Postgraduate

The WHO estimate that > 1 · 10 6 deaths in Europe annually can be attributed to diseases related to excess body weight, and with the rising global obesity levels this death rate is set to drastically increase. Obesity plays a central role in the metabolic syndrome, a state of insulin resistance that predisposes patients to the development of CVD and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Obesity is associated with low-grade chronic inﬂammation characterised by inﬂamed adipose tissue with increased macrophage inﬁltration. This inﬂammation is now widely believed to be the key link between obesity and development of insulin resistance. In recent years it has been established that activation of pro-inﬂammatory pathways can cross talk with insulin signalling pathways via a number of mechanisms including (a) down-regulation of insulin signalling pathway proteins (e.g. GLUT4 and insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1), (b) serine phosphorylation of IRS-1 blocking its tyrosine phosphorylation in response to insulin and (c) induction of cytokine signalling molecules that sterically hinder insulin signalling by blocking coupling of the insulin receptor to IRS-1. Long-chain (LC) n -3 PUFA regulate gene expression (a) through transcription factors such as PPAR and NF-k B and (b) via eicosanoid production, reducing pro-inﬂammatory cytokine production from many different cells including the macrophage. LC n -3 PUFA may therefore offer a useful anti-inﬂammatory strategy to decrease obesity-induced insulin resistance, which will be examined in the present review.

The program, combining theoretical knowledge and practical experience, explores the practice of architecture in a different way, involving diverse actors within the design process, understanding the implications of design decisions by focusing on in-depth choices of materials and construction methods.
It is taught by an international body of visiting renowned architects and scholars as well as BASEhabitat's teaching staff.The approach is focused on hands-on experience, in a context of professionals from various disciplines and an international learning environment.As today's construction activities are extremely resourceintensive and harmful to the environment and our climate, special attention is given to natural building materials that have been at the hearth of BASEhabitat for the past 15 years.
The Postgraduate BASEhabitat is a full-time study program taught in English lasting one and a half years, divided into three terms (theory and design, hands-on experience and master thesis), at the end of which students receive a Master of Advanced Studies in Architecture -BASEhabitat (MAS) from the University of the Arts and Design Linz.

Required Qualification
Graduate Degree or University BA + MA Degree in architecture or a comparable branch See the Download section on our website on how to submit the required documents.
BASEhabitat is a studio in the department of architecture at the University of Art and Design Linz.We have been working in the field of social and sustainable architecture and spatial development for more than 15 years now.Our focus is on local and natural construction materials.We collaborate with community partners from around the world.
BASEhabitat offers a wide study program, hands-on learning opportunities and real-scale projects.
BASEhabitat works in planning and realizing projects, as well as in research on an academic level.Outside of academia, BASEhabitat develops exhibitions, offers workshops, on-site practice and hosts a bi-annual International Summer School.

BASEhabitat international, sustainable, collaborative
International Experience basehabitat works in research, planning and implementing architectural projects.The worldwide positive feedback and reputation and multiple international awards, like the World Energy Globe, are rewards for our dedication and work.Our projects have taken us to countries around the world, such as Ecuador, India and South Africa.

Global Network
basehabitat is a member of the unesco Chair Earthen Architecture, Building Cultures and Sustainable Development and maintains excellent relations with international schools and research facilities.Our work and projects have put us in touch with a large number of architects, designers, craftsmen and experts from around the world.

Summer School
The basehabitat Summer School is a biennial set of workshops, where like-minded professionals from more than 40 countries come together to learn from and work with renowned experts in earthen architecture and bamboo construction.

Theory and Design at the University of Art and Design in Linz
During the first term, students will be introduced to several topics and methods from different disciplines, with a focus on the three aspects of sustainability (social, environmental and economic) in order to establish a set of common design tools.
The term is organized around a project-based design studio with a unique focus every year, anchored by theoretical lectures, seminars and practical workshops.
Students will discover natural building materials and examine various techniques in order to understand how to design with them.Furthermore, students will analyse vernacular and contemporary projects and visit some example architectural projects in Austria.Participatory methods and decision-making processes will be explored as a tool to engage with different stakeholders.Students will get practical skills to start their own community-based projects after completing their studies.
In conjunction with the courses, a theory seminar linked to the design studio fosters an atmosphere of intellectual exchange that challenges the discipline of traditionally conceived architecture.Each year BASEhabitat organizes a one-week practical master class led by Martin Rauch.In addition, students will begin to define the topic of their thesis project to be completed in the third term of study.The second term takes students to a BASEhabitat construction site, which can be located anywhere in the world.The project in which the students will be involved is not linked to the design studio of the first term.
Students will experience the local context of the project, understand the climatic conditions, available building materials and construction techniques, and visit some architectural examples of the area.
Students will plan the construction phase, optimizing the architectural solutions and developing the technical details of the project.
Working as a team, they will be actively involved in the construction phase, under the guidance of the BASEhabitat construction manager.Students will learn how to build with natural building materials on a real construction site by gaining hands-on skills.
The practical work will be followed by an extensive report documenting the construction process, including critical reflections.

HANDS-ON PRACTICE
Project not linked to the Design Studio [10 ECTS]

Documentation [5 ECTS]
3 Master Thesis not bound to a particular location During this final term of study, students will develop a master's thesis that includes theoretical work and an architectural design, demonstrating their ability to critically synthesize the knowledge acquired during previous terms and apply it in a personal project.The master's thesis is an individual work of the student under the guidance of a professor.It also contains the portfolio which includes the projects developed during the first and second term.
Students will write their thesis in a place of their choice and supervision will take place via online communication.
The final exam consists of a presentation of the thesis to an audience in Linz or in an online format in September 2023.

Study at the University of Art and Design Linz
There are many reasons to study architecture at the University of Art and Design Linz: The small number of students makes for a familiar atmosphere in the studios and workshops and ensures close interaction with supervisors and professors.
The light-flooded studios and the location in the heart of the city are a great source of inspiration.Linz, with its young and vibrant art scene (Ars Electronica), is a great place to study.Linz is located in the centre of Europe: 185 km from Vienna, 243 km from Prague and 574 km from Venice.
Those factors create an encouraging environment for you to thrive both in teams with fellow students and individually.

2024-2025 Application
The application process for the BASEhabitat Postgraduate Degree consists of the following steps: -Submit your application documents.Applicants should send their application to: basehabitat.postgrad@kunstuni-linz.at See the Download section on our website on how to submit your application.
-Evaluation of your application.Your application will be evaluated by at least two members of BASEhabitat.Applications will only be evaluated once during an academic year.
-After reviewing your application, selected applicants will receive an interview invitation by email from BASEhabitat.Interviews are by invitation only and conducted by a member of BASEhabitat, who will have thoroughly read your entire application package.The invitation will be sent by email.Interviews are conducted via Zoom or, when logistically possible, held in person in Linz.Following the interview, students will either be accepted or rejected to the program.
-Applicants will be informed about their application status within a week of their interview.
-After being admitted to the Postgraduate BASEhabitat, applicants will receive an admission letter and a payment letter which helps you to arrange funding through a scholarship or study loan.On the letter there are payment details and a request to submit a non-refundable deposit fee of 20% to confirm your participation.
-The full tuition fee payment must be made before the payment deadline.Please note that these payments are part of the admissions process.BASEhabitat will finalize your enrolment to the program after full payment is received on our account before the payment deadline.
-The course fee does not include travel, accommodation, or study material costs either in Linz or on the construction site.