After successful completion of the course, students are able to develop problem-oriented and future-oriented strategies and designs for communities. Among other topics, students will focus on future requirements regarding climate resilience as well as societal and technological change.

"Reimagining rural downtowns" provides a framework for architecture and spatial planning students to work together in teams to develop urban designs, concepts for public space and transformation strategies for rural town centres and town squares.

Taking the municipality of Göllersdorf as a concrete example, the project deals with a very practical discussion in the town centre around the main square and the new community centre. In the process, sustainable concepts and designs are to be developed to counter future impacts and changes caused by climate change, technological and demographic dynamics (growth vs. vacancy, mobility behaviour) and to improve the quality of life in rural communities. Due to the interplay of numerous environmental factors (development direction of the municipality, regional vs. municipal view of problems, lack of interdisciplinary exchange, different usage demands), complex problems arise for the municipality.
Through mixed teams of students, urban planning designs are developed that are tailored to the specific challenges. However, measures and procedures are also explored that can raise awareness of transferable problems and perspectives in other municipalities and regions.

Interdisciplinary project work in mixed teams (spatial planning and development, architecture)

Dates:
Kick Off + Excursion: beginning of March 2022
2 interim presentations: End of April + end of May 2022
Final presentation in Göllersdorf: end of June 2022

Städtebaulicher Entwurf, Strategiekonzept, Verfahrenskonzeption inklusive Präsentation

ATTENTION: Registration via UE 280.601 Design Studio - Reimagining rural downtowns