After successful completion of the course, students are able to:
• Comprehend Evolutionary Architectures Understand the principles and concepts of evolutionary architectures, including adaptability, growth, and responsiveness in the context of urban design and development.
• Comprehend and analyse Urban and architectural Contexts: Analyse the historical, cultural, and environmental contexts of environments, with a focus on Vienna and Dubai, to identify opportunities and challenges for architectural evolution.
• Interpret Architectural concepts through abstraction and creating diagrams: Interpret architectural transcripts as visual documentation of design evolution, understanding how they reflect the progression of ideas and adaptations over time.
• Synthesise Contextual Insights into architectural design proposal: Synthesise insights gained from the study of Vienna and Dubai to propose innovative architectural interventions that consider a interdisciplinary approach to a balanced modernisation, cultural heritage, and sustainable development.
• Undertake Comprehensive Evaluation and Ethical Consideration: Skilfully evaluate the holistic impact of architectural interventions on communities, urban ecosystems, and the environment. This includes addressing social, cultural, and environmental aspects while fostering ethical awareness encompassing cultural sensitivity, equity promotion, and meaningful community engagement during the formulation of design proposals.
Fantasy encompasses all forms of imaginative thought. Within the realm of architecture, it signifies the creation of envisioned environments that captivate the observer — a purposeful endeavour that challenges the boundaries of what is real and stimulates potential outcomes yet to unfold. To a certain extent, the essence of architecture itself can be regarded as a form of fantasy. Architectural design inherently involves speculation, as it attempts to define what lies ahead.
Introduction
The design studio embraces the concept of evolutionary systems to shape adaptable spaces that evolve alongside changing narratives, fostering deeper connections between stories, environments, and spatial identity. Rather than static structures, this approach accommodates gradual modifications, ensuring responsiveness.
Exploring Vienna and Dubai's urban landscapes, the studio aims to intertwine and reimagine architectural versions, creating dynamic environments. These versions represent different stages of design evolution, paving the way for adapted inhabited spaces.Wiring two cities, the studio envisions a fusion of physical and conceptual realms to redefine spatial experiences. This approach transcends infrastructure, interweaving architectural design, interfaces, and shared narratives for morphological evolution.
By embracing spatial variations and wiring narratives, the studio acknowledges the capacity for innovation and adaptation. The resulting urban landscapes reflect shared aspirations, where environments physically and conceptually interconnect and evolve, embodying our collective human experience.In this context, the studio examines Vienna's adaptation within its historical, performative context, comparing it with architectural outcomes from Dubai. The inquiry reveals unique trajectories vital for Dubai's urban progress while addressing potential inefficiencies.
In Dubai’s grandiose architecture, there seems to be always !what if?” — a present state of possibility that is often quickly replaced by !now what?” — an afterward state of wonder in doubt, where is no more aspiration, no more imagination.
However it seems evident to note that while there are criticisms of Dubai's architecture, there are also positive aspects, such as the city's ambition, willingness to experiment, and its role as a global architectural and urban laboratory. However, the criticisms reflect a broader conversation about the balance between architectural innovation, cultural preservation, sustainability, and social responsibility in rapidly developing urban environments.
In Spring Semester 2024 we offer the possibility for a guided excursion to Dubai in collaboration with Department of Construction and Prof. Karin Stieldorf. This excursion is not compulsory and is not necessarily required for this design studio, but it can offer interesting insights to the investigated field and encounters with local professionals and universities.
During our studio time we will also have the privilege to receive feedback and insight from the Austrian architects ‘querkraft’ and learn about their experience in designing and constructing the Austrian Pavilion for the EXPO 2020 (2021) in Dubai.
• Class lectures, discussions, presentations, in class design and review sessions, reviewing already existing projects possible guest speaker, group and individual projects
• Related research work, diagramming and analysing done and presented by students
• Design Projects/Collaborative Projects: hands-on design projects that challenge students to create architectural spaces that touch on the concept of evolutionary architecture and engage with specific features of architectures in the landscapes of Vienna and Dubai
• There will be review sessions to collectively discuss and progress each project.
Evaluation Plan
1. Presence and participation during class timings is part of the grade (Exam-immanent)
2. Theoretical research investigation and analysis and presentation/diagrams in physical forms (individual)
3. Final Design Proposal
For assignments specific handouts will be available with detailed descriptions and requirements
Presence and participation 25%
Research & Analysis 20%
Architectural Design 55%
(Please note that the student evaluation plan may be subject to slight adjustment)
