Folk Heritage as a Resource
Project Description
The project examines the former post office and administration building in Vaduz (1970-1976), designed by Franz Marok, as a key work in Liechtenstein's recent architectural and ur-ban history. It also serves as a case study in building with existing components. The project responds to the forthcoming extensive conversion by Morger Partner, which will involve dismantling the distinctive metal façade and introducing a new use. It combines research into the building's architectural and urban history and its reception with a technical investigation of the façade's construction. It assesses the façade's potential for reuse in a new building in Liechten-stein.
The historical study reconstructs the original architectural competition, the project's genesis, the circumstances of its development and the contemporary media debate. These are situated within the development of Vaduz's modern town centre. The focus is on the building's role within the concept of the car-oriented city and its architectural and urban significance in the local context. The aim is a critical historical assessment of the building, its development and its reception.
In parallel, the metal façade is examined in detail, focusing on its construction, materials, joints, fixings and condition. The feasibility of disassembly, transport, adaptation and reinstal-lation is assessed to establish the technical requirements and limitations of direct reuse. The project thus links architectural history research with a practical question in circular construc-tion.
Methodologically, the small-scale FFF project combines archival and media history research with investigations of the existing building fabric. It is closely integrated with teaching. In the seminar "Erfassen und Bewerten" ("Surveying and Assessing"), the building is systematically surveyed, described, drawn and evaluated. The POSTHUM Independent Study enables stu-dents to explore the building and its genesis from multiple perspectives. The findings provide a basis for a nuanced assessment of the existing building and the potential reuse of its façade elements in a new architectural context.
The historical study reconstructs the original architectural competition, the project's genesis, the circumstances of its development and the contemporary media debate. These are situated within the development of Vaduz's modern town centre. The focus is on the building's role within the concept of the car-oriented city and its architectural and urban significance in the local context. The aim is a critical historical assessment of the building, its development and its reception.
In parallel, the metal façade is examined in detail, focusing on its construction, materials, joints, fixings and condition. The feasibility of disassembly, transport, adaptation and reinstal-lation is assessed to establish the technical requirements and limitations of direct reuse. The project thus links architectural history research with a practical question in circular construc-tion.
Methodologically, the small-scale FFF project combines archival and media history research with investigations of the existing building fabric. It is closely integrated with teaching. In the seminar "Erfassen und Bewerten" ("Surveying and Assessing"), the building is systematically surveyed, described, drawn and evaluated. The POSTHUM Independent Study enables stu-dents to explore the building and its genesis from multiple perspectives. The findings provide a basis for a nuanced assessment of the existing building and the potential reuse of its façade elements in a new architectural context.
Relevance to Liechtenstein
The project investigates a defining building in the centre of Vaduz. It documents a chapter of Liechtenstein's architectural, administrative, and urban history before the building undergoes a fundamental transformation. The historical analysis strengthens knowledge of post-war modernism and its significance for the development of Vaduz.
The project's applied dimension lies in assessing the metal façade for potential reuse in a new building in Liechtenstein. The component inventory and detailed drawings support decisions regarding dismantling, refurbishment, and reassembly. Heritage conservation professionals, architects, and building owners are thus provided with a transparent basis for assessment and decision-making.
The study therefore combines the preservation of building knowledge with a concrete question of resource-conscious construction practice. Its findings may serve as a reference for compa-rable projects in Liechtenstein and the wider region.
The project's applied dimension lies in assessing the metal façade for potential reuse in a new building in Liechtenstein. The component inventory and detailed drawings support decisions regarding dismantling, refurbishment, and reassembly. Heritage conservation professionals, architects, and building owners are thus provided with a transparent basis for assessment and decision-making.
The study therefore combines the preservation of building knowledge with a concrete question of resource-conscious construction practice. Its findings may serve as a reference for compa-rable projects in Liechtenstein and the wider region.
