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

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 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 “Room of Silence” 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.

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 module will show students how to manage projects and teams Students will learn how to deal with clients, understand the role of marketing, the basics of accounting and leadership, thus preparing them for their future role as responsible employers.

exercises, research, writing, case study

Paper, Portfolio, exercises, minimum 70% mandatory presence, continuous assessment

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

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%).

In dieser Lehrveranstaltung wird der Baubestand als Materialbank und Lagerstätte materieller Güter und Werte betrachtet. Vermittelt werden Hintergründe zur Ressourcenknappheit, Materialbewertung, Strategien und Konzepte der zirkulären Bauwirtschaft. Neben der theoretischen Grundlagenvermittlung wird ein Fallbeispiel als Semesterübung
bearbeitet. Themen der Lehrveranstaltung sind u.a.: Rückbau und (Bau-)Abfälle, Methoden der Materialernte, Ressourcenbewertung und Inventarisierung, Konzepte und angewandte Beispiele der De-Montage, der Wieder- und Weiterverwendung, des Upcyclings und der Zirkularität im Bauen.

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 module allows for various kinds of external workshops, summer schools, study trips, etc. It is not necessarily connected to the five units of the School of Architecture and often organised by other universities, consortia or research institutions. Usually, students attend workshops of 5 to 10 days and develop projects in groups. Presentations are reviewed by the workshop tutors.

Design or research workshops in groups under the guidance of mentors and with the active participation of the students.

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

Minimum 75% compulsory attendance and continuous assessment.
The final grade is calculated according to the weighting of the following components: final submission (60%), active participation (20%) and final presentation (20%).

Registration is only binding after confirmation from the workshop leader.

For Bachelor students: submissions can be done in German

This module allows for various kinds of external workshops, summer schools, study trips, etc. It is not necessarily connected to the five units of the School of Architecture and often organised by other universities, consortia or research institutions. Usually, students attend workshops of 5 to 10 days and develop projects in groups. Presentations are reviewed by the workshop tutors.

Design or research workshops in groups under the guidance of mentors and with the active participation of the students.

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

Minimum 75% compulsory attendance and continuous assessment.
The final grade is calculated according to the weighting of the following components: final submission (60%), active participation (20%) and final presentation (20%).

Registration is only binding after confirmation from the workshop leader.

For Bachelor students: submissions can be done in German