»Drawing II«

Due to the construction work at the faculty, we will be drawing at various locations in Darmstadt. We will concentrate on the depiction of architecture in the context of landscape, nature and people. In addition, we will translate our perceptions into drawings in an experimental way, e. g. drawing directly on a tram journey or documenting objects in urban space with pen and paper.

Learning by looking closely will be essential part of this course. How does the surface of an object look like ? Where is light and where is shadow ? How can I manage to materialise my perception by pencil on the paper ? At the same time, we want to deal with simplification and abstraction and practise all this in various tasks.

Participation in the exercises and presentation of the summer semester exercises on June 1st, 2026 (interim presentation) and June 29th, 2026 (final presentation) and final submission of all summer and winter term drawings on July 13th, 2026

- Successful completion of the sub-modules in the winter and summer semesters is a prerequisite for passing the overall module 15-21-0413 Design I – Drawing – (registration for exam via TUCaN is mandatory)

In the summer semester of 2026, we would like to once again focus on analogue artistic processes, tricks and techniques. While in many previous linoleum seminars a photograph of an architectural situation served as the starting material, this semester we would like to give more space to free drawing, collage and even modelling, and begin the process of image creation with a freer approach.

Experience in artistic practice shows that an image becomes increasingly refined, deepened and condensed as a result of processing loops or further translations into other media. At the end of the chain, which may have begun with a drawing, then led to a copy and a model, and ultimately ended with a linocut, each step brings new insights that can potentially be incorporated into your designs.

We will cut, print, view images, translate colours, structures and surfaces into black and white, and thus arrive at new, independent visual worlds.

As part of the gallery seminar for the summer semester of 2026, we would like to take an in-depth look at the concept of ‘perception’.

What does the term mean? Which senses do we use to perceive things? Which medium do we use to document our impressions? How do we find an independent expression for them?

Based on these and other questions, we will search for possible answers together as a group and also individually with a ‘diary of perception’. In it, participants will record daily experiences, impressions and perceptions in pictures or words. During the weekly meetings, we will discuss the progress of the diaries. In addition to these, there will be short excursions in the form of walks and visits to exhibitions.

At the end of the semester, we would like to work together to develop a programme for the ‘Festival of Perception’. We envisage installations distributed throughout the building, short contributions, possibly performances and a book release.

This semester, the painting seminar aims to examine the relationship between motif and form in more detail and generate its own examples. At the beginning of an artistic project, the question often arises: What am I painting? This automatically links to a purpose, an occasion, which is not always conducive to a convincing image. It sometimes makes more sense to think first about form and size, technique and commission, because this often leads to a motif emerging by itself.

As with architectural design, it is conducive to a harmonious effect when motif and form correspond to each other, when both fit together, relate to each other and are not thought of separately.

We would like to inspire you with a few examples of how to arrive at a motif or a series of motifs and which form is suitable for representation, and we hope that the joint events will result in many more independent approaches from you.

In the two-week block seminar ‘FB15: Architectural Zine,’ students develop a zine that focuses on the visual and atmospheric appearance of the mechanical engineering halls (Lichtwiese campus) designed by architect Gerd Fesel. The aim is to perceive the building as an independent architectural object and to reflect on it in terms of design. The focus is on an exploratory and creative approach to the space, materiality and atmosphere of the building through photography. To this end, the examination begins with intensive spatial observation.

Conscious perception of the building forms the basis for the photographic process, which is then supplemented by an examination of historical and structural content. Through joint analysis and reflection on the photographs, a series of images is to be created after several processing loops. At the same time, there is a creative examination of architectural drawings, such as floor plans, which could be graphically reinterpreted and staged. The aim of this approach is to develop the content of the zine collaboratively.

In a final editorial phase, the layout, narration and image sequence are developed together. In addition, participants will deal with technical aspects of production: questions of binding, paper selection, text integration and implementation using the Risograph printing process will form the creative conclusion of the seminar. The release of the zine is planned for the winter semester 2026/27.

Full attendance in person is required for the seminar.

As teachers, students and employees of the Department of Architecture, we regularly spend a lot of time on the Lichtwiese campus. But do we actually know the places where we spend so much time and pass by every day? In the summer semester of 2026, we will explore the perception of places and their translation into self-created, analogue images. Drawing on the cultural technique of ‘derivé’, we will wander around the Lichtwiese campus every day and let our perceptions guide us. Along the way, we will create drawings, watercolours or various types of texts, always in DIN A3 format. This intensive work process will be accompanied by joint discussions and lectures on artists in the context of the ‘derivé’.

We will produce limited edition artist's books from the works created in the seminar. The seminar assignment requires the production of at least 15 edited DIN A3 sheets. Regular attendance at the seminar is required.

We interpret the world in terms of our own experiences and interests. This has a huge influence on how and what we take photos and especially which photographs we take, but what happens when we step out of our usual way of looking at things ? During the seminar an independent series of photographs will be developed around this theme. We will also look at camera techniques, composition and image processing, and develop an appropriate form of presentation for your individual work.

IMPORTANT:

To hand in the first exercise is mandatory, for students looking for an option to slip into the course without having received an admission from the seminar bazaar, too.

First meeting: April 16th, 2026, 3:30 pm, Galerie Parkhaus (r177)

Figure drawing teaches the basics of proportion, perspective, and composition. It trains the perception of physiognomy, posture and movement as essential signs of human appearance.

The aim of this course is to interpret one's own perception and to express it through a free choice of artistic means (graphite, ink, colours).

submission on July 21st, 2026, 11.00 am, r170