This module, optionally to be undertaken in the third semester, serves as a basis for an individual Master’s Thesis, if successfully completed with a minimum grade of 5.0. The sustainable operation within a self-chosen area is critically analysed and applied. It contains a research question, an in-depth theoretical investigation as well as a conceptual outline for a Theoretical Report and a Technical Report. In the Preliminary Study the supervision consists of directing the preparation of the thesis proposal and the research design as well as the development of the student’s clear conceptual position. The Preliminary Study needs to be completed at the University of Liechtenstein and is reviewed before a panel of experts of the related research unit.

The Preliminary Study, optionally to be undertaken in the third semester, serves as a basis for an individual Master’s Thesis. It contains a research question and a theoretical investigation that serve as a conceptual outline for the Theoretical and Technical Report of the aspired Master’s Thesis. Site, programme and user profile for a design proposal are evaluated and proposed.

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, continuous assessment and regular meetings with instructors.
The final grade is calculated according to the weighting of the following components: final submission (80%) and oral presentation (20%).

The sustainable operation within a complex architectural or urban environment is critically analysed and applied. The Bachelor’s Thesis students take part in one of the Advanced Studios within the Bachelor´s degree programme. The thesis includes a developed hypothesis which is verified (or falsified) within the context of a design project.

Guided project work in the design studio. A seminar week focussing on the studio topic is an integral part of the design studio.

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.

Successful completion of all four foundation studios and one Advanced Studio within the Bachelor's degree programme.

Minimum 75% compulsory attendance, continuous assessment, midterm and final reviews.
The final grade is calculated according to the weighting of the following components: design project (60%), final presentation (20%) and thesis book (20%).

The Bachelor's Thesis comprises the design and production of the Bachelor's thesis book, in which the entire research and design process of the design project is documented. The formal aspects of the Bachelor's Thesis are described in the Bachelor's Thesis regulations. The thesis book can be written in German or English.

In the viva voce examination the doctoral student proves that he/she meets the requirements on the dissertation by publically defending his/her dissertation.

The Chairperson of the Board of Examiners, the supervisor and the co-supervisor(s) shall determine a grade for the viva voce examination.

Im Grundlagenstudio – Entwerfen im kulturellen Kontext werden Grundlagen des architektonischen Entwerfens im kulturellen Kontext vermittelt. Im Verlauf des Semesters werden anhand von Analyse- und Entwurfsaufgaben architektonische Fragestellungen und Bautypologien in Bezug auf den kulturellen Kontext der Disziplin bearbeitet.
Grundlegende Kenntnisse von Bauelementen und Bautypologien sowie deren Beitrag zur Disziplin innerhalb des kulturellen Kontexts werden erforscht, weiterentwickelt und vermittelt. Dabei dient das Bauerbe als wertvolle, materielle und immaterielle Basis für das Bauen mit den aktuellen und zukünftigen Herausforderungen für eine
resiliente Gesellschaft.

Angeleitete Projektarbeit im Entwurfsstudio.
Eine Seminarwoche zum Projektschwerpunkt ist integrativer Bestandteil des Entwurfsstudios.

Nach erfolgreichem Abschluss der Lehrveranstaltung sind die Studierenden in der Lage

Eine Liste mit Literaturempfehlungen wird in der Lehrveranstaltung bekannt gegeben und laufend aktualisiert.

Erfolgreiche Absolvierung der Module «Grundlagenstudio: Vom Objekt zum Raum» und «Grundlagenstudio: Vom Raum zum Gebäude»

Minimum 75% Anwesenheitspflicht, kontinuierliche Abgaben, Zwischen- und Abschlusspräsentation.
Die Abschlussnote errechnet sich nach der Notengewichtung folgender Komponenten: Entwurfsprojekt (80%) und Schlusspräsentation (20%).

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:
Research in Sustainable Architecture - Focus on Fluidglass This elective module invites participants to explore the transformative potential of Fluidglass technology within the realm of sustainable architecture. In alignment with the ongoing research at the LSA, this module allows you to examine how innovative facade technologies such as Fluidglass can influence the future of construction. Participants will have a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of Fluidglass in the context of sustainability and contemporary building practices. Depending on the desired credit allocation, tailored work packages will be developed. These may include an exploration of current advancements in facade technology, competitor and market analyses, or technical and cost simulations. Your interests and prior knowledge will be taken into account during the initial phase of the project. Participants will engage in self-directed research, working either individually or in collaborative groups. The scope of your work will be customized to meet the specific requirements of your selected work packages and will be guided by the research unit. While there are no formal prerequisites for this module, it is advisable to undertake it in the third semester to build upon foundational knowledge. Essential literature and resources will be provided at the commencement of the course, with regular updates throughout the semester to support your work and great importance is placed on equipping the participants with a strong foundation for future projects and scientific work in the field of sustainability.

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.

>Crowdinvesting
>Crowdfunding
>Crowdlending
>Insurtech
>Proptech
>Social Trading
>API Banking
>Robo Advisory
>Future Outlook

• Wissen und Verstehen:

Die Studierenden kennen die wichtigsten Kategorien von FinTechs und können bestehende Projekte in diese einordnen. Weiterhin verstehen sie die grundlegenden Technologien hinter diesen FinTechs.

• Anwendung von Wissen und Verstehen: --

[Kein Schwerpunkt in diesem Modul.]

• Urteilen:

Die Studierenden sind fähig, bestehende FinTechs zu bewerten und geeignete Projektideen auszuwählen, um diese in ihrem Unternehmen zu integrieren.

• Kommunikative Fertigkeiten:

Die Studierenden sind fähig, die Vor- und Nachteile von FinTech-Entwicklung und -Integration gegenüber dem Unternehmensmanagement und anderen Stakeholdern darzustellen und zu diskutieren.

• Selbstlernfähigkeit:

Die Studierenden können selbstständig weitere Best-Practice-Beispiele finden und diese auf ihr Unternehmen anwenden.

Heimklausur (open book)

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.

Built Heritage & Upcycling Unit:
Modern architecture came to Liechtenstein in 1924: on a bicycle in the form of the young German architect Ernst Sommerlad. Sommerlad reinterpreted international modernism for the Alpine region and created dozens of residential buildings in the Principality as well as in Appenzell, St. Gallen, Graubünden and Vorarlberg. On the occasion of a scientific symposium at the University of Liechtenstein in fall 2025, we are taking a close scientific look at Sommerlad' s broad and exciting oeuvre in cooperation with the state and the OST (Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences). Be part of it!

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:
Clay is traditionally known as an materia prima for brick manufacturing especially in the Netherlands, Belgium and the Region around Liechtenstein but has an even longer history in local uses in all the partner countries, where different techniques like rammed earth, pisé or adobe bricks were widely used next to other local building traditions like wood constructions. It is the focus of this research module to unveil these local traditions, to collect knowledge about the former uses and to transfer experiences into current building processes.
Clay construction is originally one of the most sustainable building systems which has been neglected since the last century and has lost its role dramatically due to the focus on industrial building processes. Since the recent changes in perspective on the building sector, the interest has grown on the different types of use of clay in Europe. Clay is widely available and can be locally processed almost everywhere. In this research, we will explore the broad varieties of the traditional use of clay in the Bodensee Rheintal Vorarlberg region: clay infills in timber frame constructions, hybrid wattle and daub systems consisting of interwoven sticks or reeds, with a covering of mud or clay similar to Bahareque and other techniques, that were widely used and often rendered, and were more typical than rammed earth walls.
The Independent Study module is part of the Erasmus+ project "Crafting Clay - Exploring circularity with local earth" that aims to develop a wide interest in the use of clay on various levels of teaching and researching. In interlinking the knowledge of the different Universities, of local experts as well as regional manufacturers on an international level, a broad range of unexpected outcomes are expected, and new results of hybrid construction techniques and possible uses will be produced.

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.