Under the title “Alpine AA”, the renowned Architectural Association School of Architecture in London will be holding a Visiting School at the University of Liechtenstein for the first time, from 6 to 16 September 2012. Architects and students from around the world are invited to hand in their applications by 23 August 2012.
The AA Visiting School is an international network of design workshops, organized by the Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA) in London, one of the world’s leading architecture schools, whose alumni include Zaha Hadid, Rem Koolhaas and David Chipperfield. In September 2012, the school will be cooperating with the University of Liechtenstein for the first time. Situated in the heart of the Alps, the “Alpine AA” project will take advantage of its location to investigate the relationship between natural and synthetic landscapes in one of Europe’s most beautiful yet challenging terrains for 11 days.
Visions for the Alpine Rhine Valley
Since earlier than the 19th century (and the construction of the Gotthard railway tunnel) the Alps have become increasingly accessible with the help of various infrastructures. Through wars, commerce and tourism, the natural Alpine landscape has been altered dramatically, becoming an artificial landscape featuring roads, railway tunnels, power plants, mining facilities and army installations. The “Alpine AA” project intends to examine these infrastructures in the Alpine Rhine Valley, some of which have been shut down, and will be looking at new ways to put these infrastructures to use, thereby creating visionary projects, promoting the innovative and careful handling of these spectacular constructions. Excursions to tunnels and bunkers located well below the surface, as well as expert lectures on related topics will accompany the design projects, which will be presented to the public in an exhibition of installations at the end of the project.
Unique opportunity for architects
The “Alpine AA” project at the University of Liechtenstein is aimed at students and professionals from the areas of architecture, landscape architecture, spatial development and design. The lectures will be held in English and German. Peter Staub, AA alumnus and former Unit Master at the AA, who is now an associate professor at the Institute of Architecture and Planning at the University of Liechtenstein, and Teresa Cheung, AA alumna and lecturer at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, are managing the project.
Further information and registration at: http://www.aaschool.ac.uk/STUDY/VISITING/Liechtenstein