Programme Conditions Archives Short films MAP Contact
Programme
The master’s project in architecture (PDM) is distinguished by the high degree of autonomy granted to students or pairs of students, who are free to choose the theme, site, issue, methodology, supervisory team and presentation methods for their work. The project builds on the theoretical statement developed in the previous semester and aims to link conceptual thinking with architectural realisation. Students must demonstrate their ability to link theory and practice, manage different scales and constraints, and approach the project as research rooted in real societal issues. An interdisciplinary approach is encouraged through collaboration with teachers from various fields at EPFL.
Master’s project in brief ↗︎
Conditions
The Academic Services department, in collaboration with the architecture section, provides administrative support throughout the course. It ensures enrolment runs smoothly and provides information on admissions, deadlines, and procedures. Moodle centralises teaching resources and assignments, while IS Academia manages enrolment, timetables and results. Help is available if you encounter any difficulties with these tools.
Each student must submit an application file to the relevant teachers (theoretical statement supervisor and academic director) in the spring semester of MA2. This application includes a cover letter, a 150-word text with a provisional title describing the subject of the statement, a paragraph linking the statement to the project, a CV and a portfolio of no more than 10 pages.
Decisions regarding applications will be communicated at the end of April. Once accepted, students must submit their registration form to the Master’s project coordinator by June at the latest and register with IS Academia in the autumn semester for the theoretical statement and in the following spring semester for the Master’s project.
PDF Information and instructions
PDF List of professors by position (Appendix 1)
PDF Session calendar (Appendix 2)
PDF Registration form PDF (Appendix 3)
DOC Registration form Word (Appendix 3)
PDF Master’s thesis in brief (Appendix 4)
PDF Non-exhaustive list of doctoral students available as mentors
Archives
Discover the Master’s projects completed by students on the Living Archives platform, which brings together work produced within EPFL Architecture, and on the institutional Infoscience platform.
Infocience
Master Projects 2025, Master Projects 2024, Master Projects 2023, Master Projects 2022, All archives ↗︎
Short films
Between sketches and models, doubts and certainties, these short films explore the world of master’s projects. Created by ECAL students in collaboration with master’s students, they capture moments of reflection, the gestures of work, and the intensity of this pivotal year. Through the voices and perspectives of the students, they leave a living trace and form an archive of the thoughts and concerns of the class of graduating student.
MAP
Each year, the MAP (Master Architectural Project), an association of final-year architecture students, organises a publication, an exhibition, and various events to showcase the students’ work. The committee is renewed annually, benefiting from past experience and diverse backgrounds. Its main activity is publishing a detailed collection of projects, enriched with contributions from professors and students.
Master’s Project Coordinator
Corinne Waridel
[email protected]
+41 21 693 60 12
BP 4226