Practical Application of Building Law
On May 20, 2025, the Faculty of Architecture & Design at Berlin International University hosted acclaimed architect Sergei Tchoban for an open guest lecture on the role of building law in shaping urban architecture. The event brought together students and faculty for a deep dive into how regulatory frameworks impact architectural creativity—particularly in densely built environments like Berlin.
With decades of international experience and a portfolio that includes award-winning projects across Europe, Mr. Tchoban offered students practical and thought-provoking insights. He emphasized that legal constraints should be seen not as obstacles, but as parameters that can inspire innovative solutions in the design process.
The lecture addressed a range of critical topics, including:
- The practical application of building law in architectural design
- The role of distance space regulations (e.g., 0.4 × building height) in determining building volume and placement
- Balancing creative ambition with zoning restrictions such as GFZ, GRZ, and height limits
- Real-world examples of negotiating exceptions to B-Plans and collaborating with city authorities
- Strategic use of privileged architectural elements—such as bay windows and balconies—to improve spatial quality
- Ensuring visual and contextual integration through material choices, form, and color, in harmony with the existing urban fabric
The lecture concluded with an open Q&A session, where students posed insightful, practice-oriented questions, sparking a lively and engaged discussion.
This event reflects the Faculty of Architecture & Design’s ongoing commitment to providing students with exposure to current industry practices and real-world challenges. Guest lectures by leading architects and designers form an essential part of the program’s mission to bridge academic knowledge and professional expertise.
Apply for MA Architecture & Spatial Practices
- A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Architecture is necessary.
- General prerequisites for master’s level study in Germany apply.
The application process for studying MA Architecture & Spatial Practices at Berlin International is very easy. You can simply and safely share your personal information through our online application platform. After receiving a confirmation email with a link, a copy of the following documents can be uploaded:
- Passport
- High school diploma certificate with transcript (German Abitur, Fachabitur or equivalent). Please also submit an official translation of the diploma and transcript into English or German if they are in another language.
- University certificate with transcript. Please also submit an official translation of the diploma and transcript into English or German if they are in another language.
- English language test certificate (CEFR level B2 or above)
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Portfolio PDF with a minimum of 10 works from previous studies and/or professional experience. See the guidelines here.
For more information, please use the menu item Admission.
Our MA Architecture & Spatial Practices program is taught in English. We will require proof of your language skills. German knowledge is not required.
If your language skills are at CEFR Level B2 or above, one of the following currently valid language test certificates and scores can be accepted for your application:
- TOEFL ITP: 543
- TOEFL IBT: 74
- IELTS (Academic): 6.0 Overall
- Cambridge FCE: B2
- PTE Academic: 59
- BI internal exam/ BAU 'English Language Proficiency Exam': 60/100
- IB Diploma: English A or B at HL or SL
- German Abitur
The score must be earned within the last two years.
If you have not completed high school in a predominantly English-speaking country (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand) or a bachelor's degree fully in English, an approved language exam is required in order to qualify for admission.
You are welcome to attend the internal Berlin International language proficiency exam. It will be hosted online, participation is free of charge and can be offered once an application to one of our programs has been made and admission requirements have been met.
For the dates of our next language proficiency exam, see the Language Requirements tab on our Admissions Page.
Preparatory School:
If you do not yet have CEFR level B2 English, and you meet the admission requirements to study at BI, you can sign up for our English Preparatory School.
