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The Institute of Construction and Design Principles (KOEN) was established in the winter semester of 2013 and is led by the architect Petra Petersson, head of the Berlin architectural practice Realarchitektur. Throughout the first year we introduce the many facets of Architecture through a number of construction-oriented as well as design subjects to our students. The integration of the two main courses Construction and Design within one department enables us to emphasize their tight interrelationship. The course focuses on the essentials, with the goal of teaching a basic understanding of architecture, three dimensional space, and the contextual connections in the built environment. We ask the primary questions “Why” and “How”. In addition, the students are given tools with which to further develop and communicate their ideas. These include sketches, technical drawing (by hand and computer), layouts, and model building, as well as verbal and written presentations. Model building in particular is suitable for the understanding of three dimensional space and is therefore an important part of the course. The regular use of working models, as well as presentation models, are an integral part of the design process. Together with the sketching, the model-building reflects one of our main concerns: understanding the making of architecture as a process. Since 2016 the Institute is also in charge of the model-building workshop for the faculty. The workshop has been extended and renewed and is now able to provide 500m2 of workshop area with up to date equipment and specialised staff. This project is part of a series of research projects by the institute, where the use of architectural models for three dimensional representation is examined. As opposed to 3D computer drawings, that throughout the years has moved towards a hyper realistic visualisation of space, the physical model is able to go beyond the space itself and convey concepts and ideas relating to the project. The Institute is researching how existing and planned Architectural space can be communicated to fellow architects as well as others through the use of models. By analysing existing architectural space and transforming it to working models, the ideas within the projects are explored and portrayed. The research then focuses on how the model as a tool can support the architectural process when creating new designs and concepts for 3 dimensional spaces. ABOUT KOEN