After successful completion of the course, students are able to develop design projects in the context of (historic) existing structures. The studio will encorporate all phases of the design process - from the conceptual all the way to the detailing process, including the development of a specific programme. Students will be trained in precise observation and interpretation of found conditions.

Questions that touch on the foundations of our human existence are omnipresent: climate change, migration, pandemics, the growth of cities and metropolitan areas, as well as the urgent need for peace occupy our thoughts and influence our visions of the future. How can architectural expertise lead to the development of tools, visionary proposals and ultimately to the solution of fundamental questions and needs?

The vast field we are opening up could be overwhelming. The overload of informations and the overload of global problems could make withdrawal seem like a way out.

We put forward a counter-thesis:
From the inside out, we develop architectural fragments that represent offerings in public space, establish contact with other fragments and communicate with them - if needed. The connection between these fragments is more diverse than the sum of the individual parts.
The setting for this experiment is the field of activity spanned by the Vienna Danube Island, the New Danube and the Papstwiese with the Danube Tower - which is currently disconnected from the river area.
The Danube Island, in itself a place of retreat and relaxation for the Viennese, together with the New Danube brings the city and its residents to the water. Designed as flood protection for Vienna and proven many times over, these large-scale organs enable the city to withstand impending floods and to endure hot summers more easily - the City Cooler.
This “blurry atmosphere” is partially expanded beyond the New Danube and also includes the Donaupark with the Danube Tower in the area between the Brigittenauer Bridge and the Reichsbrücke.

To following methods will lead the students towards the above mentioned academic goals:


1. field trip to site


2. conceptual approach within short project


3. analysis of comparable projects


4. spatial-conceptual analysis of the existing objects


5. chronological analysis („time-line“)


6. development of individual programmes


7. design of structure and building components
8. conceptual models, working models, digital models

1. presentation and submission of short project (free technique)


2. presentation and submission of final project consisting of


a. architectural drawings in the scales 1:500, 1:200, 1:100


b. technical details in the scales 1:20 – 1:1


c. conceptual models, working models
Mode of Examination:


1. presence in studio-meetings compulsory


2. participation at field trip
3. mid-review and final-review