This course provides a comprehensive guide to the research process for PhD students across different research fields. It is organized in two formally separate courses, Part A and Part B. Part A (in the Winter Term) is hands-on research and focuses on developing a draft research paper from scratch or beginning with the initial research proposal students might have. It covers all stages of the process, from formulating clear research questions, through detailed literature review, choice of research methodology and data analysis toolkit, to putting the first draft together. In Part B (in the Summer Term) students delve also into professional aspects of the academic research process. They first learn about research funding and related schemes. Then they develop comprehensive understanding of research design, practice presenting their research results effectively, thus preparing for seminars and conferences, and finally explore different stages of the publication process, including crafting cover letters for journal submissions and participating in the peer review process. Students can start with either Term, although it is recommended to begin with Part A. Nevertheless, both Part A and Part B are designed to be independent and complementary. In the Summer Term in Part B, students who completed the Winter Term work on their assignments based on the draft research paper they completed in Part A. Instead, those students starting with Part B in the Summer Term work on their assignments using an established published paper of their choice from within their research field, as case study, to explore also these professional aspects of the research process. In the Winter Term in Part A, students who decided to complete Part B in the Summer Term first, thus working with an established published paper of their choice, work on writing their draft research paper and are expected to apply knowledge gained in Part B to their output later at their own discretion.
Key topics covered in part B are:
• Research Design.
• Write and present research findings for different purposes.
• The publication process. • Funding sources and related competencies.
• Ethical standards in research.

After successful completion of Part B, students will

Professional competence
• Navigate the processes of funding, publication, and peer review.
• Understand the ethical implications of research.
• Present research findings effectively to various audiences.
• Apply effective presentation techniques.
• Select the right publication outlet for their research.
• Write a funding grant proposal.

Methodological competence
• Develop a rigorous understanding of the research design.
• Ensure a fit between research design and methodology.

Social competence
• Collaborate effectively in team settings.
• Network and communicate effectively with peers.

Personal competence
• Reflect on their studies and career path.
• Use self-reflection to enhance communication skills.
• Understand personal strengths and areas for improvement in communication.
• Develop self-awareness in various communication contexts.

Students are provided with lecture slides and supplementary material (e.g., selected journal articles).

Presentations, discussions, writing tasks, participation in class

In the seminar Design - Geometry, spatial design for architects is further explored. The focus is on dealing with descriptive geometry. Different visual, model as well as digital techniques for representing objects and spaces are learned and developed through exercises. The seminar is rounded off with the visualisation and image processing of digital 3D geometries.

The seminar includes interactive exercises to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical design, presentation and analytical skills. Case studies and projects are used to discuss seminar content and train students in the use of the methods and techniques covered.

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

The students will be provided with lecture slides and supplementary materials (e.g., selected articles) as resources.

Minimum 75% compulsory attendance
The final grade is calculated according to the weighting of the following components: drawing portfolio (1/3), models (1/3) and digital documentation (1/3).
A grade of at least 4.0 in all three parts is required for successful completion.

submissions can be done in German

Risk Management provides an introduction to concepts and methods for modern financial risk management and to the ideas behind its regulation.
Key topics covered are:

• Introduction to risk management
• Risk measures: volatility, correlations, copulas, value at risk, expected shortfall
• Risk-neutral vs. real-world distributions
• Stress testing
• Market, credit, operational, liquidity, and model risk
• Rating agencies and credit ratings

• Interactive lectureExercises to be solved individually or in groups between classes

• After successful completion of the course, students willProfessional competencesunderstand the importance and the potential of financial risk management for financial practice.select and apply appropriate risk management techniques in practice.understand financial crises and their relation to (bad) risk management. - Methodological competencesestimate risk measures from financial data using a range of established models.value credit derivativesapply appropriate methods to identify and measure financial risks. - Technological competencesuse R for simple calculations.

• Hull, J.C. (2023) Risk Management and Financial Institutions, 6th ed., Wiley Finance.

Final written exam

Im Modul wird das physikalische Wissen und technische Planen zielführend auf eine nachhaltige Bauweise ausge-richtet. Es werden bestehende einfache, material- und strukturhomogene Gebäude konstruktiv untersucht und analysiert. Anhand von vorhandenen Detailplänen und Unterlagen zum Gebäude sowie einer Besichtigung vor Ort werden die Informationen in eigenen Detailzeichnungen und Modellen festgehalten und entsprechend verortet. Im Zentrum steht eine disziplinar vernetzte Betrachtung des Gebäudes, in der alle Bauteile ihre Funktionen erfül-len und im Zusammenspiel zwischen Tragwerk und Baukonstruktion den gewünschten architektonischen Ausdruck definieren und auszudrücken vermögen. Die Gewichtung der Betrachtung und Analyse liegt in den verschiedenen, prinzipiellen Konstruktionsweisen und deren Nachhaltigkeit.

siehe nachfolgende Lehrveranstaltungen

Die Lernergebnisse und zu erwerbenden Kompetenzen dieses Moduls ergeben sich aus den nachfolgend beschriebenen
Lehrveranstaltungen.

Nach erfolgreichem Abschluss der Lehrveranstaltung sind die Studierenden in der Lage

Die Abschlussnote wird errechnet aus den Noten der beiden Lehrveranstaltun-gen mit einer Gewichtung von jeweils 50%. Ein erfolgreicher Abschluss setzt zudem voraus, dass in beiden Lehrveranstaltungen jeweils mindestens die Note 4.0 erreicht wurde. Modalität siehe Lehrveranstaltung.

Im Grundlagenstudio – Entwerfen im räumlichen Kontext werden Grundlagen des architektonischen Entwerfens im räumlichen Kontext vermittelt. Im Verlauf des Semesters werden anhand von Analyse- und Entwurfsaufgaben architektonische Fragestellungen im räumlichen Kontext mehrerer Gebäude bearbeitet. Die Studierenden erhalten
grundlegende Kenntnisse über Raumbezüge zwischen Gebäuden, über den Umgang mit Privatheit und Öffentlichkeit, über verschiedenen Formen von Dichte, über Aufenthalts- und Lebensqualitäten, über die Anordnung gemischter Raumprogramme und deren Wechselwirkungen sowie über Freiraumqualitäten und den Bezug auf einen grösseren urbanen Kontext.

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.

Das Modul vermittelt gesellschaftsbezogene Aspekte der Architektur, von der Architekturtheorie bis zu den Grundlagen der Soziologie. Es bietet Einblicke in das Verhalten von Akteuren und die Entwicklung von Perspektiven verschiedener Gesellschaften, die die Raumproduktion beeinflussen. Nach Abschluss des Moduls sollen die Studierenden fähig sein, das eigene Schaffen in mehreren gesellschaftlichen Kontexten kritisch zu reflektieren sowie den ethischen, kulturellen und politischen Wert von Architektur im digitalen Zeitalter zu erkennen.

siehe nachfolgende Lehrveranstaltungen

Die Lernergebnisse und zu erwerbenden Kompetenzen dieses Moduls ergeben sich aus den nachfolgend beschriebenen Lehrveranstaltungen.

Die Abschlussnote wird errechnet aus den Noten der beiden Lehrveranstaltungen mit einer Gewichtung von jeweils 50%. Ein erfolgreicher Abschluss setzt zudem voraus, dass in beiden Lehrveranstaltungen jeweils mindestens die Note 4.0 erreicht wurde. Modalität siehe Lehrveranstaltung.

Die interdisziplinare Kommunikation in der Architektur basiert zur Vermeidung von Fehlinterpretationen und Missverständnissen auf objektiven Darstellungsregeln und perfektionierten Vermittlungsmethoden. Im Modul Werkzeuge und Methoden 4 wird den Studierenden die Klarheit in der Vermittlung von Material, Form und Gestalt sowie die zeitliche und technische Organisation von Informationsflüssen in der Projektrealisierung vermittelt.

siehe nachfolgende Lehrveranstaltungen

Die Lernergebnisse und zu erwerbenden Kompetenzen dieses Moduls ergeben sich aus den nachfolgend beschriebenen Lehrveranstaltungen.

Die Abschlussnote wird errechnet aus den Noten der beiden Lehrveranstaltungen mit einer Gewichtung von jeweils 50%. Ein erfolgreicher Abschluss setzt zudem voraus, dass in beiden Lehrveranstaltungen jeweils mindestens die Note 4.0 erreicht wurde. Modalität siehe Lehrveranstaltung.

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:
Whenever there was a shortage of building materials in history, creativity was called for and a circular approach was often the answer. In the 16th century, the Frenchman Philibert de l'Orme invented a new construction method, known as "à petit bois", in which large roof surfaces were built from small pieces of wood. Instead of comprehensive designs, his architectural work was characterized by adapting, integrating and building on. We examine de l'Orme's circular approaches using the example of the roof truss of the Caserne Rochambeau in Mont-Dauphin (F). Could this method be one of the earliest concepts for planned circular building solutions?

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.

• Exposé zur Masterthesis zu einem spezifisch fokussierten Forschungsthema.
• Literaturanalyse.
• Untersuchungsdesigns.
• Online-Befragungen.
• Testtheoretische Grundlagen.
• Einführung in SPSS.
• Quantitative Datenaufbereitung.
• Deskriptiv- (Mittelwert, Standardabweichung) und inferenzstatistische Analysen (z.B. Korrelations-, Regressions-, Faktoren- und Reliabilitätsanalyse).
• Interpretation der quantitativen Ergebnisse.
• Grundlagen der qualitativen Methodik (z.B. Interviewmethodik, qualitative und quantitative Inhaltsanalyse, t-Tests, Varianzanalysen und nicht-parametrische Verfahren).
• Semi-strukturierte Interviews.
• Einführung in NVivo.
• Transkription.
• Auswertung und Interpretation qualitativer Daten.