Geneva University of Art and Design Launches Master of Arts in Interior Architecture for 2025

Interior architecture today operates at a crossroads of physical and mediated spaces, encompassing areas influenced by mass communication, digital platforms, and visual arts. The Master of Arts in Interior Architecture (MAIA) program at HEAD—Genève embraces this complexity, investigating interior spaces as multidimensional constructs that transcend physical boundaries to include virtual and temporal realms. This approach positions interior architecture as pivotal in shaping contemporary environments.

Program Overview

MAIA is a two-year, full-time graduate program designed to explore the intersection of space, ecology, and media in interior architecture. Students are trained to approach design as a multidimensional discipline, navigating diverse scales and contexts—from material and virtual environments to local and global challenges.

The program addresses pressing environmental and societal issues, including the circular economy, carbon footprint reduction, and biodiversity conservation. It also integrates emerging ecological paradigms such as post-natural and more-than-human perspectives. These concepts are applied to various facets of interior architecture, including space and product design, research, and curatorial practices. The curriculum emphasizes practical applications, preparing students for professional challenges.

Practical and Professional Training

Hands-on projects form a cornerstone of the MAIA program. Students collaborate with cultural institutions and industry partners to gain real-world experience. This practical approach equips them with the technical, conceptual, and administrative skills necessary for professional practice.

Participation in high-profile exhibitions, such as Milan Design Week and the Vitra Design Museum, offers students an international platform to showcase their work. Additionally, MAIA graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Swiss Professional Register of Architects (REG A, Interior Architecture), enhancing their professional credentials.

Collaborative Research Initiatives

Research is a critical component of MAIA, fostering innovation and expanding career opportunities. Students engage in collaborative projects with institutions such as the Geneva Graduate Institute and the University of Copenhagen. Ongoing initiatives include:

•Scènes de Nuit: A research platform exploring the relationship between architecture and nocturnal environments.

•The Future of Humanitarian Design: A project focused on the intersection of humanitarian policy and architecture.

The program also partners with academic institutions, including the Joint Master of Architecture (JMA) in Switzerland and École Camondo in Paris and Toulon. These collaborations strengthen the program’s interdisciplinary approach and international scope.

A Global Learning Community

MAIA fosters an inclusive, international learning environment, welcoming students and professionals from diverse disciplines such as cinema, fashion, and media design. By engaging with experts in various fields, students develop a broader understanding of interior architecture as a multidisciplinary practice.

The HEAD—Genève ecosystem plays a vital role in enriching the program, facilitating cross-departmental collaborations and fostering innovative approaches to contemporary design challenges.

Curriculum Highlights

The MAIA program is structured over four semesters:

•MAIA I – Glossaries: Exploring sustainable and post-human interior concepts.

•MAIA II – Assemblages: Investigating technology, objects, and mediated interiors.

•MAIA III – Iterations: Focusing on research, design, and multiscalar interiors.

•MAIA IV – Diploma: Developing professional competencies.

Distinguished Faculty and Contributors

MAIA is guided by a team of prominent designers, architects, and theorists, including Javier F. Contreras, Youri Kravtchenko, KOSMOS Architects, and Philippe Rahm. Their expertise ensures a robust and forward-looking education for students.

Application Details

•Deadline: March 25, 2025

•Interviews: May 2–8, 2025, in Geneva

For those aspiring to redefine the field of interior architecture, MAIA provides a platform to explore innovative approaches and prepare for global professional opportunities.