Call for applications: Master in Interior Architecture (MAIA)

Opening at HEAD of Switzerland’s first MA in Interior Architecture

Interior spaces today are laboratories of modernity. Whether it is through renovation projects, commercial spaces or art installations, interiors have become an endless arena for experimenting with cultural, social and political agendas that transform the contemporary condition from within. 

The Master in Interior Architecture (MAIA) is a 2-year professional programme that prepares its students to master the progressive diversification of interiors in the contemporary world, characterized by cross-disciplinary approaches, from design to visual art, from audio-visual culture to digital reality. The programme envisions Interior Architecture as the crossing point between the spaces, objects, and territories that construct contemporary societies, addressing urgent issues such as environmental impact, renovation of existing heritage, spaces of shared economy and construction of inclusive communities. In reaffirming the central role of physical spaces, MAIA explores how Interior Architecture operates at the intersection between physical interiors and the parallel narratives of mediated interiors, such as those of publicity, cinema or online media. 

Based in Geneva and driven by global ambitions, MAIA prepares its students to intervene in a human-centered reality with advanced technical training, extensive design practice and a humanistic education that helps them develop their critical thinking and engage in a profession that, through individual creativity, is always aware of its collective implications. 

MAIA​: Professional Projects & REG A
Full-size projects form the backbone of the course structure: MAIA students regularly work in cooperation with international designers on professional projects carried out for companies or institutions, leading to a professional career of international impact. HEAD – Genève’s projects have an established reputation of regular collaborations with Salone del Mobile in Milan, Designers’ Saturday in Langenthal and with brands such as Aesop, Hermès or USM.

The first edition of MAIA will feature, among others, the following projects*: 
–New School for Sustainable Agriculture in Mandraka Park, Madagascar
–Renovation of the Shukubo Pavilion for the Daigo-ji temple in Kyoto, Japan
–Brand strategy, furniture collection and pop-up stores for La Redoute France and Switzerland
The programme will enable its diplomates to apply for registration on the Professional Register of Swiss Architects (REG A).
* Subject to final confirmation

MAIA​: Collaborations & Network
MAIA exposes its students to a network of influence and international impact. The programme includes permanent cooperation with the Joint Master of Architecture (JMA) of the schools of Geneva, Fribourg and Burgdorf, and with École Camondo in Paris. Beginning September 2019, the first edition of the programme features temporary collaborations with Volume Magazine and Het Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam.

MAIA lecturers, speakers & guests include:
Youri Kravtchenko, principal at YKRA Interior Design. Geneva / Benedetta Tagliabue, principal at Miralles/Tagliabue EMBT. Barcelona, Shanghai / Andrea Dalmas, principal at Ciszak Dalmas Interior Design. Madrid, Hong Kong / Leonid Slonimskiy, principal at Kosmos Architects. Geneva, Moscou / Philippe Rahm, principal at Philippe Rahm Architectes. Paris / Line Fontana, principal at Post-Office Architectes. Paris / Daniel Zamarbide, principal at Bureau. Geneva, Lisbon / Simon Husslein, principal at Husslein Design. Zurich / Remo Derungs, principal at Gasser Derungs Interior Design. Zurich / Eva Gil, principal at Elii arquitectura. Madrid / Renaud Haerligen, partner at Rotor Deconstruction. Brussels / Javier G. German, Sustainability expert. Author Thermodinamic Interactions. Madrid / Bêka & Lemoine, filmmakers. Bêka & Lemoine. Paris, Rome / Michael Jakob, Professor of Theory. Hepia, Accademia Mendrisio. Geneva / Kai Reaver, Architect - Digital expert. Oslo / Lilet Breddels, Art Historian. Director of Volume Magazine. Rotterdam / Marina Otero, Director of Research at Het Nieuwe Instituut. Rotterdam

Head of Department: Javier Fernandez Contreras

Opening of the programme: September 2019