Portrait of the month June 2025

This programme is aimed at international graduates in the fields of architecture, interior design, conservation and restoration, urban and regional planning, landscape architecture, and related disciplines who wish to pursue a Master’s degree or a complementary postgraduate course at a German university.

The next application deadline is expected to be in September 2025. Detailed information about the programme, its requirements, and the application process can be found here: daad.de/go/en/stipa57135744

In the following article, Mr Benkirane shares his personal experiences and reflects on how the scholarship has shaped both his professional career and personal outlook.

Name: Bachir Benkirane
Institution in Germany: Technische Universität Berlin
Field of studies: Architecture

“Which memories and experiences from your time as a DAAD scholarship holder in Germany stand out to you the most, and how do they continue to influence your professional career or personal perspective today?”

I was able to move to Germany and pursue my higher education through the privilege and opportunity of receiving a DAAD scholarship. I was also fortunate to be surrounded by peers— some of which are also fellow DAAD scholars—from all over the world. It’s fascinating how a situation like this can become a meeting point for such a wide range of cultures and backgrounds. In a way, each of us became an ambassador for our home countries.

These cross-cultural exchanges were deeply meaningful and have significantly shaped the way I think and approach the world today. I came to realize how the interplay between differences and similarities can help us identify and understand broader patterns—often historical and political.

Initially, my focus in architecture was primarily on its technical and literal aspects. But through many positive—and at times challenging—interactions, I was reminded how deeply connected our work is to the way we live and coexist: from the design of cities to the individual’s experience within them.

In our experimental research department, much of our work centred on the existing built environment, exploring best practices for reusing what is already there rather than constantly building anew. These are critical and urgent issues, especially when viewed through the lens of sustainability and how we imagine our future together.

Another important area of research was the role of case studies and archives—recognizing that just as humans are capable of building, they are equally capable of destroying. The act of keeping records and maintaining accountability has rarely been prioritized and is often overlooked. Yet today, with the technologies and knowledge available to us, we are more equipped than ever to preserve, document, and learn from what already exists.

This experience has not only broadened my academic and professional perspective but also deepened my understanding of responsibility—as an architect and as a global citizen.