The two Georgian exchange students, Vakhtang Shaishmelashvili and Mariami Mikeltadze, developed a semester project during their stay at the University of Liechtenstein as part of a transfer project with the municipality of Ruggell. The design studio entitled «‹Darf› Ruggell» focused on the further development of the village street (Dorfstrasse) and was supervised by Professor Michael Wagner and Lecturer in Practice Oscar Buson.

Twelve student teams explored different possibilities for how the centre of Ruggell could be used and designed sustainably in the future. The proposals ranged from new forms of living and working, to traffic-calmed shared spaces, through to a stronger integration with the surrounding landscape.

The project by Vakhtang Shaishmelashvili and Mariami Mikeltadze addressed the strengthening of the village centre and the further development of the main traffic axes, Landstrasse and Dorfstrasse. The aim was to improve the quality of stay, promote pedestrian movement and reinforce the relationship between public space, landscape and the existing building fabric. Among other measures, the project proposed careful densification while preserving the historic character, the creation of a central meeting point, and the integration of green infrastructure and pedestrian networks.

After returning to their home university, the School of Architecture at the Georgian Technical University, the two students received an award in Georgia. The Association of Architects of Georgia nominated them for a diploma in the category Best Urban Design Student Project as part of the International Architectural Awards 2025.

The University of Liechtenstein is delighted with this recognition and warmly congratulates the two students on their success.

Find out more about the project «‹Darf› Ruggell»