Introduction:
We live in a rapidly changing world: economically, climatically, politically, and culturally; and architecture, as a tool of society, reflects its challenges. Architecture takes so long to get built, that in some cases by the time when the project is designed, all the permissions are received, and the structure is finally built, reality has changed so much that a newly built building has to undergo a renovation. That leads to unnecessary demolitions, transformations, and consequently – to an extremely unsustainable design process.
We as architects speak about green architecture, LEED certificates, energy-efficient buildings, but in reality after all those goals are achieved, we often witness relatively new, sometimes brand new buildings which are torn down, just because of their inability to adapt to new requirements and urban needs. During the recent pandemic crisis we have witnessed how thousands of buildings around the world have transformed functionally without transforming structurally. The same happens during all sorts of crises: floods, wars, hurricanes etc. Convention centers transform to morgues, luxury hotels – into hospitals, stadiums – into housing for the refugees and so on. We as architects should carefully observe this phenomena, research it and see how we can learn from these extreme transformations.
Instead of simply rebuilding the buildings we have to learn how to curate them and make efficient 24/7, but as well - to design it in a way that makes the adjustments as easy as an update of the App on Smartphone or Program on a Computer. To install a new program we don’t need to buy a new computer: we update only software, but use the same hardware.
Therefore we propose to call this approach: „HARDWARE & SOFTWARE IN ARCHITECTURE“.
Studio Research:
The program and the idea of your project will be based on your own research. You will:
- Analyse how digital shift, distant working have affected the architecture and our cities.
- Research new typologies of buildings that host “cross-programming” that already exist and function, but are not implemented in architectural discourse
Studio Project:
Based on an existing site with an existing building in Vienna, and following our research you will:
- Develop new typologies which could make buildings more efficient in terms of use.
- Develop adjustable, but permanent buildings: resilient structures with flexible function (infill).
- Search for the new aesthetic of „Hardware and software in architecture“ approach.
Project Site:
We will work on a real site in Vienna, and our studio will be accompanied by several site visits. The site, “GoesserHalle” and the area around it is located not far from the main Station of Vienna and is undergoing a real redevelopment. Our project will be a real proposal for the city.
Guests:
Throughout the semester we will invite several guests, including urban specialists in the context of Vienna, specialists in reusable architecture and recycling materials, and other professionals from the adjacent fields of architecture. Potential guests are (the list may be changed throughout the semester):
Bau Buro In Situ, Basel, Switzerland
Filip Dujardin, Ghent, Belgium.
Rotor Architects, Ghent, Belgium.
Lucas Campanovo, Nomos Architects, Geneva, Switzerland
Roland Krebs, Superwien, Vienna, Austria.
And others.
