Berlage Institute Postgraduate Application

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To qualify for admission to the Berlage Institute, the Institute must receive the following documents no later than 27 February 2009:

1 A completed application form2 A recent passport photograph

(which will also be used for your Berlage Institute ID-card)

3 A certified copy of your degree (bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or other equivalent qualification)

4 A copy of your valid passport5 The results of an internationally

acknowledged English language test

6 Financial statement7 Three letters of recommendation8 A portfolio showing representative

examples of design work (academic and/or professional), publications, awards, etc.

9 A written proposal that outlines your motives and objectives for doing research at the Berlage Institute

10 A non-refundable application fee of €75. This is payable only by bank transfer to the Berlage Institute account (67.91.89.416) at the ING Bank in Amsterdam (IBAN NL 51 INGB 0679 1894 16. BIC/SWIFT Code: ING B NL 2A)

For more detailed information on these required admission documents and procedures, please see the Application section at www.berlage-institute.nl/application

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— QualificationApplicants for admission to the

Berlage Institute must have com-pleted study in architecture, urban planning or landscape design at a university or academy, or have equivalent qualifications. The duration of the postgraduate program is two years.

— Selection processAn international selection commit-

tee, assembled and chaired by the Director, reviews all applications and makes the final selection for admission to the postgraduate program. Committee members assess the applicant’s work, particular-ly focusing on the consistency of presented work and the applicant’s potential for further development. An essential criterion for selec-tion is the written proposal, which must be clear and well argued. Applicants will be notified of the decision made by the selection committee by 31 March 2009.

— DiplomaThe Berlage Institute is an inde-

pendent entity that collaborates with several universities; it is not an architecture school in the traditional sense. Its goal is to provide a critical climate for qualified architects and related professionals to enhance their existing knowledge by conduct-ing research that augments their professional training. Upon suc-cessful completion of the two-year research program, a participant receives a certificate of par-ticipation: the Berlage Institute Diploma. In the event that the committee does not give a posi-tive review of the final presenta-tion, no diploma is issued and the participant receives a certifi-cate of attendance. These partici-pants have another opportunity to present their work in December after attending the Institute for an extra term and paying an addi-tional tuition fee.

— TuitionThe Berlage Institute postgradu-

ate research program is completed in two years. The 2009–2010 aca-demic year will begin at the end of October and ends at the end of June. The tuition fees for the

two forthcoming years, 2009–2010 and 2010–2011, will be €12,250. Incoming first-year participants must pay a non-refundable down payment of €2,250 to confirm par-ticipation by 15 May 2009. Payment of the remaining portion of the first-year tuition fee, €10,000, is due by 15 August 2009. Both the non-refundable deposit and remaining tuition fee must be made by bank transfer to the Berlage Institute account (67.91.89.416) at the ING Bank in Amsterdam (IBAN NL 51 INGB 0679 1894 16. BIC/SWIFT Code: ING B NL 2A).

— Study-related expensesStudy-related expenses, such as book

purchases, reproduction costs, printing and model making can vary depending on the elected studio. These expenses are not included in the tuition fee. Fieldwork and sup-plementary excursions may require a personal financial contribution.

— Scholarships and grantsFirst introduced in 2007, the Berlage

Institute Scholarship Fund, sup-ported by the Netherlands Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, offers five scholarships of €10,000 each to second-year participants. It is aimed at excellent first-year participants who elect to continue their studies into the second year of the postgraduate program. Requirements for eligi-bility include obtaining excel-lent results in the first-year program, a portfolio of past and present work, and proficiency in English. Scholarship applications are assessed by an international selection committee, assembled and chaired by the Director, composed of Institute faculty and invited jurors. At this time, scholarships are not open for applicants to the first-year program.

The Berlage Institute is unable to offer contributions to partici-pants’ living or study expenses. Accepted applicants to the first-year program are advised to apply for scholarships, grants or awards in their country of origin.

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— Language requirementsEnglish is the official language

of the Berlage Institute. A good command of the language in writ-ten and spoken forms is required for admission. Accepted appli-cants must submit the results of an English proficiency examina-tion, such as the TOEFL or other internationally acknowledged test. The Berlage Institute reserves the right to test an applicant’s English proficiency through an in-person or telephone interview. Accepted applicants who do not meet the language requirements are advised to develop their ver-bal and written skills, and wel-come to begin their studies the following year.

For Chinese Nationals it is compulso-ry to submit an IELTS test result to the Netherlands Education Support Office (NESO) in Beijing to acquire a NESO Certificate well in advance of arriving to the Netherlands. Please note that other language tests are not accepted. The following are the required scores for admission: handwritten TOEFL test 550–580 and computer-based TOEFL test 213–240; IELTS overall band not lower than 6.0.

— HousingThe Berlage Institute is unable to

provide living accommodations for participants. A selection of useful tips to finding housing as well as the contact informa-tion for local realtors may be obtained at the Institute’s web-site. We strongly advise incoming participants to immediately begin looking for housing. Please note for the 2009–2010 year, the antici-pated average rent for a room in Rotterdam ranges from €300 to €500 per month.

— Health and other insuranceParticipants are responsible for

their own health insurance as well as any other personal insurance.

The Berlage Institute is not liable for loss or damage to personal belongings.

— Procedures for incoming participants

The Berlage Institute strongly recom-mends that incoming participants arrange the following documents as soon as possible to prepare for their arrival and stay in the Netherlands. The following docu-ments will eventually be needed:

1. Proof of international health insurance

2. A birth certificate in English. Please be aware that the Netherlands requires Nationals of certain countries (citizens from India, Pakistan, Ghana, Nigeria and Dominican Republic) to submit a legalized, and in some instances, also a verified, birth certificate. The verifica-tion procedure may take as long as six months to be completed. Please contact your local Netherlands Embassy or Consulate and/or your own local authorities about the exact requirements for your coun-try of origin and their respective procedures.

3. If applicable, a marriage certifi-cate in English.

4. Chinese Nationals are required to apply for a NESO Certificate to the Netherlands Education Support Office (NESO) in Beijing well in advance. Detailed information and requirements for obtaining a NESO Certificate may be found at www.nesobeijing.com.

All inquiries related this proce-dure should be directed to: NESO Beijing, Assessment Section. Please do not contact the Berlage Institute about this matter. The Berlage Institute can only start the visa procedure (MVV) for Chinese Nationals upon receipt of this certificate, which the NESO will directly send to the Berlage Institute.

For other detailed information about matters to take into consideration before coming to the Netherlands, as well as steps to take prior to your arrival, please see www.berlage-institute.nl/application

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FACILITIES

— BuildingLocated in Rotterdam, a city noted

for its modern architecture, the Berlage Institute is housed in the former Spaarbank building designed by the renowned architect J.J.P. Oud and completed in 1954. Participants work in a communal studio space in the building’s sky-lit main banking hall.

— Computing facilitiesThe Institute offers general

networking services, including Internet access, email, printing, scanning and data server storage. Technical equipment for presentation, such as digital projectors and laptops, is also available. Please note that workstations are not provided; participants are advised to supply their own computers and software.

— LibraryThe Institute operates a specialized

library for use by participants, faculty and visiting tutors. It contains a selection of architectural monographs, publications on history and theory, and a broad range of international architectural journals. The library also houses an extensive DVD and video collection of public lectures and final presentations previously held at the Institute. Participants have access to the libraries of the Netherlands Architecture Institute and the Faculty of Architecture at Delft University of Technology.

— Exhibitions space and bookshopThe gallery area and studio space

are used for the display of guest exhibitions as well as the research and design work conducted by participants, alumni, and faculty. A selection of recent publications, focusing on topics being discussed at the Institute, is featured in the entrance bookshop.

— Model workshopThe Institute provides a model

workshop, adjacent to the studio space, containing facilities for building in wood, plastic, foam, metal and concrete. It is also equipped with a selection of the latest computer-driven fabrication technology for model making, including a large-bed milling machine.

— Lecture roomAll public events and presentations

take place in the H.P. Berlage Lecture Room. Situated on the ground level, this 125-person room is equipped with a sound system, projector, large projection screen and capacity for live Internet broadcasting.

— Opening hoursThe Institute’s office is open Monday

through Friday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and closed on public holidays. Access to the studio space is open 24-hour, seven days a week to all participants.

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PEOPLE

— Supervisory BoardThe Board of Supervisors oversees the

Berlage Institute, governed by the General Director.

Rob Docter is General Director in charge of the administration. He was the Senior Advisor on Film and Architecture for the Arts Directorate of the Nether-lands Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. From 1992 to 1996 he was responsible for the Dutch government’s policy on architecture as Head of the Architecture Department of the Neth-erlands Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. He worked at the Nether-lands Department for Conservation, concentrating on the protection ofhistoric towns and the advisement of local authorities on urban conserva-tion issues. He consults worldwide on various subjects related to the larger cultural position of architecture, including education policies and the integration, conservation, and devel-opment of urban heritage. He is the President of the European Forum for Architectural Policies, a founding board member of the Venice Rietveld Pavilion Foundation, a member of the Advisory Committee of the European Prize for Contemporary Architecture Mies van der Rohe Award, and a board member of the Palladio Project Founda-tion. His past activities include being the Secretary of the International Specialist Committee on Urbanism and Landscapes for DoCoMoMo International and a board member of the Architecture Film Festival Rotterdam.

Jan Jessurun is former chairman of the Netherlands Cultural Council and former General Director of Cultural Affairs for the Netherlands Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.

Siwart Kolthek is an independent advisor for spatial development,president of Vestiagroep Rotterdam, and chairman of the Quality Teams Zuidas Amsterdam and Stadswer-ven Dordrecht.

Ton Meijer is the former CEO of the MAB Real Development Group.

Ivo Opstelten is the former Mayor of Rotterdam, Delfzijl and Utrecht.

Jurgen Rosemann serves as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. He is Professor Emeritus and former Chair of Urban Management and Renewal at the Delft University of Technology.

Mariet Schoemakers is the Director of AM Wonen. She is the former Director of the Municipality of Rotterdam Stedenbouw dS+V.

— Research BoardThe Research Board establishes the

profile of the Institute by iden-tifying new research trajectories. Each member of the Research Board is personally involved in one or more component of the program.

Ben van Berkel is cofounder and Principal Architect of UN Studio in Amsterdam. He is pres-ently Professor in Conceptual Design at the Städelschule in Frankfurt am Main.

Winy Maas is partner of MVRDV in Rotterdam. He is Professor of Architecture and Urbanism at the Delft University of Technology.

Robert E. Somol is an architecture theorist. He is the Director of the School of Architecture at the University of Illinois, Chicago. Alejandro Zaera-Polo is partner in Foreign Office Archi-tects in London. He is former Dean of the Berlage Institute and is presently Professor of Architecture at Delft University of Technology, holding the Berlage Chair.

Elia Zenghelis is an architect and educator based in Brussels and Athens. He teaches at the Accademia di Archittetura in Mendrisio, Switzerland.

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— FacultyUnder supervision from the Direc-

tor, who is responsible for estab-lishing the research program in consultation with the Research Board, the faculty guides research studios, seminars and other related activities.

Vedran Mimicais Director responsible for compos-ing and implementing the research program, in concordance with the Research Board. Educated as an archi-tect, he was a lecturer at the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Zagreb and a postgraduate researcher at the Delft University of Technol-ogy prior to joining the Institute. He has supervised and taught numer-ous design studios, seminars, master classes at the Institute and numerous international venues. He initiates and organizes a series of annual Inter-national Design Seminars in Zagreb, Croatia. An active writer on archi-tecture and architectural education, in 2007 he coauthored Contemporary Croatian Architecture: Testing Reality and contributed to the volume Project Zagreb: Transition as Condition, Strategy, Practice published by Actar Publishers in association with the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University. He is also the author of Notes on Children, Environment and Architecture. He recently completed Croatian Archipelago New Lighthouses, a joint initiative of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Berlage Institute and the Croatian Architects’ Association. Focusing on the future of tourism development along the Croatian coastline, this two-year research project investigated processes to better integrate the natural landscape and local culture into a content witnessing accelerated pressure by global economic forces. He led the curatorial team for the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam 2007.

Pier Vittorio Aureliis Head of the Capital Cities Research Program. This program aims to rede-fine the idea of the city as a politi-cal institution by focusing on the relations between architectural form, political theory and urban history by means of large-scale polemi-cal urban projects. His forthcoming book, The Possibility of an Absolute

Architecture: A Study on the Repre-sentation of the City through Archi-tectural Form From Bramante to Mies, will be published by The MIT Press in spring 2009 as part of the Writ-ing Architecture Series. He studied architecture and urbanism at the Isti-tuto Universitario di Architettura di Venezia and the Berlage Insitute before receiving his Ph.D. from the Berlage Institute/Delft University of Technology. He, together with Martino Tattara, is the cofounder of DOGMA, an office carrying out architectural and urban projects at different scales. In 2006, they shared the first prize in an international competition for a new administrative city for 500,000 inhab-itants in Korea. They received the first Iakov Chernikov Prize for Young Architects in 2006.

Joachim Declerckis Director of the Centre for Architec-tural Research and Development. This independent entity initiates design research projects to further advance the expertise developed by the Insti-tute’s faculty and alumni as well as establishes research trajectories. Educated at Ghent University and the Berlage Institute, Joachim Declerck is an active independent architect. He coedited Brussels–A Manifesto: Towards the Capital of Europe and was cocu-rator of the exhibition A Vision for Brussels. Together with Vedran Mimica, he formed the curatorial team for the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam 2007, which investigated the subject the production of the contem-porary city. He lectures and publishes internationally on the role of archi-tecture and urban design within the project for the city. He is a member of the editorial board of OASE–Architec-tural Journal.

Salomon Fraustois Head of the Architectural Broad-casting. From print publications and online interactivity to public events and exhibitions, he further develops, expands and complements the research pursued at the Institute for presen-tation to a global architecture audi-ence. An advocate for improved and diverse architectural literacy, Salo-mon Frausto teaches, publishes and lectures internationally to sharpen awareness of the contemporary built environment. He graduated with profes-sional degrees in architecture from

Berlage Institute Postgraduate Application

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the University of Michigan and Colum-bia University. From 2001–2007 he coordinated the public and schol-arly programs of the Temple Hoyne Buell Center for the Study of Ameri-can Architecture at Columbia Univer-sity. He is coeditor of Architourism: Authentic, Exotic, Escapist, Spectacu-lar published by Prestel in 2005. This volume of essays and projects by lead-ing scholars, critics, artists, and architects explores the role of archi-tecture in the tourist imagination.

Roemer van Toornis Head of the Projective Theory Program. This program presents a series of theoretical and histori-cal seminars related to mobiliz-ing the consequences of contemporary urban life, including individualiza-tion, globalization and technology. An architect, critic, and photogra-pher, Roemer van Toorn published The Invisible in Architecture in 1994. This acclaimed publication dissects a range of cultural, economic, politi-cal and philosophical perspectives to outline different positions and issues within architectural discourse. He is the editor of several issues of the annual publication Architecture in the Netherlands. As author and photo-grapher he regularly contributes to many international publications. He is presently working on a publica-tion entitled From Fresh Conservatism to Radical Democracy: Aesthetics as Form of Politics. A selection of his photography, along with commentary by leading critics, will be published in Society of The And.

Peter Trummeris Head of the Associative Design Research Program. This program inves-tigates the potential of designing new site-specific housing environments by applying associative design to all scales of a design process to increase its relevance to the architectural discipline. Peter Trummer is a native of Graz, Austria, where he studied architecture at the Technical Univer-sity of Graz prior to studying at the Berlage Institute. A former project architect at UN Studio, he cofounded Offshore Architects, with Hannes Pfau and Astrid Piber, before establishing his own practice in 2004. He interna-tionally lectures and publishes. His research focuses on population think-ing in architecture; in particular,

how city life, urban planning poli-cies, economic desires, and popu- lation growth may be better inte-grated into the design of living environments.

— StaffThe staff works closely with the

General Director, Director and faculty to facilitate all aspects of the Institute.

Giel van Arkel is Systems Manager. He manages all computer- and server-related matters.

Danny Bosten is Librarian and Technical Assistant. He maintains the archive and library as well as all matters of technical assistance.

Marja van der Burgh is Program Manager. She manages the organizational aspects of the research program, including studio presentations.

Liselotte de Haanis Office Manager. She is responsible for all matters of mangement assist-ance as well as hospitality.

Maria Monteiro is Housekeeper. She maintains the housekeeping.

Mick Morssink is Graphic Designer. He is responsible for the graphic design of presenta-tions, documents and publications.

Betty Tan is Financial Assistant. She handles all financial-related issues. Françoise Vos is Projects Manager. She manages the organizational aspects of the Institute’s complementary programs, including master classes and lectures.

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PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PUBLICATION IS ISSUED FOR GENERAL GUIDANCE ONLY. THE INSTITUTE RESERVES THE RIGHTS TO VARY OR OMIT ALL OR ANY OF THE FACILITIES, TUITION OR ACTIVITIES DESCRIBED THEREIN, OR AMEND IN ANY SUBSTANTIAL WAY ANY OF THE FACILITIES, TUITION OR ACTIVITIES FOR WHICH PARTICIPANTS MAY HAVE ENROLLED. PARTICIPANTS SHALL HAVE NO CLAIM AGAINST THE BERLAGE INSTITUTE WITH RESPECT TO ANY ALTERATION MADE TO THE PROGRAM.

THE BERLAGE INSTITUTE IS A FOUNDATION UNDER NETHERLANDS LAW, SUBSIDIZED BY THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, CULTURE AND SCIENCE. IT IS REGISTERED AT THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN ROTTERDAM, UNDER NO. 41209198.

BERLAGE INSTITUTEBOTERSLOOT 253011 HE ROTTERDAMTHE NETHERLANDSTEL +31 10 403 03 99FAX +31 10 403 03 90INFO@BERLAGE-INSTITUTE.NLWWW.BERLAGE-INSTITUTE.NL

The Berlage Institute studio space in the former Spaarbank building designed by J.J.P. Oud