Independent Study: All you need is less (H&S, 4 ECTS)
Independent Study: All you need is less (H&S, 4 ECTS)
Study Programmes
Master's degree programme in Architecture
Project Description
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.
The building industry focuses on increasing energy efficiency, material reuse and circularity. Yet one crucial aspect of sustainability often remains overlooked: reducing our own consumption and questioning our needs.
This Independent Study explores sufficiency, the often-neglected third pillar of sustainability alongside efficiency and consistency. What does it mean to need less? How much is enough? And can less sometimes become more?
After reading key texts on post-growth economics and sufficiency, each student develops a personal Sufficiency Challenge related to everyday spatial practices, such as travelling only by foot or bicycle, or reducing personal living space.
Over several weeks, students document and reflect on this challenge through an autoethnography, using personal experience to understand broader social and spatial structures. The study asks: Which aspects of the built environment support or hinder sufficiency? What can architects influence and redesign?
The course results in a paper and presentation linking personal experience to wider questions of sustainability and societal transformation.
The building industry focuses on increasing energy efficiency, material reuse and circularity. Yet one crucial aspect of sustainability often remains overlooked: reducing our own consumption and questioning our needs.
This Independent Study explores sufficiency, the often-neglected third pillar of sustainability alongside efficiency and consistency. What does it mean to need less? How much is enough? And can less sometimes become more?
After reading key texts on post-growth economics and sufficiency, each student develops a personal Sufficiency Challenge related to everyday spatial practices, such as travelling only by foot or bicycle, or reducing personal living space.
Over several weeks, students document and reflect on this challenge through an autoethnography, using personal experience to understand broader social and spatial structures. The study asks: Which aspects of the built environment support or hinder sufficiency? What can architects influence and redesign?
The course results in a paper and presentation linking personal experience to wider questions of sustainability and societal transformation.
Teaching Method
Self-defined design or research studies, developed individually or in groups agreed upon with research units and under the guidance of mentors. The size of the module is determined by the respective unit.
Learning Objectives
After successful completion of the course, students will be able to
Learning Outcomes
The students...
Requirements
Registration via the intranet of the University of Liechtenstein is not binding and is only valid in combination with the written consent of the respective unit. This applies to all Individual Electives in the Master's degree programme in Architecture.
Assessment Methods
Minimum 75% compulsory attendance, regular meetings with instructors, continuous assessment, portfolio and final review.
The final grade is calculated according to the weighting of the following components: submission (40%) and presentation/participation (60%).
The final grade is calculated according to the weighting of the following components: submission (40%) and presentation/participation (60%).
Grade
Individual appointments will be set with the tutor.