concluded with a Bachelor thesis and an exhibition in which the diploma theses are presented to the public. For your thesis, which should involve practical as well as theoretical aspects, you can choose from two set tasks in the fields of Interior Architecture and Scenography. In your Bachelor thesis you bring to bear the knowledge and skills acquired during your studies. It takes on shape with regard to content, concept, space and dramaturgy before being assessed by a jury of internal and external experts.

Internships
During your BA studies in Interior Design we encourage, and support to the best of our ability, you to complete one full year of practical training either in a renowned architectural office, a design company or a scenography studio. Such an internship improves your qualification and enhances your chances of finding a satisfying job after attaining your degree. An internship is especially recommendable for high-school graduates who have little or no professional experience. A year of practical training, ideally after the third of fourth semester, extends your studies by two semesters.

Exchange semester
The Institute encourages its students to complete an exchange semester at a university or academy in Switzerland or abroad. The ideal time for such a step is either the fourth of fifth semester. The Institute has exchange agreements with numerous universities and academies in Europe and the United States. In return, the Institute of course invites per semester two or three students from foreign universities with a comparable study programme to come and study in Basel.
We include below a list of universities and academies that have, in the past, hosted BA students from Basel in exchange, and vice-versa:

• Akademie der Bildenden Künste, München (D), Interior design
  
• ArtEZ hogeschool voor de kunsten, Zwolle (NL), Interior design
  
• Beuth Hochschule für Technik, Berlin (D)
  
• Burg Giebichenstein Hochschule für Kunst und Design, Halle (D), Interior design
  
• Design Academy Eindhoven (NL), Architecture
  
• Diputació de Barcelona, Barcelona (ES), Institut del Theatre
  
• EINA, Centre Universitari de Disseny i Art, Barcelona (ES), Interior design
  
• Fachhochschule Münster (D), Architecture
  
• Fachhochschule Hannover (D), stage sets and costumes
  
• Fachhochschule Kaiserlautern (D), Interior design
  
• Fachhochschule Lippe und Höxter (D)
  
• Hochschule für bildende Künste, Hamburg (D)
  
• Hochschule für Gestaltung, Karlsruhe (D)
  
• Hochschule Coburg (D), Interior design
  
• Hochschule Wismar (D), Interior design
  
• Hogeschool Rotterdam (NL), Willhelm De Kooning Academy
  
• IEC College of Art & Fashion, Kathmandu (NP), Interior design
  
• Kunst- og designhøgskolen, Bergen (NO), Furniture and interior design
  
• Kunsthochschule Kassel (D), Product design
  
• Ecole nationale supérieure des arts visuels de La Cambre, Brüssel (BE), Scenography
  
• Muthesius Kunsthochschule, Kiel (D), Spatial planning/scenography
  
• Scuola Universitaria della Svizzera Italiana, Manno (CH)
  
• Shenkar College Tel Aviv (IL), Interiors and environment
  
• Tongji University Shanghai (CN)
  
• Universidad Veritas - Arte Diseño Arquitectura, San José (CR), Interior design
  
• University of Technology, Sydney (AU)
  
• Weissensee Kunsthochschule, Berlin (D), Stage sets and costumes/product design
  
• Züricher Hochschule der Kunst (CH), Theater: Specialization on scenography
  

Modules – Courses – Course Catalogue

• Overview Courses (PDF)
• Basic Studies Course, Semesters 1 and 2 (PDF)
• Main Studies Course Semesters 3 till 6 (PDF)

Whether during or after your studies, you will be dealing with professionals from the fields of architecture, theatre, film, fair construction, digital media and the arts and with experts from a variety of other fields as well. Whatever the task, working as an interior designer or scenographer requires the ability to cooperate, which is why we place such emphasis on the team and communicative skills of our students and help to develop them in the course of their studies.

Goals and benefits

After completing the degree programme, you will be able to navigate independently through demanding design and development processes. You will have methods of analysis and research to enable you to orientate yourself in new tasks in an agile manner and will be able to professionally communicate your interim and final results to third parties. You have experience of collaborating in disciplinary and interdisciplinary teams. In short, you will be able to independently develop, elaborate and plan concepts for project work. This opens up a broad field of activity in spatial design in architecture, interior design, scenography and theatre, in which you will be required to position yourself on relevant contemporary issues through your design work.

Career prospects

With a BA degree in Interior Architecture you qualify for a wide range of career options. Our graduates enjoy excellent opportunities of entering into the professional world in architecture firms and interior architecture studios, in the field of exhibition design, in scenography, on film sets and as stage designers, providing you the chance of earning a living in the culture and creative industries. This was confirmed by a survey conducted by us among alumni who had received their degree between 2004 and 2014. The results of this survey and additional facts of interest are included in our Yearbook V.
We interviewed some of our BA graduates on their experiences before, during and after their studies. The video portraits provide insight into their everyday life.
We regularly invite former students to lecture on their career paths and their works. You can see parts of these lectures online.

With its studios and central Campus.Workshops, HGK offers ideal conditions for combining craft curiosity, the acquisition of technical skills, and the necessary digital know-how. In addition, all students have their own 24/7 workspace in one of the spacious studios. The degree programme Interior Architecture and Scenography also features an analogue and a digital workshop. The facilities are open to students 365 days a year.

Educational qualifications
As a rule, admission to the aptitude assessment for Bachelor’s degree programmes in Design (Industrial Design, Interior Architecture and Scenography, Fashion Design, Process Design at Hyperwerk, Visual Communication and Digital Spaces) requires one of the following educational qualifications:

• a certified vocational baccalaureate
• a certified specialized baccalaureate
• a certified upper secondary school (level II) baccalaureate
• proof of an equivalent educational degree at an upper secondary school (level II) obtained otherwise (e.g. Vocational College HF) 

Language of tuition
The language of tuition is German (B2 or equivalent) and partly English. Proof of language proficiency is required at the start of the degree programme.

Workplace experience or preparatory course in Design
In addition, candidates need to provide proof of one year of workplace experience or completion of a two-semester preparatory course in Design. The workplace experience must include practical as well as theoretical knowledge in a professional field related to the subject of study.
Note: Proof of workplace experience or completion of a preparatory course in Design is not required of candidates who are able to provide proof of a vocational baccalaureate in a professional field related to the subject of study, a Swiss certified baccalaureate with a focus on Visual Design, or a specialized, design-based baccalaureate.

approved professional fields (german)
Is a list of approved vocational trainings and professional fields, respectively.

Catching up on the vocational baccalaureate
Applicants who have not completed at least three years of upper secondary schooling (level II) are not legally entitled to admission to a Bachelor's degree programme. Information concerning full-time or part-time on-the-job training courses focusing on a vocational, design-based or specialized baccalaureate is provided by the local vocational colleges.

Admission on the basis of exceptional talent (1)
In exceptional cases, applicants can be admitted to the Bachelor’s degree programmes in Design and in Fine Arts without being in possession of an upper secondary school (level II) certificate (Swiss education system), link, namely if they can provide proof of exceptional talent, either in a design-related or an arts-related field. In this case, the application documents should be accompanied by a motivation letter, a portfolio and a full resume in table format. The Head of the degree programme decides on the basis of the application documents whether proof of exceptional talent is provided. Prospective students who meet the regular admission requirements through possession of an upper secondary school (level II) certificate are excluded from admission for exceptional talent.
Note: We recommend that you make enquiries by means of an email to the office of the respective degree programme at YWRtaXNzaW9uLkJBLWluMy5oZ2tAZmhudy5jaA== at least two weeks prior to the application deadline (15 February), or arrange an appointment with the Head of the degree programme.

____________
(1) If you are in possession of one of the following educational degrees, you are eligible for this mode of admission:
Federal Certificate of Vocational Proficiency EFZ (apprenticeship), Professional Certificate EBA, Specialized Secondary School (FMS), Compulsory Schooling, no educational qualification

To apply for a place at the HGK Basel, the required documents must be submitted by deadline 15.02.2025.
Please send the specific enquiries to email address.

Info aptitude assessment (PDF) is online on 01.11.2024

Dates aptitude assessment 2025

• 01.11.2024
  Publication of the detailed information on the aptitude assessment
  
• 15.02.2025
  Registration deadline and deadline for submitting the required documents for the aptitude assessment.
  
• 15.09.2025
  Fall Semester begin 2025/26

Programm Regulation, Interior Architecture and Scenography (BA) PDF in German

Here you will find answers to FAQs about preparing and registering for a Bachelor’s (BA) or a Master’s (MA) degree programme at the HGK Basel FHNW.

FAQ online registration

Here you will find answers to organizational, administrative and legal questions all about studying -->

Basel – A City of Architecture, Art and Design

Basel ranks as one of the richest cultural cities in Europe, featuring just on forty museums on merely thirty-seven square kilometres. In addition, with Art Basel the city hosts every summer one of the most renowned international art fairs. The city also has very lively theatre and music scenes and is home to a number of world famous architecture firms.

Over the last few years the Institute of Interior Architecture and Scenography has launched a number of student projects in collaboration with leading cultural institutions in Basel, among others with Kaserne Basel, Kunstmuseum Basel, the Canton Basel-Stadt State Archives, Kunstverein Binningen, Allgemeine Lesegesellschaft Basel, Bildrausch Film Festival, Museum Kleines Klingental, Theater Festival Basel, Historisches Museum Basel, Swiss Architecture Museum SAM, Vitra Design Museum and the Kammerorchester Basel.

In recent years, the Institute has also launched a number of cultural as well as service-related projects beyond the city boundaries, for instance, with the Solothurn Literature Days, the women’s clinic of the Cantonal Hospital Baselland, Swisscom, and the Valais Wine Association. 

Between CHF 1,700.- (semesters 1 – 5) and 3,500.- (semester 6) for books, teaching materials, laptop, study trips, etc.

The ICDP Institute’s website contains information on projects and publications.

International students can find further information on the website of the International Office of the HGK Basel.

Public transport
The campus is easy to reach by public transport. The stop Freilager on BLT line 11 is immediately in front of the Campus (from Bahnhof SBB in direction Aesch)

By car
Leave the motorway A2 at the junction Basel-St. Jakob and follow the sign Dreispitz. Approaching from Münchensteinerstrasse enter the Dreispitz complex through Gate 13 and park your car in one of the public car parks (Ruchfeld or Leimgrube). When setting your satnav, please note that the Freilager complex is part of the municipality of Münchenstein, Canton Basel-Landschaft.

Access by car for people with disabilities
Choose the access via Florenz-Strasse in the direction of the High-rise building (Building D). To lower the bollard at the gates of the campus please ring the bell. You will be connected to our reception in Building D.

Map as PDF

The buildings of the HGK Basel are accessible by wheelchair, stroller,  and for people with walking difficulties. The entrance to the highrise building (Building D) is at ground level, the studio building (Building A) can be reached via a ramp. There is at least one lift in both buildings.

Access by car for people with disabilities: See Gender-neutral toilets: See ‘Getting there‘.

Toilets for people with disabilities: 

Highrise building (Building D): Ground floor to 8th floor in the centre of the building
Studio building (Building A): Ground floor to 3rd floor, southern section of main corridor

Gender-neutral toilets: See ‘All Welcome WC’.

Parent-child-room: See 'Parent-child-room'.

Basel Academy of Art and Design FHNW
Institute Contemporary Design Practices (ICDP)
Freilager-Platz 1
Postfach

CH-4002 Basel

Basel Academy of Art and Design FHNW
Institute Contemporary Design Practices (ICDP)
Interior Architecture and Scenography BA degree course
Oslo-Strasse 3
4142 Münchenstein near Basel

Building: A 2.10

Phone: +41 61 228 40 55
Fax: +41 61 228 42 78
Email: aW5mby5pbjMuaGdrQGZobncuY2g=