After successful completion of the course, students are able to...
... develop a project integratively - from an architectural perspective; that is, to develop, elaborate, and present an independent, coherent design and implementation concept, as well as to work out a detailed and construction planning corresponding to the design. Particular consideration is given to the integration of the disciplines of structural engineering and geometry, incorporating urban spatial and socially relevant aspects.
Accompanying one's own design project from the initial idea to its possible architectural implementation also means:
- Recognizing design as a collaborative, self-responsible process that requires different working constellations and approaches in phases;
- Identifying essential questions within the design task regarding construction, material, and design, formulating them, discussing them with each other and with experts;
- Addressing questions of optimization from architectural-structural, ecological, and spatial-social perspectives; and finally
- Positioning one's own / joint project as an independent and critical contribution in the current architectural and societal discourse.
Experimental development of a pavilion-like spatial structure (freestanding lightweight construction) with different (at least 2) spatial and usage configurations. The architectural concept is developed in accordance with a proposed program.
With "versatile spaces," we promote an architecture that allows long-term adjustments for various uses. Students are encouraged to utilize constraints of the site and context to develop innovative solutions through an explorative and experimental approach. In the summer semester, we plan to collaborate with the Wittgenstein House in Vienna 3, which provides context for inspiration on multiple levels.
"You think that philosophy is a difficult business,
but I can tell you: Compared with the difficulties in architecture,
it is nothing at all."
Ludwig Wittgenstein
An important question in architecture is always the relationship between concept and program (Why and For what / whom?) and the material and form (What and How?). The focus of this course is the development of architectural design in iteration with the structural system, which is continuously refined regarding geometric criteria, structural performance, and constructive detailing. Investigations are conducted on models in different scales, both analog and digital - including algorithmically supported planning tools. Therefore, spatial articulation is based on a thorough analysis of geometric and constructive principles.
Another relevant design component is the ecological aspect. Students are encouraged to actively and creatively respond to current and future challenges.
"Pollution is nothing but the resources we are not harvesting.
We allow them to disperse because we’ve been ignorant of their value."
(Richard Buckminster Fuller)
Projects are designed and realized exclusively with recycled resources. Precision in construction and attention to detail are particularly relevant here. The focus is on finding intelligent ways to reuse existing materials.
Elaboration: The design (initially individual, then group work) should be conceived up to the 1:1 structure and at least partially tested as a mock-up. The course will be conducted in English and German. Prerequisites include: Basic knowledge in Rhino and Grasshopper and a willingness and joy for manual work. In a parallel course (course number to be announced), knowledge and expertise in Rhino and GH, for example, can be deepened.
+++
The Versatile Space(s) design series is dedicated to the experimental development and implementation of construction-ready 1:1 adaptable spatial structures and architectures. The change is always related to an existing context, such as the surrounding space and usage. The inspiration for the design series comes from the current context. We aim to analyze and question current issues in the fields of environment, society, and construction. At the same time, we ask about the role of architecture in the future of construction and what contributions architects can or should make. In this context, we consider a realized project as a 'phase' of a design and construction process. We search for materials and opportunities to intelligently reuse existing resources. Our pavilion is part of a cycle, following the principle: (re)Design - to (re)Build - to be (re)Used.
Inspiration from previous semesters:
ve.sh Pavilion - SS 2023: https://www.instagram.com/vesh.hb2
Online books: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/68565391/prototyping-versatile-spaces
https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/68287897/versatile-spaces-constructdeconstructreconstruct-design-studio-ss-2021
Radio broadcasts: "5 vor 12" Lunch Dialogue with Peter Kneidinger: https://cba.media/627792
Versatile Space(s) - Werner Sobek: https://cba.media/627787
