After successful completion of the course, students are able to work on a design task informed by an understanding of specific spatial relationships in connection to building types, tied to social and political conditions. They learn to critically deal with basic questions of architectural design, in particular by addressing a specific context and the questions to be derived from examining architectural types, circumstances on site, existing buildings as well as the cultural and urban development history. They will gain knowledge in several variations of building types in the 20th century Vienna, articulation of in-between spaces and architectural elements.
The design course “Lines of inquiry” will focus on in-between spaces through an examination of certain aspects of the language of built architecture in Vienna. In reference to language, we will base our lines of inquiry on the Friedrich Achleitner’s book “Austrian Architecture in the 20th Century”. His concise textual description will form a starting point for an extended consideration and analysis of architectural elements of the in-between space, which well be explored and redefined in sketchbooks and other forms of representation prepared by the students.
Lines of inquiry
“The phenomenon of intermediate space demonstrates that the characteristics of inside and outside, body and space, closure and openness, private and public, need not represent irreconcilable polarities, but that the one can be achieved with the assistance of its counterpart“ - Fundamental Concepts of Architecture, Janson/Tigges
Intermediate or in-between spaces belong to the building and at the same time to the surrounding space outside. They articulate connections and transition between one space to the next. In-between spaces attain a public character, sometimes by being open on one side, or by distinct architectural elements. They allow for different uses, and operate as a zone of interaction. Arcades, galleries, loggias, vestibules are all variations of in-between space and form specific types.
In our design studio “Lines of inquiry” we will start by following the brief descriptions of Friedrich Achleitner in his well-known book “Austrian Architecture in the 20th Century” and observe along different lines and buildings forms, elements and spatial sequences of in-between spaces in Vienna.
Through taking a closer look, recording and drawing architectural examples the students are required to reproduce what they see and apprehend. In their sketchbook, they are required to elaborate on defining and redefining, what can be described as the articulation of public and private through forms and elements of in-between space.
Reading, observing, discussion, writing, drawing and experimenting with different drawings and illustration methods.
