Built Environment and Cultural Heritage

Content and Objectives of the Doctoral Program

The doctoral program 'Built Environment and Cultural Heritage' at the Department of Construction and Culture addresses the sustainable use of natural resources as well as the minimization of energy consumption and CO₂ emissions during the construction, operation, and deconstruction of buildings. It also examines the theories, history, and practices of designing and shaping landscapes, cities, buildings, spaces, objects, and artifacts, and engages with techniques for the preservation and communication of art and cultural heritage.

The program focuses on the following thematic areas, among others:

• Energy efficiency and resource conservation in existing buildings as well as in new construction,
• Research and further development of historical, traditionally intelligent construction techniques, including their reinterpretation using contemporary materials and methods,
• Efficient solutions regarding the future viability of settlements and building structures,
• Global urbanization processes and their transformation challenges,
• Ecological sustainability as well as forms of participation and collaboration in designing and planning the urban future,
• Building conservation, heritage preservation, and maintaining cultural assets, including the development and testing of forward-looking strategies and methods for conservation and restoration.

The program aims to systematically involve doctoral candidates in disciplinary and interdisciplinary scientific discussions from the outset and to promote regular exchange among candidates as well as with internal and external experts. Participants acquire both subject-specific and transferable skills. Through a comprehensive supervision concept, doctoral candidates are gradually enabled to conduct independent scientific work.

From the very beginning, doctoral candidates are integrated into a supportive and challenging environment, which simultaneously allows them to network both within and beyond academia and to establish early contacts for their future careers.

Target Groups and Admission Requirements

The doctoral program is primarily aimed at graduates with a technical, natural science, or engineering background, as well as graduates from design, humanities, or cultural studies disciplines such as architecture, design, heritage conservation, and conservation science, who wish to address the topics and research questions of the program in their doctoral projects.

To be admitted as a doctoral candidate in the department and to be able to pursue a doctorate within the program, the following requirements must be fulfilled:

• a degree that entitles to pursue a doctorate according to § 67 (4) of the Higher Education Act,
• a convincing doctoral project that fits the program (see also note on the preparation of an exposé),
• supervision by a professorial member of the department and proposals for a complete supervision team (see also Confirmation of Supervision),
• a degree in a field appropriate for the intended doctoral degree: a degree in a natural science for the Dr. rer. nat., in engineering for the Dr.-Ing., or in a humanities, cultural studies, or design discipline for the Dr. phil., with a minimum grade of 2.5

Admission as a doctoral candidate is decided by the doctoral examining committee.

Structure of the Program

The doctoral program is designed for a duration of three years and consists of a mandatory component and an elective component.

Within the program, doctoral candidates are introduced to a wide range of methodological and theoretical approaches, as well as interdisciplinary perspectives, which they can apply to and further develop in their own research. In addition, networking and cross-disciplinary qualification opportunities provide diverse ways to prepare for a career inside or outside academia.

Events Offered within the Doctoral Program

The department regularly offers the following events within the framework of its doctoral program:

Lecture Series 

To date, the department’s lecture series begins with an inaugural event held as a full-day session featuring several presentations at one of the universities represented in the department. The subsequent sessions take place online throughout the year on various weekdays, usually from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

A revision of the current event structure is presently under consideration.

Doctoral Colloquium

The research colloquium currently takes place once a year as a full-day, in-person event at one of the universities represented in the department.

Current information

The department provides its doctoral candidates with information on forthcoming events via email as well as on the “News” page.

Documents for Enrollment and Admission