After successful completion of the course, students are able to collectively conceptualise, design and plan an architecural proposal which serves as the basis for a realisation within the built environment. 

By physically building prototypes that eventually translate into a strategic addition of an existing greenhouse during the course of the semester, students will gain knowledge of group-based decision making and hands-on construction methods within an on-site building process.

The design studio „Weiterbauen“ takes place as part of the Bioregional Assembly, which is developing a network of material, human and infrastructural resources in the Salzkammergut region and is looking at how these can be assembled in a way that could strengthen local ecological, economic and social systems in the future. Between March - September 2024, a series of design- research projects will facilitate collaborations with regional institutions from industry, agriculture and crafts on the development of bioregional design practices. Between July - September 2024, research and prototypes will be on public display at the former greenhouse of KunstQuartier Gmunden. Ultimately, Bioregional Assembly aims to serve as an operational model that would inform the long-term development of KunstQuartier Gmunden as a bioregional design-research hub for the Salzkammergut region.

Considering the current paradigm shift in the building sector, how can we as architects, designers and artisans intersect with existing networks of infrastructure, know-how and material? How can we contribute to a responsible dealing with these resources? What are alternative resource streams? In light of the undeniable impact of humans on the balance of nature and its resulting ecological crisis we are searching for sustainable design solutions in architecture based on material understanding. Examination of vernacular and historical material expertise, combined with the integration of advanced climate-resilient construction methodologies, yields expeditious solutions, notably within the domain of resilient timber construction.

The design studio „Weiterbauen“ will focus on the adaptation of the only remaining greenhouse of the former Stadtgarten Gmunden, which will serve as a workshop and exhibition space for the Bioregional Assembly Gmunden during the coming summer. Shattered by a hailstorm the polycarbonate panels no longer serve their purpose. Nature is taking over and tree saplings make their way where seeds of flowers for the cities flower beds used to be germinated. For the remaining structure to serve as a gathering and exposition space strategic additions need to be made. 

Through a series of systematic research tasks - by researching the bioregion around the European Capital of Culture Salzkammergut 2024, potential partners and collaborators, as well as the programmatic requirements of the place - the design studio will propose and collectively build strategic additions to the greenhouse using the - by then manifested - Mobile Woodworkshop. The resulting structure will host a series of public events, exhibitions and workshops over the course of the summer and beyond. 

Research, Observation, Documentation

The initial phase of the design studio will look closely at the bioregion of Salzkammergut. We will be analysing timber cycles from production to processing and recycling. We will also go on a joint one-day-excursion with all three design studios of Holzbau und Entwerfen in and around Vienna.

We will document this research and present it as part of the Bioregional Assembly Gmunden within the European Capital of Culture Salzkammergut 2024 which will be the host of our two-week workshop in July.

Lectures

Throughout the semester we will receive external input from individuals practicing and researching in various related fields.

Workshop

Utilising the knowledge gained during the research phase, we will travel to Gmunden and make ourselves familiar with the place of the Stadtgarten Gmunden. We will collectively apply the learnings to the design of the strategic additions of the worn greenhouse while working on site. Materials will be sourced within the region, based on the network of collaborators that were identified before. 

Presentation and Exhibition

Both the research and the final structure of the addition to the greenhouse will be presented and exhibited at the Bioregional Assembly Gmunden within the European Capital of Culture Salzkammergut 2024.

The design studio will be held in German and English.

It is possible to attend both design studios working with the mobile woodworkshop: 

Entwerfen urbaner Holzbau I - Weiterbauen "Bioregional Assembly Gmunden"

Entwerfen urbaner Holzbau I - Wiederverwenden "BioFabrique Vienna"

The design studio Entwerfen urbaner Holzbau I - Nachverdichten can not be attended in parallel!

Prüfungsimmanent

No specific prior knowledge is required, other than the shared motivation to work, design and build together. 

Students who like to learn and practice with their hands are strongly encouraged to apply.