This optional module, allows for various kinds of research studies in collaboration with planned or ongoing research projects. It is closely linked to the five units of the School of Architecture and is undertaken individually or in small teams of students. Supervision consists of guiding students towards clear results in a particular area of research. The research project is reviewed before a panel of experts from the supervising research unit.

Built Heritage & Upcycling Unit:
We welcome projects that critically engage with themes such as adaptive reuse, circular design, and the transformation of the built environment. Whether you‘re developing your own research question or exploring a topic connected to our ongoing investigations – we‘re here to support you throughout the process.

Let’s exchange ideas – we look forward to hearing from you!

Research or design studies defined by research units and under the guidance of mentors, usually closely related to current research projects, developed individually or in groups. The offers of the research semester vary each se-mester depending on the units and are coordinated with the academic director of the Master's degree pro-gramme.

Relevant reading will be made available at the beginning of the course. A list of recommended literature will be announced in the course and updated on an ongoing basis.

Minimum 75% compulsory attendance, continuous assessment and regular meetings with instructors.
The final grade is calculated according to the weighting of the following com-ponents: final submission (80%) and oral presentation (20%).

Individual appointments will be set with the tutor; group projects are also possible, as well as group work with individual submissions;

start, final submission and presentation can be individually
defined with the respective tutors.

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.

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.

Sustainable Design Unit:
This Independent Studies module explores how technological innovation, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI) and immersive Metaverse platforms can support sustainable transformation.
It is part of the interdisciplinary research initiative scAInce, conducted in collaboration with the Institute of Transport Planning and Traffic Engineering (IVV) at the Technical University of Darmstadt and embedded within the Sustainable Design Unit.
The central research questions are: Can technological change lead to a more sustainable life in our cities? and How and why is Artificial Intelligence transforming urban systems? Students will develop and implement experimental, participatory research formats such as virtual e-town halls and serious games in the Metaverse to investigate public attitudes toward AI-supported approaches to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A core task of this module is to actively connect stakeholders from municipalities in Liechtenstein, academic partners, and civil society actors. Students will organize and facilitate participatory events in immersive virtual spaces, engage directly with citizens and local
decision-makers, and help build a research-driven network. They will also moderate digital sessions, collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and reflect on the ethical and practical implications of AI for urban sustainability.
Through this project, students will gain hands-on experience in interdisciplinary research, digital participation formats, stakeholder engagement, and scientific communication. The module offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge debates on AI, digital
transformation, and the future of sustainable areas.

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.

After successful completion of the course, students will be able to

Relevant reading will be made available at the beginning of the course. A list of recommended literature will be announced in the course and updated on an ongoing basis.

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: final submission (80%) and oral presentation (20%).

Individual appointments will be set with the tutor.

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.

Sustainable Design Unit:
This Independent Studies module explores how technological innovation, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI) and immersive Metaverse platforms can support sustainable transformation.
It is part of the interdisciplinary research initiative scAInce, conducted in collaboration with the Institute of Transport Planning and Traffic Engineering (IVV) at the Technical University of Darmstadt and embedded within the Sustainable Design Unit.
The central research questions are: Can technological change lead to a more sustainable life in our cities? and How and why is Artificial Intelligence transforming urban systems? Students will develop and implement experimental, participatory research formats such as virtual e-town halls and serious games in the Metaverse to investigate public attitudes toward AI-supported approaches to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A core task of this module is to actively connect stakeholders from municipalities in Liechtenstein, academic partners, and civil society actors. Students will organize and facilitate participatory events in immersive virtual spaces, engage directly with citizens and local
decision-makers, and help build a research-driven network. They will also moderate digital sessions, collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and reflect on the ethical and practical implications of AI for urban sustainability.
Through this project, students will gain hands-on experience in interdisciplinary research, digital participation formats, stakeholder engagement, and scientific communication. The module offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge debates on AI, digital
transformation, and the future of sustainable areas.

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.

After successful completion of the course, students will be able to

Relevant reading will be made available at the beginning of the course. A list of recommended literature will be announced in the course and updated on an ongoing basis.

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: final submission (80%) and oral presentation (20%).

Individual appointments will be set with the tutor.

Group projects are also possible, as well as group work with individual submissions.

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.

Craft & Structure Unit:
The Construction Preparation module serves as a vital bridge between the research-driven modules and the hands-on realization of the Lehmraum Liechtenstein project and the earthHUB. The students engage in interlinked areas essential for successful project delivery.
The participants develop a comprehensive project plan and schedule, defining milestones, sequencing logistics, coordinating material sourcing, and aligning on-site conditions with construction phases and seasonal constraints. This sets the structure for a clear, realistic build process. Next, in close collaboration with partners such as Lehm Ton Erde and Lenum, the group organizes material logistics—handling excavated soil, rammed-earth formwork, timber components, and lab testing.
Students plan sampling strategies and lab tests (e.g., moisture, grain size, compressive strength), ensuring soil meets structural and durability criteria before construction begins.
The module focuses on stakeholder coordination and documentation. The students rehearse communicating with industry partners and future users. They prepare annotated site plans, material inventories, and draft facilitation materials for meetings.
By module end, the students delivers a fully articulated project plan with timeline, material logistics and testing protocols, and documentation materials. These deliverables not only operationalize the scientific and design questions posed in the Lehmraum Liechtenstein project but also arm students with essential real-world skills in project management, quality assurance, interdisciplinary collaboration, and sustainable building logistics—crucial foundations for the ecological earth build that follows.

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.

After successful completion of the course, students will be able to

Relevant reading will be made available at the beginning of the course. A list of recommended literature will be announced in the course and updated on an ongoing basis.

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: final submission (80%) and oral presentation (20%).

Individual appointments will be set with the tutor.

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.

Sustainable Design Unit:
In this module, you will engage in a detailed analysis of a sustainability indicator such as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
or building standards like LEED or DGNB. You will explore how these indicators can be integrated into a sustainability matrix. The scope and complexity of your research, as well as its relevance to architectural inquiries, will determine the workload, which will be agreed upon
in consultation with your supervisor. Your interests and prior knowledge will be taken into consideration at the outset of the project.
This elective module provides an opportunity to engage in research focused on defining sustainable building practices within the Alpine Rhine Valley. In alignment with ongoing research at the LSA, the module is centered on the development of a comprehensive catalogue
of themes related to sustainable construction. Through comparative analyses of building labels and broader sustainability frameworks, you will examine how these themes can guide sustainable architectural practices in the region. This module presents a unique opportunity to
contribute to the academic discourse on sustainability and to shape future building practices.
Participants will conduct self-directed research working either individually or in collaborative groups. The scope of your work will be customized to align with the specific requirements of your project and will be overseen by the research unit. Essential literature and resources will be provided at the start of the course, with continual updates throughout the semester to support your research on sustainability in architecture.

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.

After successful completion of the course, students will be able to

Relevant reading will be made available at the beginning of the course. A list of recommended literature will be announced in the course and updated on an ongoing basis.

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: final submission (80%) and oral presentation (20%).

Individual appointments will be set with the tutor.

Group projects are also possible, as well as group work with individual submissions.

Opportunity Recognition & Business Models

• Gelegenheiten systematisch erkennen und nutzen.
• Market-Pull, Technology-Push und Blue Ocean.
• Opportunity Recognition als Prozess.
• Systematisierung von Geschäftsmodellen und den Bestandteilen.
• Analyse und Bewertung von Geschäftsmodellen.
• Anwendung von Big Data Algorithmen zu Identifikation neuer Märkte und Technologien.

This optional module, allows for various kinds of research studies in collaboration with planned or ongoing research projects. It is closely linked to the five units of the School of Architecture and is undertaken individually or in small teams of students. Supervision consists of guiding students towards clear results in a particular area of research. The research project is reviewed before a panel of experts from the supervising research unit.

Craft & Structure Unit:
The University of Liechtenstein’s “Lehmraum Liechtenstein” project aims to investigate key questions using the research method
“Research by Design” and to answer them in a practical manner through a groundbreaking realized rammed earth project. The
focus lies on materiality, innovative detailing, the involvement of local stakeholders, as well as the aesthetic and functional quality
of the space. The results are intended to be both scientifically grounded and of sustainable value for practical application.

Central Research Questions for the students will be: What innovative architectural and technical solutions can be developed and implemented using the material rammed earth in Liechtenstein? How can local stakeholders be integrated into the planning
and construction process to combine their expertise with rammed earth in a sustainable and forward-looking way? How can
airtightness and building physics requirements for connections be met without using membranes in ecological construction?
What methods and techniques enable stable and durable installation of doors and windows in rammed earth constructions?
How can excavated material from Liechtenstein be used for rammed earth construction, and what level of compressive strength can be achieved with it?

Project Objectives and Added Value: The project offers participating students the opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge of sustainable building design and implementation through an applied research strategy. They will benefit from collaboration with industry partners such as Lehm Ton Erde, GBD, Lenum, and other companies from Liechtenstein and the surrounding region. This includes access to laboratories, material testing, and the development of innovative approaches in cooperation with industry. At the same time, the project explores the interdisciplinary interplay between theory, material research, and practical implementation. Its aim is not only to contribute to the advancement of ecological construction but also to create a platform for future projects that address the sustainable use of resources and the evolution of regional building culture.

Research or design studies defined by research units and under the guidance of mentors, usually closely related to current research projects, developed individually or in groups. The offers of the research semester vary each se-mester depending on the units and are coordinated with the academic director of the Master's degree pro-gramme.

Relevant reading will be made available at the beginning of the course. A list of recommended literature will be announced in the course and updated on an ongoing basis.

Minimum 75% compulsory attendance, continuous assessment and regular meetings with instructors.
The final grade is calculated according to the weighting of the following com-ponents: final submission (80%) and oral presentation (20%).

Individual appointments will be set with the tutor; group projects are also possible, as well as group work with individual submissions;

start, final submission and presentation can be individually
defined with the respective tutors.

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.

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.

Urban Design & Spatial Development Unit:
We are happy to support your independent study projects that use our methods and approaches to pursue relevant urban and spatial development issues and to help you find your own research questions. We can offer topics for independent studies related to our research areas in the Alpine Rhine Valley and beyond.
Then get in touch with us. We look forward to working with you!

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.

After successful completion of the course, students will be able to

Relevant reading will be made available at the beginning of the course. A list of recommended literature will be announced in the course and updated on an ongoing basis.

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: final submission (80%) and oral presentation (20%).

Individual appointments will be set with the tutor.

Group projects are also possible, as well as group work with individual submissions

For registration and enrolment, please get in touch with Michael Wagner directly: michael.wagner@uni.li (or any member of the unit)

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.

Sustainable Design Unit:
In this module, you will engage in a detailed analysis of a sustainability indicator such as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
or building standards like LEED or DGNB. You will explore how these indicators can be integrated into a sustainability matrix. The scope and complexity of your research, as well as its relevance to architectural inquiries, will determine the workload, which will be agreed upon
in consultation with your supervisor. Your interests and prior knowledge will be taken into consideration at the outset of the project.
This elective module provides an opportunity to engage in research focused on defining sustainable building practices within the Alpine Rhine Valley. In alignment with ongoing research at the LSA, the module is centered on the development of a comprehensive catalogue
of themes related to sustainable construction. Through comparative analyses of building labels and broader sustainability frameworks, you will examine how these themes can guide sustainable architectural practices in the region. This module presents a unique opportunity to
contribute to the academic discourse on sustainability and to shape future building practices.
Participants will conduct self-directed research working either individually or in collaborative groups. The scope of your work will be customized to align with the specific requirements of your project and will be overseen by the research unit. Essential literature and resources will be provided at the start of the course, with continual updates throughout the semester to support your research on sustainability in architecture.

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.

After successful completion of the course, students will be able to

Relevant reading will be made available at the beginning of the course. A list of recommended literature will be announced in the course and updated on an ongoing basis.

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: final submission (80%) and oral presentation (20%).

Individual appointments will be set with the tutor.

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.

Sustainable Design Unit:
In this module, you will engage in a detailed analysis of a sustainability indicator such as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
or building standards like LEED or DGNB. You will explore how these indicators can be integrated into a sustainability matrix. The scope and complexity of your research, as well as its relevance to architectural inquiries, will determine the workload, which will be agreed upon
in consultation with your supervisor. Your interests and prior knowledge will be taken into consideration at the outset of the project.
This elective module provides an opportunity to engage in research focused on defining sustainable building practices within the Alpine Rhine Valley. In alignment with ongoing research at the LSA, the module is centered on the development of a comprehensive catalogue
of themes related to sustainable construction. Through comparative analyses of building labels and broader sustainability frameworks, you will examine how these themes can guide sustainable architectural practices in the region. This module presents a unique opportunity to
contribute to the academic discourse on sustainability and to shape future building practices.
Participants will conduct self-directed research working either individually or in collaborative groups. The scope of your work will be customized to align with the specific requirements of your project and will be overseen by the research unit. Essential literature and resources will be provided at the start of the course, with continual updates throughout the semester to support your research on sustainability in architecture.

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.

After successful completion of the course, students will be able to

Relevant reading will be made available at the beginning of the course. A list of recommended literature will be announced in the course and updated on an ongoing basis.

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: final submission (80%) and oral presentation (20%).

Individual appointments will be set with the tutor.