Seven Months of Architecture in Barcelona

Thomas Harlander, Architect | Bechter Zaffignani Architects

Even while studying architecture at Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Thomas Harlander took the opportunity to gain international practical experience. His professional internship took him to Barcelona to work at the renowned architectural firm AZPA (Alejandro Zaera Polo Architecture), where he spent seven months collaborating on national and international projects as well as architectural competitions.

He was particularly impressed by the combination of solid theory and diverse practical experience. Field trips, full-scale models, project-based work, and the mandatory internship provided him with valuable experiences that went far beyond the lecture hall. During his internship, he worked on competitions with internationally renowned architectural firms such as those led by Norman Foster, David Chipperfield, and Richard Rogers, and became familiar with new ways of working as well as digital planning methods.

His conclusion: The architecture program not only provided the technical foundation for his professional career but also opened up international perspectives and valuable practical experience while he was still a student–experiences from which he continues to benefit to this day.