After successful completion of the course, students are able to:

• Analyze an existing project analytically in order to transform this knowledge through targeted intervention into something new.
• Recognize limitations posed by limited materials, restricted resources, urban spatial conditions, as well as common regulations as opportunities for project implementation.
• Identify the design process as a collaborative yet self-responsible endeavor that demands different working constellations and approaches in various phases.
• Address questions of optimization from an architectural-structural, ecological, and socio-spatial perspective.
• Identify, formulate, and discuss essential issues related to construction, materials, and design within the design task, both among students, peers and with experts.
• Position the project as an independent and critical contribution in the current architectural and societal discourse.
• Develop, elaborate, and adequately present an independent and coherent design and implementation concept from an architectural viewpoint.
• Create a detailed construction plan that aligns with the design and oversee its implementation.
• And ultimately: Learn from one's own mistakes and those of others. 

Special attention within the architectural design studio will be devoted to the disciplines of structural design and geometry, considering urban spatial and socio-relevant aspects.

The Versatile Space Design Series is dedicated to the experimental development and implementation of adaptable spatial structures and architectures ready for construction at a 1:1 scale. The concept of change is consistently tied to an existing context, such as the surrounding space and its use.

In the winter semester of 2023, the focus of the design project for students is on (1) evaluating and (2) further developing the structure realized in the summer semester of 2023 at Karlsplatz. The aim is to prepare an optimized and new spatial structure for construction at the Wittgenstein House in spring 2024.

"They think that philosophy is a difficult business,
but I can tell you: compared with the difficulties of architecture, it is nothing at all."
Ludwig Wittgenstein (translated)

The inspiration for the design series is drawn from the current context. The goal is to analyze and question current issues in the areas of environment, society, and construction. Simultaneously, the role of architecture in the future of construction and the contributions architects can or should make are being considered. A realized project is regarded as a 'phase' of a design and construction process. The focus is on finding intelligent ways to reuse existing materials. The pavilion is also optimized and reused, following the principle: (re)Design – to (re)Built – to be (re)Used.

Starting point and inspiration: ve.sh Pavilion – SS 2023: https://www.instagram.com/vesh.hb2

Key areas relevant to the conceptualization and design process:
... Adapting to the location: Wittgenstein House
... Spatial generosity and resource conservation
... Precision in construction and attention to detail
... Integration of current discourses

Tools and supervision team: Supervision is provided by an interdisciplinary team with expertise in architecture, structural engineering, geometry, and urban design. Investigations are conducted using analog and digital models, including algorithmically supported planning tools.

Prerequisites:

• Basic knowledge of Rhino and Grasshopper
• Willingness and enthusiasm for hands-on work 

In an accompanying course (will be announced), knowledge and expertise, e.g., in Rhino and GH, will be deepened. 

Process:

Task 1: Evaluation of the summer semester project.

Task 2: Thematic exploration of the new location and potential program, evaluation, and reconceptualization of the spatial module and structure.

Task 3: Detailed design of a specific area and preparation for construction.

Task 4: 1:1 realization of the designated area and evaluation.

Task 5: Evaluation, project documentation, and publication.

The work is carried out in small groups (2 students). The students' approach is independent and self-initiated. Teamwork is a crucial aspect of the design process. Additionally, there will be guidance provided on relevant tools (Grasshopper, Karamba, etc.) and specific inquiries. The project documentaion is done continuously throughout the project and with a final summary.

The tasks are graded individually, with a successful completion of all tasks required for a successful assessment.