D-ARCH Pathways+

Abstract

D-ARCH Pathways+ aims to understand and better facilitate access to academia by exposing the “hidden knowledge” of the university system and demystifying the transition from student to roles as scientific staff, particularly within the design studios and research teams.

A collaboration between the AAA and Architektura at the D–ARCH in the spring semester of 2026, supported by the Department of Architecture & ETH Diversity

Vision

The path to architectural research should be defined by talent and curiosity, not by social background or access to informal networks. D-ARCH Pathways+ aims to understand and better facilitate access to academia by exposing the “hidden knowledge” of the university system and demystifying the transition from student to roles as scientific staff, particularly within the design studios and research teams. We are committed to fostering a departmental culture rooted in transparency, empowerment, and social mobility.

Mission

Many gifted students and doctoral researchers, particularly first-generation academics or persons with a migration background, leave the academic path because the “rules of the game” remain unspoken. D-ARCH Pathways+ is a collaborative initiative between the AAA and Architektura designed to:

• • Share structural knowledge: clarifying the mechanics of HiWi-positions, research assistantships, doctoral (and postdoctoral) applications, as well as the specific recruitment cycles and profile requirements for design studio assistantships

• Transform culture: shifting from a culture of “exclusive circles” to an open, peer-to-peer dialogue across all hierarchical levels

• Advocate for fair entry: equipping students with the knowledge and tools to navigate their first professional contracts (Praktikum), including negotiation literacy and understanding Swiss labor standards (SIA/Fair-on-Arch)

• Build strategic networks: creating direct bridges between students, the scientific staff (Mittelbau), and junior faculty

Core Principle

While we specifically build bridges for those who lack traditional academic support systems, D-ARCH Pathways+ is open to all. We believe that by removing barriers for the most underrepresented, we improve the transparency and quality of the academic environment for everyone.