Study Abroad Germany – Fall 2025
Message from Kate Cousins, Michelle Quiocho, Dalan Kam, Lawrence Lilly, Tyree Richards (with Professor Martin Despang):
Through the University of Hawaii, we now have a new opportunity for Environmental Design undergrads: a fall semester in Munich. In Bavaria, across the world from tropical Hawai’i, students can enjoy new climatic and cultural experiences. In the 4-class, 15-unit program, we explore the environmental similarities and differences of O’ahu and Munich through a lens of design.
The program is composed of a studio with three supporting electives, and classes are held Monday through Wednesday to provide students with ample free time to travel on weekends.
Classes are held at the prestigious (ranked 22. worldwide : https://www.tum.de/en/news-and-events/all-news/press-releases/details/tum-continues-its-rise-now-number-22-worldwide)
Technical University of Munich (TUM), upon the generous invitation of hosting us Thomas Auer TUM Professor
https://www.arc.ed.tum.de/en/klima/start/
/ founding principle of Transsolar https://transsolar.com
in close collaboration with his studio led by Bilge Kobas
https://www.arc.ed.tum.de/klima/team/bilge-kobas/
The program is heavily inspired by SHIFT, a global sustainability initiative which was launched at the 2025 Venice Biennale.
Think Tech Hawaii human(e) architecture Venice Biennale SHIFT
Courses are as follows:
ARCH 415 F25 SHIFTing (6cr)
Arch 415 F25 SHIFTing
Our studio class, with a focus on climate adaptability in global contexts.
ARCH 490 F25 FreiRufing (3cr)
Arch 490 F25 FreiRufing
Research elective, exploring the theory & history of architects Frei Otto and Sep Ruf.
ARCH 490 F25 A Dress Code / Address Code (3cr)
Arch 490 F25 A Dress Code / Address Code
Research elective, exploring how body skins in relation to building “skins” (facades) can adapt in different climate conditions.
ARCH 490 F25 SHIFTheory (3cr)
Arch 490 F25 SHIFTheory
Research elective, diving deeper into theory to inform our main Studio project.
UHM TUM SHIFTing process progress
*Article written without the use of AI