Tectonics relates building methods from construction in wood, brick, stone or concrete to theoretical approaches of Schinkel, Semper, Viollet-le-Duc or Choisy and reflects upon the relation of form, structure and construction. Built examples serve to record the material laws that determine the construction and illuminates these at various levels of scale. The conceptually and constructively formulated detail, which essentially describes the character of a building, is the focus of the tectonic investigations. This research on iconic buildings is undertaken in axonometric drawings that allow to explain the specific tectonic approach.

The seminar involves interactive lectures with exercises to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical design and analysis skills.

After successful completion of the seminar, 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 and continuous assessment.
The final grade is calculated according to the weighting of the following components: final submission (80%) and oral presentation (20%).

Extracurriculare Activities comprise of various activities that are not linked to the Curriculum of the MSc in Information Systems, which are optional and further support the studying of the Master programme.

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.

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%).

Im Anschluss an das zweite Modul erwerben die Studierenden im dritten Modul vertiefte Kenntnisse rund um die Geldwäscherei im weiteren Sinne, das heisst im breiten Zusammenhang mit den üblicherweise damit assoziierten Kriminalitätsformen der Geldwäscherei, der Terrorismusfinanzierung und der organisierten Kriminalität. Das Modul vermittelt Wissen sowohl auf nationaler als auch auf supranationaler Ebene.
Im ersten Teil des Moduls erhalten die Studierenden eine Einführung in das liechtensteinische Gesetz über die beruflichen Sorgfaltspflichten zur Bekämpfung von Geldwäscherei, organisierter Kriminalität und Terrorismusfinanzierung (SPG) und beschäftigen sich anschliessend mit einer detaillierten Analyse der Straftat der Geldwäscherei. Im zweiten Teil des Moduls werden die weiten Begriffe der Terrorismusfinanzierung und der organisierten Kriminalität behandelt, wobei die Studierenden die relevanten Vorschriften kennenlernen, die über mehrere Paragrafen des StGB verteilt sind. Der dritte und schwerpunktmässige Teil des Moduls vermittelt umfassende supranationale Perspektiven: Die Studierenden erarbeiten fundierte Kenntnisse über die verschiedenen Ebenen, auf denen wirtschaftsstrafrechtlich relevantes Hard Law und Soft Law entwickelt werden, einschliesslich der Strukturen des EWR-, EU- und internationalen Rechts. Ferner werden bedeutende Institutionen wie FATF und MONEYVAL vorgestellt, die für Liechtenstein eine sehr wichtige Rolle spielen.
Das Modul behandelt folgende Themenbereiche:
• Das liechtensteinische Sorgfaltspflichtgesetz (SPG)
• Der Straftatbestand der Geldwäscherei (§ 165 StGB)
• Die Straftaten der Terrorismusfinanzierung und Organisierter Kriminalität
• Das EWR-Recht und seine Organe
• Einführung in das EU-Recht
• Das EU-Strafrecht
• Das internationale Strafrecht
• Zentrale internationale Institutionen zur Bekämpfung von Kriminalität

Interaktive Vorlesung mit eingehender Diskussion.

Die Studierenden erwerben die Fachkompetenz, die Vorschriften des liechtensteinischen Sorgfaltspflichtgesetzes (SPG) sowie die Straftatbestände der Geldwäscherei, Terrorismusfinanzierung und organisierten Kriminalität fundiert anzuwenden. Sie sind in der Lage, komplexe grenzüberschreitende Sachverhalte zu analysieren, Risiken für Unternehmen und Behörden zu erkennen und präventive Handlungsempfehlungen abzuleiten. Darüber hinaus können die Studierenden supranationale Rechtsentwicklungen beurteilen, Unterschiede zwischen nationalem, EWR-, EU- und internationalem Recht erkennen sowie deren Zusammenspiel verstehen und die Rolle zentraler Institutionen wie FATF und MONEYVAL für die Praxis in Liechtenstein einordnen.

• Current and past developments in sustainable finance
• ESG data, data providers and materiality
• Environmental and social impact
• Channels of action: primary and secondary market, direct investments, real estate, politics
• Tools of action: positive and negative screening, ESG integration, proxy voting and engagement, green bonds and loans, political influence
• Regulatory frameworks and initiatives

Lecture

• Student will describe, understand and discuss past and current developments in sustainable finance
• Students acquire a basic understanding of Sustainable EU-Regulation
• Students understand the structure, challenges and alternative providers of ESG data
• Students can distinguish between different types of sustainable finance products and investment strategies
• Students understand and can apply the concept of materiality

• Schoenmaker, D. and Schramade, W. (2019). Principles of Sustainable Finance. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
• Kaiser, L. and Oehry, O. (2020). Überblick zur Klimawirkung durch Massnahmen von Finanzmarktakteuren. Im Auftrag des Bundesamt für Umwelt BAFU.
• CFA Institute & Swiss Sustainable Finance. (2017). Handbook on Sustainable Investments. CFA Institute Research Foundation.
• Swiss Sustainable Finance. (2016). Handbuch nachhaltige Anlagen - Hintergrundinformationen und Praxisbeispiele für institutionelle Investoren in der Schweiz

• Introduction to International and European Tax Policy and Tax Standards
• Principles of national and international taxation of individuals
• Introduction to taxation of individuals and legal entities in selected jurisdictions: FL, AT, CH, DE
• Application of International Double Tax Treaties to individuals and legal entities
• Application of Exchange of Information and Mandatory Disclosure Obligations under EU-DAC 6
• International Tax Planning, Investment and Wealth Management Hubs: BM, BS, CH, HK, IRL, LU, SG
• Input Statements by Liechtenstein financial service providers
• Case studies: International Tax Planning of individuals and legal entities incl. MNE (Apple, Nike)

Interactive lecture

After successful completion of this module, students

• are familiar with the basic economic and legal principles in national and international taxation and can apply them;
• understand the impact of international taxation in an Integrated and Globalised world on politics, consumers and investors;
• have at their disposal comprehensive knowledge of national, international and European taxation regarding the development, investment and succession of assets and also with regard to asset investments and structures;
• understand the institutional aspects of international tax standards and the respective multinational institutions, like the BEPS-Inclusive Framework and the Global Forum on Exchange of Tax Information;
• are familiar with tax planning schemes used by multinational entities.

see lecture(s) within the module

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.

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.

Urban Design & Spatial Development Unit:
What elements make up a neighbourhood that allows people to live without a car? Is it public transport and bike lanes, cafés and bars, shops and pharmacies or parks? How much of each and at what distance? In this independent study, you will measure the vitality of village centres in Liechtenstein, discuss what constitutes a car-free neighbourhood worth living in and how these centres can be improved.
The study is part of the research project 'Vitality analysis in the Rhine Valley - The x-minute city in the context of low to medium settlement density', which is being conducted by Dr Luis Hilti and Prof Michael Wagner from 2023 to 2026.

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.

You can register for this independent study alone or in a group. For registration and enrolment, please get in touch with Luis Hilti directly: luis.hilti@uni.li