Modules WS 2024/2025

The Advanced Studio - Built Heritage & Upcycling focuses on design, based on the principles of repair, reuse and circularity. Buildings are seen as material banks and repositories of knowledge for the time of their function and form. Using existing material sources and building stock as well as exemplary references, material resources and typologies are recognised and explored. The creative merging of existing buildings, inventories and new typology is a central part of the
design method. The idea of a concise architectural work as a repaired or newly assembled and inhabited warehouse of building elements, characterised by tectonic clarity and great atmospheric density, is the studio's goal.

The Advanced Studio - Craft & Structure focuses on the design with materials and how they fit together to form a logical structure. This interaction is investigated on a wide range of scales, from architectural design in the urban context to construction on a 1:1 scale and tested in experimental prototypes. The knowledge generated in this process deepens the understanding of sustainably built and tectonically structured architecture. Analog tools meet digital productions:
Traditional and innovative methods are applied and transferred into sustainable constructions based on the focus on craft and structure.

The Advanced Studio - Sustainable Design concentrates on the design of complex building projects in which the deficits for our society in the future are revealed through in-depth analyses. With the aim of achieving a sustainably good quality of life for individuals and humanity, we use a framework of five pairs of needs: resources and energy, space and mobility, food and health, demography and integration as well as values and ethics. These replace the familiar scale categories of common architectural theory and thus overcome the linear functionalism. Not unexpectedly, utopian, dystopian, but also very humble and reflective projects can result.

The Advanced Studio - Urban Design & Spatial Development focuses on the design of urban spaces and systems in various densely populated territories. Students develop urban design projects that are generated from prototypical solution approaches, strategic intervention methods and the physical realities of the city. The foundations for understanding urban transformation processes are laid and thinking on different scales is encouraged.

The Advanced Studio - Urbanism, Architecture and Society focuses on the connections between people and space, and how this knowledge provides us with the tools to confront urgent societal challenges. It thus aims to equip students with the ability to investigate urban conditions and propose spatial design solutions across a wide range of scales, through research resulting in design outcomes. The studio is usually linked to current research projects and aims for design projects that meet society’s most urgent challenges.

The Built Heritage seminar poses the question of architectural heritage, values and valences as well as long-lasting processes, typologies and buildings against a global horizon. In times of resource scarcity and climate change, the already built space is playing an increasingly central role in planning. This raises the significance of the history of architecture. Knowledge of the built heritage and its conditions is becoming more important for architects than ever. The networking of the world, its exchange and cultural transfer have inspired architecture for centuries. A focus purely on European architectural history no longer seems appropriate in view of our globalised economy and the often globally socialised and working young generation of architects, facing global problems. A special emphasis of the seminar will be on the many forms of worldwide architecture with a low carbon footprint, using natural and local materials while creating a strong identity. The aim of the seminar is to broaden the classical frame of reference both temporally and, above all, spatially and to analyse connections, longevity, and differences.

The module provides a practice-based understanding of communication as well as insights into research strategies in architecture. By way of exploring architectural firms or institutions the participants develop and learn their communication and research skills through observing, reflecting and developing communication and research practices of architectural firms.

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Urban Design & Spatial Development Unit:
Sustainable building is on everyone's lips. But most approaches are aimed at short-term measures such as the installation of insulation panels or the outlawing of concrete. In order to create long-term sustainable living in high-quality buildings, however, far more differentiated and comprehensive considerations are required.
In his book ‹Gegen Wegwerfarchitektur› (Verlag Klaus Wagenbach, 2023) Vittorio Magnago Lampugnani outlines a brief history of urban design and architectural consumerism and builds his reflections on a culture of substantial sustainability on this basis. He writes against the extinction of nature through urban sprawl and argues in favour of a strategy of density: only the compact city can be ecological. In order to reduce the immense material and energy consumption of the construction industry, he calls for a rigorous turnaround: turning away from the development of further building land and the unrestrained consumption of raw materials. Not demolish and then build again, but rather convert, restore and further develop.
The longer a building lives, the more ecological it is. In this Independent Study, we first read Lampugnani's book and then research the relevant data and figures on the current situation in Liechtenstein. What is the current state of affairs in the country in relation to the issues Lampugnani addresses?

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Craft & Structure Unit:
The students' desire for good learning and recreational spaces will soon be realised. The large space of the former student services centre on the lower level of the campus is to be transformed into an innovative learning landscape. The study focuses on creating opportunities for social interaction within the confines of the given space and designing new working environments for students. The submission includes a convincing spatial concept, which includes an attractive interior design with the treatment of room dividers, screens, seating furniture, light, colours and surfaces. Prototypes are built for this purpose, which can be tested for their spatial effect and solidity. You will be asked to respect what you discover through observation and experimentation as well as to consider stability and flexibility. How hard can an piece of furniture be, how much comfort should it provide? Are the objects static or do they deform under load? Form the expression from the material and the type of manufacture. The goal is to find a clearly identifiable construction concept. The design should use as much used furniture as possible (e.g. free old used furniture (e.g. free old furniture from the state administration that we might have). The realisation of the designs is planned for the coming semester with LSA students.

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Craft & Structure Unit:
The university campus has blind spots that require special attention. The former cotton mill is today the largest public building in Liechtenstein and should be made more accessible to the public. A public walkway is to lead through the main building, leading visitors through the conglomerate of the various rooms and uses. The end points of this 'inner path' must be upgraded and redefined as attractive places with charisma. The completely underutilised outdoor space below the cafeteria should serve as the prelude and showcase for the campus with a spacious platform where people can meet, eat, study or relax. On the upper level, the Red Cube will be replaced by new pavilions that will serve as a bar for events and performances. In this way, we will balance the relationships between the individual buildings in the ensemble and set new priorities with the interventions on the campus. The focus on the specific parts and their qualities will be supplemented by a view of the surroundings, the ensemble. We work with a model of the surroundings in which we deal precisely with the built environment.
In the sense of re-use, the two sites can benefit from the building material of the Base Camp, which will be dismantled into its individual parts and made available as material storage.

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Built Heritage & Upcycling Unit:
Whenever there was a shortage of building materials in history, creativity was called for and a circular approach was often the answer. In the 16th century, the Frenchman Philibert de l'Orme invented a new construction method, known as "à petit bois", in which large roof surfaces were built from small pieces of wood. Instead of comprehensive designs, his architectural work was characterized by adapting, integrating and building on. We examine de l'Orme's circular approaches using the example of the roof truss of the Caserne Rochambeau in Mont-Dauphin (F). Could this method be one of the earliest concepts for planned circular building solutions?

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Built Heritage & Upcycling Unit:
Whenever there was a shortage of building materials in history, creativity was called for and a circular approach was often the answer. In the 16th century, the Frenchman Philibert de l'Orme invented a new construction method, known as "à petit bois", in which large roof surfaces were built from small pieces of wood. Instead of comprehensive designs, his architectural work was characterized by adapting, integrating and building on. We examine de l'Orme's circular approaches using the example of the roof truss of the Caserne Rochambeau in Mont-Dauphin (F). Could this method be one of the earliest concepts for planned circular building solutions?

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Built Heritage & Upcycling Unit:
Whenever there was a shortage of building materials in history, creativity was called for and a circular approach was often the answer. In the 16th century, the Frenchman Philibert de l'Orme invented a new construction method, known as "à petit bois", in which large roof surfaces were built from small pieces of wood. Instead of comprehensive designs, his architectural work was characterized by adapting, integrating and building on. We examine de l'Orme's circular approaches using the example of the roof truss of the Caserne Rochambeau in Mont-Dauphin (F). Could this method be one of the earliest concepts for planned circular building solutions?

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Craft & Structure Unit:
Clay is traditionally known as an materia prima for brick manufacturing especially in the Netherlands, Belgium and the Region around Liechtenstein but has an even longer history in local uses in all the partner countries, where different techniques like rammed earth, pisé or adobe bricks were widely used next to other local building traditions like wood constructions. It is the focus of this research module to unveil these local traditions, to collect knowledge about the former uses and to transfer experiences into current building processes.
Clay construction is originally one of the most sustainable building systems which has been neglected since the last century and has lost its role dramatically due to the focus on industrial building processes. Since the recent changes in perspective on the building sector, the interest has grown on the different types of use of clay in Europe. Clay is widely available and can be locally processed almost everywhere. In this research, we will explore the broad varieties of the traditional use of clay in the Bodensee Rheintal Vorarlberg region: clay infills in timber frame constructions, hybrid wattle and daub systems consisting of interwoven sticks or reeds, with a covering of mud or clay similar to Bahareque and other techniques, that were widely used and often rendered, and were more typical than rammed earth walls.
The Independent Study module is part of the Erasmus+ project "Crafting Clay - Exploring circularity with local earth" that aims to develop a wide interest in the use of clay on various levels of teaching and researching. In interlinking the knowledge of the different Universities, of local experts as well as regional manufacturers on an international level, a broad range of unexpected outcomes are expected, and new results of hybrid construction techniques and possible uses will be produced.

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Urban Design & Spatial Development Unit:
What elements make up a neighbourhood that allows people to live without a car? Is it public transport and bike lanes, cafés and bars, shops and pharmacies or parks? How much of each and at what distance? In this independent study, you will measure the vitality of village centres in Liechtenstein, discuss what constitutes a car-free neighbourhood worth living in and how these centres can be improved.
The study is part of the research project 'Vitality analysis in the Rhine Valley - The x-minute city in the context of low to medium settlement density', which is being conducted by Dr Luis Hilti and Prof Michael Wagner from 2023 to 2026.

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Built Heritage & Upcycling Unit:
Modern architecture came to Liechtenstein in 1924: on a bicycle in the form of the young German architect Ernst Sommerlad. Sommerlad reinterpreted international modernism for the Alpine region and created dozens of residential buildings in the Principality as well as in Appenzell, St. Gallen, Graubünden and Vorarlberg. On the occasion of a scientific symposium at the University of Liechtenstein in fall 2025, we are taking a close scientific look at Sommerlad' s broad and exciting oeuvre in cooperation with the state and the OST (Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences). Be part of it!

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Built Heritage & Upcycling Unit:
Modern architecture came to Liechtenstein in 1924: on a bicycle in the form of the young German architect Ernst Sommerlad. Sommerlad reinterpreted international modernism for the Alpine region and created dozens of residential buildings in the Principality as well as in Appenzell, St. Gallen, Graubünden and Vorarlberg. On the occasion of a scientific symposium at the University of Liechtenstein in fall 2025, we are taking a close scientific look at Sommerlad' s broad and exciting oeuvre in cooperation with the state and the OST (Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences). Be part of it!

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Built Heritage & Upcycling Unit:
Modern architecture came to Liechtenstein in 1924: on a bicycle in the form of the young German architect Ernst Sommerlad. Sommerlad reinterpreted international modernism for the Alpine region and created dozens of residential buildings in the Principality as well as in Appenzell, St. Gallen, Graubünden and Vorarlberg. On the occasion of a scientific symposium at the University of Liechtenstein in fall 2025, we are taking a close scientific look at Sommerlad' s broad and exciting oeuvre in cooperation with the state and the OST (Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences). Be part of it!

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Urbanism, Architecture & Society:
In collaboration with the Integrated Sustainable Development (ISD) Foundation and their interdisciplinary team, you are invited to be part of an ongoing neighborhood development project in Oniipa, in northern Namibia. ISD is conducting a pilot project to define alternative modes of urban development that are sensitive to places, empower residents with limited financial resources to flourish, and are designed according to socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable principles.
The research can be formulated around one of the three following topics:
1. methods of participatory planning to inquire about cultural practices and socio-economic needs of future residents;
2. context-specific, effective, and applicable urban planning tools, and coordination with local planning authorities; and
3. economically viable strategies (including e.g. green technologies) to ensure the high-impact implementation of civic infrastructures.

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Sustainable Design Unit:
Research in Sustainable Architecture - Focus on Fluidglass This elective module invites participants to explore the transformative potential of Fluidglass technology within the realm of sustainable architecture. In alignment with the ongoing research at the LSA, this module allows you to examine how innovative facade technologies such as Fluidglass can influence the future of construction. Participants will have a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of Fluidglass in the context of sustainability and contemporary building practices. Depending on the desired credit allocation, tailored work packages will be developed. These may include an exploration of current advancements in facade technology, competitor and market analyses, or technical and cost simulations. Your interests and prior knowledge will be taken into account during the initial phase of the project. Participants will engage in self-directed research, working either individually or in collaborative groups. The scope of your work will be customized to meet the specific requirements of your selected work packages and will be guided by the research unit. While there are no formal prerequisites for this module, it is advisable to undertake it in the third semester to build upon foundational knowledge. Essential literature and resources will be provided at the commencement of the course, with regular updates throughout the semester to support your work and great importance is placed on equipping the participants with a strong foundation for future projects and scientific work in the field of sustainability.

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Sustainable Design Unit:
Research in Sustainable Architecture - Focus on Fluidglass This elective module invites participants to explore the transformative potential of Fluidglass technology within the realm of sustainable architecture. In alignment with the ongoing research at the LSA, this module allows you to examine how innovative facade technologies such as Fluidglass can influence the future of construction. Participants will have a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of Fluidglass in the context of sustainability and contemporary building practices. Depending on the desired credit allocation, tailored work packages will be developed. These may include an exploration of current advancements in facade technology, competitor and market analyses, or technical and cost simulations. Your interests and prior knowledge will be taken into account during the initial phase of the project. Participants will engage in self-directed research, working either individually or in collaborative groups. The scope of your work will be customized to meet the specific requirements of your selected work packages and will be guided by the research unit. While there are no formal prerequisites for this module, it is advisable to undertake it in the third semester to build upon foundational knowledge. Essential literature and resources will be provided at the commencement of the course, with regular updates throughout the semester to support your work and great importance is placed on equipping the participants with a strong foundation for future projects and scientific work in the field of sustainability.

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Sustainable Design Unit:
Research in Sustainable Architecture - Focus on Fluidglass This elective module invites participants to explore the transformative potential of Fluidglass technology within the realm of sustainable architecture. In alignment with the ongoing research at the LSA, this module allows you to examine how innovative facade technologies such as Fluidglass can influence the future of construction. Participants will have a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of Fluidglass in the context of sustainability and contemporary building practices. Depending on the desired credit allocation, tailored work packages will be developed. These may include an exploration of current advancements in facade technology, competitor and market analyses, or technical and cost simulations. Your interests and prior knowledge will be taken into account during the initial phase of the project. Participants will engage in self-directed research, working either individually or in collaborative groups. The scope of your work will be customized to meet the specific requirements of your selected work packages and will be guided by the research unit. While there are no formal prerequisites for this module, it is advisable to undertake it in the third semester to build upon foundational knowledge. Essential literature and resources will be provided at the commencement of the course, with regular updates throughout the semester to support your work and great importance is placed on equipping the participants with a strong foundation for future projects and scientific work in the field of sustainability.

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Sustainable Design Unit:
In this module, you will engage in a detailed analysis of a sustainability indicator such as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), or building standards like LEED or DGNB. You will explore how these indicators can be integrated into a sustainability matrix. The scope and complexity of your research, as well as its relevance to architectural inquiries, will determine the workload, which will be agreed upon in consultation with your supervisor. Your interests and prior knowledge will be taken into consideration at the outset of the project. This elective module provides an opportunity to engage in research focused on defining sustainable building practices within the Alpine Rhine Valley. In alignment with ongoing research at the LSA, the module is centered on the development of a comprehensive catalogue of themes related to sustainable construction. Through comparative analyses of building labels and broader sustainability frameworks, you will examine how these themes can guide sustainable architectural practices in the region. This module presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the academic discourse on sustainability and to shape future building practices. Participants will conduct self-directed research working either individually or in collaborative groups. The scope of your work will be customized to align with the specific requirements of your project and will be overseen by the research unit. Essential literature and resources will be provided at the start of the course, with continual updates throughout the semester to support your research on sustainability in architecture.

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Sustainable Design Unit:
In this module, you will engage in a detailed analysis of a sustainability indicator such as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), or building standards like LEED or DGNB. You will explore how these indicators can be integrated into a sustainability matrix. The scope and complexity of your research, as well as its relevance to architectural inquiries, will determine the workload, which will be agreed upon in consultation with your supervisor. Your interests and prior knowledge will be taken into consideration at the outset of the project. This elective module provides an opportunity to engage in research focused on defining sustainable building practices within the Alpine Rhine Valley. In alignment with ongoing research at the LSA, the module is centered on the development of a comprehensive catalogue of themes related to sustainable construction. Through comparative analyses of building labels and broader sustainability frameworks, you will examine how these themes can guide sustainable architectural practices in the region. This module presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the academic discourse on sustainability and to shape future building practices. Participants will conduct self-directed research working either individually or in collaborative groups. The scope of your work will be customized to align with the specific requirements of your project and will be overseen by the research unit. Essential literature and resources will be provided at the start of the course, with continual updates throughout the semester to support your research on sustainability in architecture.

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Sustainable Design Unit:
In this module, you will engage in a detailed analysis of a sustainability indicator such as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), or building standards like LEED or DGNB. You will explore how these indicators can be integrated into a sustainability matrix. The scope and complexity of your research, as well as its relevance to architectural inquiries, will determine the workload, which will be agreed upon in consultation with your supervisor. Your interests and prior knowledge will be taken into consideration at the outset of the project. This elective module provides an opportunity to engage in research focused on defining sustainable building practices within the Alpine Rhine Valley. In alignment with ongoing research at the LSA, the module is centered on the development of a comprehensive catalogue of themes related to sustainable construction. Through comparative analyses of building labels and broader sustainability frameworks, you will examine how these themes can guide sustainable architectural practices in the region. This module presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the academic discourse on sustainability and to shape future building practices. Participants will conduct self-directed research working either individually or in collaborative groups. The scope of your work will be customized to align with the specific requirements of your project and will be overseen by the research unit. Essential literature and resources will be provided at the start of the course, with continual updates throughout the semester to support your research on sustainability in architecture.

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Urbanism, Architecture & Society Unit:
Do you like writing, or want to gain more experience scientific writing?
Are you interested in learning about and applying methods of urban research?Want some credit points for that?

Urbanism, Architecture & Society Unit (UASU) is happy to support independent study projects utilizing our methods and approaches, either (1) pursuing questions relevant to our group, or (2) supporting you in finding your own research questions. We can provide topics for independent study related to our research areas in the Alpine Rhine Valley, as well as various locations across the Global South.
We also encourage aligning independent study projects with our other concurrent courses including: Raum & Gesellschaft, Studio Jozi, Urban Theory, Planning & Places, Architectural Theory, or Pro Bono.

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Urbanism, Architecture & Society:
Do you like writing, or want to gain more experience scientific writing?
Are you interested in learning about and applying methods of urban research?
Want some credit points for that?
Urbanism, Architecture & Society Unit (UASU) is happy to support independent study projects utilizing our methods and approaches, either (1) pursuing questions relevant to our group, or (2) supporting you in finding your own research questions. We can provide topics for independent study related to our research areas in the Alpine Rhine Valley, as well as various locations across the Global South.
We also encourage aligning independent study projects with our other concurrent courses including: Raum & Gesellschaft, Studio Jozi, Urban Theory, Planning & Places, Architectural Theory, or Pro Bono.

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Urbanism, Architecture & Society:
Do you like writing, or want to gain more experience scientific writing?
Are you interested in learning about and applying methods of urban research?
Want some credit points for that?
Urbanism, Architecture & Society Unit (UASU) is happy to support independent study projects utilizing our methods and approaches, either (1) pursuing questions relevant to our group, or (2) supporting you in finding your own research questions. We can provide topics for independent study related to our research areas in the Alpine Rhine Valley, as well as various locations across the Global South.
We also encourage aligning independent study projects with our other concurrent courses including: Raum & Gesellschaft, Studio Jozi, Urban Theory, Planning & Places, Architectural Theory, or Pro Bono.

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Urban Design & Spatial Development Unit:
We are happy to support your independent study projects that use our methods and approaches to pursue relevant urban and spatial development issues and to help you find your own research questions. We can offer topics for independent studies related to our research areas in the Alpine Rhine Valley and beyond.
Then get in touch with us. We look forward to working with you!

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Urban Design & Spatial Development Unit:
We are happy to support your independent study projects that use our methods and approaches to pursue relevant urban and spatial development issues and to help you find your own research questions. We can offer topics for independent studies related to our research areas in the Alpine Rhine Valley and beyond.
Then get in touch with us. We look forward to working with you!

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Urban Design & Spatial Development Unit:
We are happy to support your independent study projects that use our methods and approaches to pursue relevant urban and spatial development issues and to help you find your own research questions. We can offer topics for independent studies related to our research areas in the Alpine Rhine Valley and beyond.
Then get in touch with us. We look forward to working with you!

The Master's Thesis is carried out by the student as part of an Advanced Studio and is supervised by the unit. The thesis contains a developed hypothesis that is verified (or falsified) as part of the design project. In addition to the actual design project, the Master's thesis includes the design and production of the thesis book. This consists of
three parts: the documentation of the design project, a theoretical report and a technical report. The formal aspects of the thesis and the thesis book are described in the Master's thesis regulations.

The Master's Thesis is carried out by the student as part of an Advanced Studio and is supervised by the unit. The thesis contains a developed hypothesis that is verified (or falsified) as part of the design project. In addition to the actual design project, the Master's thesis includes the design and production of the thesis book. This consists of
three parts: the documentation of the design project, a theoretical report and a technical report. The formal aspects of the thesis and the thesis book are described in the Master's thesis regulations.

The Master's Thesis is carried out by the student as part of an Advanced Studio and is supervised by the unit. The thesis contains a developed hypothesis that is verified (or falsified) as part of the design project. In addition to the actual design project, the Master's thesis includes the design and production of the thesis book. This consists of
three parts: the documentation of the design project, a theoretical report and a technical report. The formal aspects of the thesis and the thesis book are described in the Master's thesis regulations.

The Master's Thesis is carried out by the student as part of an Advanced Studio and is supervised by the unit. The thesis contains a developed hypothesis that is verified (or falsified) as part of the design project. In addition to the actual design project, the Master's thesis includes the design and production of the thesis book. This consists of
three parts: the documentation of the design project, a theoretical report and a technical report. The formal aspects of the thesis and the thesis book are described in the Master's thesis regulations.

The Master's Thesis is carried out by the student as part of an Advanced Studio and is supervised by the unit. The thesis contains a developed hypothesis that is verified (or falsified) as part of the design project. In addition to the actual design project, the Master's thesis includes the design and production of the thesis book. This consists of
three parts: the documentation of the design project, a theoretical report and a technical report. The formal aspects of the thesis and the thesis book are described in the Master's thesis regulations.

The Master's Thesis builds upon the Preliminary Study. It includes a developed hypothesis which is verified (or falsified) within the context of a given or freely chosen design project.

The seminar Material Ecology focuses on providing a deep understanding of the selection, use and impact of building materials on the environment and indoor climate. This subject area that aims to promote sustainable and environmentally- friendly practices in the construction sector. As part of the seminar, students learn about various aspects of material ecology in the field of architecture. These include sustainable materials, life cycle analysis, energy saving and thermal insulation, waste and recycling management and ecological certification systems.

This seminar presents the principles of urban planning that allow us to situate the production of architecture within its political, economic and social context. In order to create the kind of architecture that positively transforms the status quo, we require a deeper understanding of these processes, from planning processes to transdisciplinary engagement with the wide range of stakeholders. Students engage with concrete applications for translating scientific knowledge into urban and architectural design, utilising both local and global case studies.

This module, to be undertaken in the third semester, allows students to compose a Preliminary Study. The Preliminary Study serves as a basis for the Master's Thesis. It contains a research question, an in-depth theoretical investigation as well as a conceptual outline for the Historical and Theoretical Report as well as the Technical Report.

This module, optionally to be undertaken in the third semester, serves as a basis for an individual Master’s Thesis, if successfully completed with a minimum grade of 5.0. The sustainable operation within a self-chosen area is critically analysed and applied. It contains a research question, an in-depth theoretical investigation as well as a conceptual outline for a Theoretical Report and a Technical Report. In the Preliminary Study the supervision consists of directing the preparation of the thesis proposal and the research design as well as the development of the student’s clear conceptual position. The Preliminary Study needs to be completed at the University of Liechtenstein and is reviewed before a panel of experts of the related research unit.

The Professional Practice gives students the opportunity to work in an architectural office or related fields to gain new practical experience in different stages from design studies, competition entries and construction projects up to the on-site building process. The Professional Practice is planned and set up by the students, under the guidance of mentors. Thereby students learn to apply for a new job. They prepare a professional portfolio and document their learnings during the professional practice. Those who already work in an architecture office or in related fields can also complete the Professional Practice module but must arrange a work situation that allows them to gain experience in a new field within their employment for the required duration. The experiences and insights gained during the Professional Practice are presented at the University of Liechtenstein and reviewed in front of the mentors.

To support the holistic educational aim of artistic and technically skilled graduates, this report unites technical disciplines embedded in the curriculum into a compulsory document/ report.
It is coordinated with the lecturers of the technical subjects that are supporting it by iterative consultations. Intensive research, experiments on material or processing level, simulations, cooperation with industries, innovative interpretation of taught content and tools, are just some examples how students prove their technical skills applied to the design process of their individual project.

Tectonics relates building methods from construction in wood, brick, stone or concrete to theoretical approaches of Schinkel, Semper, Viollet-le-Duc or Choisy and reflects upon the relation of form, structure and construction. Built examples serve to record the material laws that determine the construction and illuminates these at various levels of scale. The conceptually and constructively formulated detail, which essentially describes the character of a building, is the focus of the tectonic investigations. This research on iconic buildings is undertaken in axonometric drawings that allow to explain the specific tectonic approach.

In this seminar, key topics of high relevance to contemporary urban design are discussed. These are approached in a transdisciplinary manner and embedded in a holistic view. Based on the principles of decarbonisation, adaptation to climate change, the fostering of biodiversity and an inclusive and equitable distribution of space, urban
design is understood as a key to the spatial discourse. Over the course of the semester, students will engage intensively with a selected topic and develop their own position on it using theoretical texts and case studies from practice.

This seminar presents cutting-edge discussions in urban theory that shed light into globally and locally connected processes of urbanisation. In the face of increasing global challenges, it is incumbent upon designers to engage with climate change, uneven development, migration, economic crises and social conflicts. Cities and regions are key sites in which these challenges are staked, resulting in an uneven landscape of resources and opportunities.
The course therefore analyses state-of-the-art theoretical texts from fields such as urban studies and geography, in order to provide insight into the urbanisation processes that underlie contemporary urban life.

This module allows for various kinds of external workshops, summer schools, study trips, etc. It is not necessarily connected to the five units of the School of Architecture and often organised by other universities, consortia or research institutions. Usually, students attend workshops of 5 to 10 days and develop projects in groups. Presentations are reviewed by the workshop tutors.