The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa School of Architecture has been invited to participate in a collaborative academic exchange with the Technical University of Munich (TUM), ranked 28th globally and 1st in Germany. Recent professional learning exchanges and academic engagements provide the foundation for this unique study abroad experience.

This initiative stems from prior collaboration between lead faculty Professor Martin Despang and  Thomas Auer, Chair of Building Technology and Climate-Adaptive Construction at TUM’s School of Engineering and Design. Auer, known for his work with Transsolar Klima Engineering, recently presented at UHM as part of a cross-continental dialogue on climate-responsive design.

Structured as a Practical Project Students (PPS) partnership, the collaboration will unfold over several semesters and includes joint research and design work.

This evolving partnership reflects a shared commitment to adaptive, climate-conscious architecture and global academic collaboration.

Five SoA students will travel to Munich in the fall.