After successful completion of the course, students are able to form a societally relevant position by developing a architectural project on a real site with a specific programme. This development is based on critical analysis of existing spatial and social requirements and existing qualities.
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ODD LOTS: VIENNA / BERLIN
The seemingly inconsiderate and endless development of real estate is an environmentally dangerous aspect that defies the crises of climate and ground. Seeing each inch of earth as unique and finite, the fabric of each urban context is under pressure of real estate development, a business of large-scale developments that often deny actual context and programme. In this realm, odd lots, as urban residual spaces, are not considered attractive albeit their actual individual potential. Already sealed or constructed upon, odd lots occupy restricted ground yet do not exploit their true and context-specific possibilities. These radically individual residual lots play a vital and subconscious role within the urban fabric by adding a facet of the uncontrolled and hence depth, that require absolute sensitivity in tailored development of programme and typology.
“spaces between places, not out of sight, but out of mind”
Gordon Matta-Clark, Fake Estates 1971-1973
A series of odd lots, situated in Vienna and Berlin, have been carefully and meticulously curated to serve as project sites: these sites range from small and hidden lots in courtyards, to locked-in sites and existing open structures, each offering unique properties on all terms.
The research of each specific site will lead to the development of an equally specific programme and typology. In reaction to the current challenges for the question of living, social and cultural infrastructure, the programme on each site will primarily address living in combination with a shared or semi-public programme based upon the site-specific social and cultural context.
The in-situ research of these extremely specific sites, ranging from their built environment to the social and programmatic context of each, will form the primary research basis and narrative. Systematic research tasks, workshops and lectures will expand this basis, leading to the development of first typological proposals. By means of design by research through readings, models in different scales, detailed drawings, catalogues and cartographic diagrams, the proposals will be developed in detail to address the question of ground and resource consumption.
To enhance the diverse cultural context, research work and dialogue, the excursion to Berlin is held in cooperation with local experts. During the excursions in Vienna and Berlin, we will intensely analyze the odd lot project sites and visit a number of reference projects.
Through research and analysis exercises specific properties of existing spaces will be analyzed and critically questioned. Subsequently, students will develop individual positions and reactions to the given design subject. Based on these preliminary design principles and by means of various design tools and methods, a concrete architectural proposal will be developed.
Excursion Berlin
Meeting in Berlin: Monday 23.10. 09.00
End of Excursion programme: Thursday 26.10. 18.00
Accomodation and travel is organized by students themselves
Cost estimate per person
Arrival / departure via train: from € 29,- (Sparschiene) / € 115,- (regular) per direction
Accomodation: ca. € 50,- (4 nights hostel/airbnb) per night
A part of the travel expenses will very likely be refunded by the TU Wien.
By taking part in the excursions, students will receive 2.0 ECTS for the course 253.K64.
