Hannes

What are the best aspects of your programme?

I really enjoy the fact that each semester starts with an orientation course. It introduces you to a unique new topic which is a really good kick-off for the following months in the studio. After this, you can choose between ten completely different studios. These will last for a whole academic year and therefore provide enough time to dive into the details of the studio's topic. As the studios cover a broad range of aspects, there are a lot of possibilities to encounter new things within the programme.

What are some of your favourite courses so far?

The main studio I picked for the first year was Public Service, in which we tried to approach the application, the meaning and the importance of public space. While constantly striving to rethink norms we were encouraged to come up with new interesting concepts while simultaneously studying reference projects, reading literature and trying to get Zoom discussions going. The tutors took us for long walks around the city and introduced us to interesting sites while exploring different techniques for mapping the objects we encountered.

Within this first year, a lot of things happened, so the range of projects was quite comprehensive. From designing new headquarters for the Swedish Television and Swedish Radio to investigating an Ecovillage on Gotland to having schoolchildren as critics on a design, we were challenged with many different tasks that gave us insight into various fields. 

When working with literature, one of the courses dealt with how we approach and deal with the site. On the basis of contemporary texts from various authors, we were challenged to identify, formulate and engage with complex issues and to reflect upon their implications for architecture.

How do studies at KTH differ from your previous studies? 

The most significant differences are the facilities and the way the educational systems operate. 

In my previous studies, each project was much more predefined to meet targets and fit into expectations. In retrospect, this is hard to believe now that I see how the KTH School of Architecture operates. I feel a strong sense of own freedom and responsibility in deciding what's best for me and my interests. 

I also appreciate the manageable amount of courses per week, which gives me the freedom to not only focus on studies but also on hobbies, part-time jobs and the joy of living in Stockholm.

How is student life in Stockholm?

For somebody like me who comes from a small village where you see the same people every day, Stockholm is just an incredible place to live and study. A city where you easily meet so many people from around the world and with so many exciting backgrounds. Although it is a capital city, it offers easy access to parks and nature and is surrounded by water, contributing a lot to a high quality of life. Besides, you have a lot of benefits living here as a student. 

How would you describe your time at KTH so far?

Even though Covid has strongly characterized my time at KTH, many exciting moments stood out, from being welcomed by THS student buddies and joining fantastic events like going to the summer house to having inspiring lectures from people from all over the world. Our tutors managed to maintain a high standard of teaching during the projects.

What do you want to do after graduating?

After graduating, I would like to stay in Stockholm as the city has started to feel like home. Besides, I would like to use my new language skills to find the right architecture studio here for me. 

What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for master's studies?

I would say that studying at KTH is a great opportunity. From the facilities on campus and the activities planned by the student union THS to how the education system works here, I believe that choosing KTH as the place for your master's studies will definitely help you grow.