English-taught semester Architecture and Design (autumn)

Students who wish to enroll should have completed minimum 3 semesters or an equivalent of 90 ECTS in a Bachelor programme in the field of Architecture, Construction Technology or Building Sciences.

This will need to be confirmed by means of an official certificate, a survey of completed courses, or a signed letter from the sending university.

Click here for Howest language expectations.

All students should bring their own laptop, with minimally 16Gb RAM and a dedicated OpenGL Graphics Card with 1024Mb Ram or more.

The course overview above mentions which specific software is necessary for each course unit. Howest applies a very strict policy on the use of legal software. If you have not acquired a licence yet, you can do so at the beginning of the semester: you benefit from the Howest discount on the licence fee.

Non-exchange students are not able to attend this international semester.

Contact mieke.maes [at] howest.be (mieke[dot]maes[at]howest[dot]be) for more information.

In this module you will learn about Belgian and Flemish politics, culture and socio-economic data, all in comparison to the socio-economic data of your home country. This module includes a Dutch survival course and visits to several important cities in Belgium.

In this course, you’ll (re)design a brand identity and the spatial layout of a hospitality venue. The focus is on creating sustainable, modular, and flexible designs that meet contemporary standards. This process not only enhances the visitor experience but also ensures the adaptability and longevity of the center.

Mandatory excursions are part of this course, which may incur additional costs. Student attendance is compulsory and will be factored into the grading. An important part of the module is self reflection and self assessment via a sketchbook.

In this module, you'll design an exhibition stand, considering specific dimensions, requirements, and commonly used materials in stand construction.

Mandatory excursions are part of this course, which may incur additional costs. Student attendance is compulsory and will be factored into the grading. An important part of the module is self reflection and self assessment via a sketchbook.

Studio City Experience focuses on creating art and light festivals that highlight cities. This studio combines art, technology, and city marketing to offer unique experiences that enhance a city’s identity and attract visitors. The goal is to present cities in innovative and sustainable ways.

Create an 360° music videoclip as an immersive spatial experience.

You first create a visual story for an existing music track. With TouchDesigner, you translate your story into an XR-experience with animated projection on the walls of our testroom.

Basic knowledge of Blender is required.

This design studio serves as an integrative project of the semester. You work in a small team, simulating an architecture office. After analyzing the environmental and functional prerequisites of a multi-dimensional assignment and guided by the tutors, your team integrates knowledge of construction technology and architectural design fundamentals into the design of a structurally sound, efficient, sustainable, high performance building or building complex that meets all relevant building codes. The final design will be attractively presented to a jury by means of appealing (computer) models and renderings.

Important: Enrollment is only possible in combination with 3D BIM Pro.

Enrollment is only possible in combination with Studio Reconversion.

Do you have a passion for building technology? Then this Studio is for you: choose a building component that you’ve designed in Studio Reconversion, and work out all technical details so that it can be carried out by a contractor.

More info to follow.

More info to follow.

More info to follow.

Make your own universe: you will be introduced in the techniques of lasercutting and cutting plots, stickerprinting, 3D printing, cosplay techniques, Shaper Origin milling, mold-making for resin and silicone and welding. You’ll work with wood, clay, concrete and plaster, textile hardeners etc. The universe that you’ve created will be pitched in the final session of this course.

In this course you will improve your skills of 3D computer modelling and apply them for the presentation to the jury of the Architectural Design Studio.
In 3ds Max Design, special attention will go to: specific materials, advanced lighting, animation, advanced modelling and specific applications.
In ArchiCAD, the emphasis will be on working with BIM server (Team Work) and BIM-exchange (IFC, BCF), interactive 3D-models, publishing sets, MEP, BEM-ecodesigner, Cine Render a.s.o.

Required Software: ArchiCAD (Graphisoft) and Autodesk (Autodesk): most recent (educational) edition, or similar BIM-software.

Important: Prior basic mastery of these software programs is an imperative.

In this course, you'll master the art of bringing videos to life by adding captivating animations using Adobe After Effects. You'll delve into crafting and animating both new and existing 2D compositions, as well as enhance your footage with a variety of (basic) effects. By the end of this module, you'll have the skills to transform ordinary videos into dynamic visual stories.