After successful completion of the course, students are able to critically reflect on the complex topic of design and aesthetics and make independent statements. The studio is conceived as a research-based format in which the historical development of the concepts of design and aesthetics is to be explored, starting from classical modernism and continuing into the present day. Living will be examined on two scales in terms of design aspects: as a city building block and in the interior.

The theme of design and, in a broader sense, beauty, has also been relevant in the discourse of affordable living since classical modernism: the living spaces created should not only be functional and hygienic, but also aesthetically appealing. For beauty was seen as an important aspect of a democratic and socially just society. The concept of beauty per se must be viewed critically: historically, architectural design dogmas have become tools of power and control in urban space through their striking reproducibility. Even the dogmatic definition of an aesthetic top-down often leads to rejection.
In residential interiors, the social and societal context and the biographical background influence the practice of living and the individual design of the living space. What aesthetic codes shape living and what role do architects play in the context of the visual availability of living settings such as those produced and disseminated by IKEA and Instagram? Is living space in the best case a functional sequence of rooms that cautiously encompass domestic life?
On the one hand, this design is intended to explore the complex and diverse theme of design and its definitions since modernity. Which theses can be formulated from this reflection on the theme of design as an inclusive element?
Can the question of aesthetics be answered by creating a solid and neutral basis for living out a broad and diverse spectrum of living realities?

Based on texts, visual material and film, the topic of design/aesthetics in the Austrian and international context since classical modernity will be historically reviewed. On the basis of individual aspects (living as an urban element and as interior) the aesthetic discourse and its developments will be investigated. Based on this, own hypotheses and attitudes will be formulated.

Tools
Analytical part: collection and cataloguing of the elements: Cover & Interior
Empirical part: Texts, pictures, films and own observations from everyday life in the home are to be used as tools for exploring the topic of design and aesthetics.
Output: The tool of assemblage of image and text serve to analyse, record and understand the topic of design as a communicative element of architecture. The researched and collected image and text material is to be placed in relation to each other.  Manifestos on the role of design in living as a place and practice are to be created.

The studio takes place from October to December.

Meetings on Mondays from 9-14 o'clock.

Ort: Seminarraum 3 or via zoom

Mo. 05.10.20 introduction via zoom 10:00 -12:00
Mo. 12.10.20
Mo. 19.10.20
Mo. 09.11.20
Mo.16.11.20
Mo. 23.11.20
Mo. 30.11.20
Mo. 07.12.20
Mo. 14.12.19 final crit

Research: Independent research and analysis. Definition of questions / theses on the topic.
Results of the research: Formulation of one's own position in the form of a manifesto with the specifications defined under methods.

Attendance is mandatory and part of the performance record.

Interest in text, film and images as research tools and graphic competence.