After successful completion of the course, students are able to work on a design task for which the concept of space and the understanding of spatial relationships in connection with building structures and building methods form the starting point of the problem. They learn to critically deal with basic questions of architectural design, in particular by addressing a specific context and the questions to be derived from it regarding the handling of site, existing buildings as well as the cultural and urban development history. They develop an architectural design with a detailed elaboration in terms of type, spatial arrangement, construction method, materiality and load-bearing structure. 

Viennese spaces: market and hall 

The total area along the Wiental was created by vaulting the Wienfluss as part of a large-scale project at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. A product of processes, as well as social, political and economic occurrences, which greatly changed and shaped Vienna spatially. 

Otto Wagner formulated an idea for the construction of a Wiental boulevard extending to Schönbrunn. His proposal was not realised. Nevertheless, Wilhelminian style houses in the area of the Naschmarkt as well as Wagner's so-called "Wienzeilenhäuser" bear witness to his idea and attitude towards Vienna as a growing "big city". Decisive for the identity of the place is the Vienna Naschmarkt, which was given its present location from 1902 according to the plans of Friedrich Jäckel and after several stations in the city. Different scales, structures and spatial sequences overlap at the site. 

The design area is located at the junction of Vienna's Naschmarkt to the right and left of the Kettenbrücke. With the exception of a few buildings such as Otto Wagner's underground station and the historic market office building, the area, which extends over approx. 18,000 sqm, is largely an open space and is currently used mainly as a parking place - clearly below its potential. Every Saturday, a well-known and well-attended flea market takes place in the area parallel to the underground station. 

The location between the Rechte Wienzeile and the Linke Wienzeile is characterised by the linearity typical of the Wiental urban space as well as the proportions and materiality of the Wienfluss facilities. Along the Rechte Wienzeile runs the route of the U4 underground line, which is only partially covered, thus forming a clear edge in the southern area. In the west, the area borders on the Wienflussportal, which introduces the transition to the open Wienfluss. 

The example of the development of this site highlights many layers and histories; through individual buildings and as an urban Viennese space in which the relationship between city, landscape, culture and infrastructure materialises. For some years now, discussions have been going on about a controversial plan for the redevelopment of the area, which is in public ownership. The city's proposal to build a market hall is vehemently rejected by the neighbouring residents, who in turn are in favour of a green area. But can the requirements of such a complex and multi-layered place be reduced to such simplified and striking solutions? 

As a building site, the task requires an intensive examination of the site. The specification of the task for the design is based on the following questions: Where and in what form can building continue on the site? How does history influence the further development of the site? How can urban structures be rethought or redefined? What architecture should this site receive today in relation to the existing buildings? How should the diverse demands for use be responded to typologically? How can the relationships between public space and private use be expressed by architectural means? 

Intro:  

Theoretical basics, the analysis of typological references in terms of their building and spatial structures as well as an intensive examination of the context form the introduction to the design work. In the course of the term, spatial hand sketches will complement the design work on the physical working models, with the help of which architectural questions will be investigated. Digital drawings will be used to develop different aspects of the design at several scales in parallel. Regular assignments are intended to advance the development of the projects during the term and thus place an increased focus on the design process, underpinned by the theoretical examination of relevant topics. 

Introduction: Wed. 01.03.2023 - 2:00 pm in Projektraum RG - 4/253 (4. OG, Stg. 6)

Weekly meeting take will take place every wednesday between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm. 

Applications preferably with Portfolio

Please note that dates are subject to change! 

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