July 26–August 23, 2026
Berlin 10119
Germany
The inaugural Aedes Graduate Admissions Intensive is a rigorous four-week program in Berlin for advanced students in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban studies preparing competitive applications to top international graduate universities. The Intensive will take place from July 26– August 23, 2026. Applications are accepted until April 24, 2026.
Designed for accomplished undergraduate candidates targeting English-language top graduate programs, the Intensive combines portfolio development, writing and verbal training, and graduate school strategy in a focused cohort environment. Participants benefit from expert mentorship, guest lectures and workshops, and immersive travel, including visits to Bauhaus Dessau and Rotterdam. The program concludes with a Final Review: tutors and guest critics join to finalize portfolios and application materials. Each participant leaves with an individual strategic plan.
Led by Professor Dagmar Richter of Pratt Institute, alongside Aedes faculty, international tutors and distinguished guests—including Sarah Whiting (Dean, Harvard GSD), Yung Ho Chang (Dean, U Hong Kong), Dr. Tom Avermaete (Chair, ETH Zurich), and Winka Dubbeldam (Director, SCI-Arc), among others—the program is set in Berlin, one of Europe’s most vibrant cultural centers.
Participants gain direct access to leading practices through studio visits to David Chipperfield Architects, Sauerbruch Hutton, Studio Olafur Eliasson, Studio Tomás Saraceno, J. MAYER H und Partner and Barkow Leibinger in Berlin, OMA and MVRDV in Rotterdam, and Mecanoo in Delft. It builds on Aedes’ 45-year international network, connecting participants to one of the world’s most influential platforms for architectural discourse.
More than an application workshop, the Intensive prepares exceptional candidates seeking admission to the world’s most competitive graduate schools. Through studio life, cultural immersion, and travel, participants build the networks and skills to engage the field at the highest level. Read the full call here.
Who should apply
The program is designed for:
–Advanced undergraduate students in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban studies
–International students preparing applications to graduate programs
–Candidates targeting top English-language graduate schools
Requirements to apply
–Portfolio
–Statement of intent
–Academic transcript and references
–Application fee: 40 EUR
About Aedes
Aedes—Architecture and Space is a non-profit cultural institution in Berlin. Founded in 1980, it presents a continuous public program exploring the intersections of architecture, the city and society through exhibitions, publications, events and education formats. Aedes collaborates with an international network spanning culture, academia, politics and industry.
