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.

Built Heritage & Upcycling Unit:
Would you also like to be a border crosser and cross borders with us? Ernst Sommerlad (1895-1977) was one of the first architects in the Principality of Liechtenstein and brought the architectural language of Modernism here. Despite the most adverse political circumstances, he did not allow himself to be limited by borders either architecturally or physically, and also built in Germany, Vorarlberg, St. Gallen, Appenzell and Graubünden. On the occasion of a symposium at the University of Liechtenstein in the fall of 2025, we will analyze the fast and exciting oeuvre of Sommerlad under close scientific scrutiny in cooperation with the country and the OST (Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences)

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 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.

Urbanism, Architecture & Society Unit:
Do you like writing, or want to gain more experience scientific writing?
Are you interested in learning about and applying methods of urban research?Want some credit points for that?

Urbanism, Architecture & Society Unit (UASU) is happy to support independent study projects utilizing our methods and approaches, either (1) pursuing questions relevant to our group, or (2) supporting you in finding your own research questions. We can provide topics for independent study related to our research areas in the Alpine Rhine Valley, as well as various locations across the Global South.
We also encourage aligning independent study projects with our other concurrent courses including: Raum & Gesellschaft, Studio Jozi, Urban Theory, Planning & Places, Architectural Theory, or Pro Bono.

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

None.
It is recommended to complete this course in the third semester. The prerequisite for admission is a subject registration and the approval of the responsible unit.

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

For registration and enrolment, please get in touch with Lindsay Howe directly: lindsay.howe@uni.li (or any member of the unit)

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

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.

Im Grundlagenstudio – Vom Raum zum Gebäude werden Grundlagen des architektonischen Entwerfens in Bezug auf nachhaltigen Materialeinsatz vermittelt. Im Verlauf des Semesters werden anhand von Analyse- und Entwurfsaufgaben architektonische Fragestellungen mit steigendem Komplexitätsgrad bearbeitet. Grundlegende Kenntnisse in Bezug auf Ressourcenschonung, Dauerhaftigkeit und Weiterverwendbarkeit von Bauteilen und Materialien sowie der Einsatz von nachwachsenden, lokalen Rohstoffen werden vermittelt.

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

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

Im Grundlagenstudio – Vom Objekt zum Raum werden Grundlagen des architektonischen Entwerfens vermittelt. Anhand von Analyse- und Entwurfsaufgaben werden architektonische und konstruktive Fragestellungen mit steigendem Komplexitätsgrad bearbeitet. Neben grundlegenden Kenntnissen von Elementen, Räumen und Programmen werden die Zusammenhänge von Material, Struktur und Form sowie der Bezug zum Menschen, seiner Wahrnehmung und seiner Bedürfnisse mit einem Fokus auf die Suffizienz thematisiert.

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

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

The Free Master's Thesis builds on the student's preliminary study and is supervised individually by the unit. The thesis contains a developed hypothesis that is verified (or falsified) within the framework of a freely chosen design project. In addition to the actual design project, the free Master's thesis includes the design and production of the thesis book. This consists of three parts: the documentation of the design project, a theoretical report and a technical report. The formal aspects of the thesis and the thesis book are described in the Master's Thesis regulations.

Free project work, mentored by the unit.

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

Successful completion of 3 Advanced Studios in the Master's degree programme. In addition, the Preliminary Study must have been completed with a minimum grade of 5.0.

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%), presentation (10%) and thesis book (30%: 10% theoretical report, 10% technical report and 10% project documentation).

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:
After the intensive workshop with our Erasmus partners from the Netherlands, Belgium and Norway, we will construct the RED CUBE in the second part of the semester and build it ourselves in collaboration with local craftsmen. We will critically analyse the prototypes from the workshop and develop them into a logical tectonic system, which we will produce, assemble and build into a final structure.
This will take place in parallel with the advanced design studio CULTURE SPACE MALBUN and will continue until completion in the summer. It includes all elements of the building, from the foundations, which we are producing ourselves using the tamping technique, to the skeleton construction using the truss technique, to the roof structure and the roof cladding made of slate slabs. The four tectonic elements of the floor, the walls, the cladding and the roof will be modelled in the RED CUBE and form a striking symbol in the campus ensemble.

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. 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

None.
It is recommended to complete this course in the third semester. The prerequisite for admission is a subject registration and the approval of the responsible unit.

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.

Das Modul vermittelt die gesellschaftsbezogenen Aspekte der Architektur, von ethischen Herausforderungen der modernen Architektur bis hin zu Prozessen der Urbanisierung. 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 erkennen können.

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:
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

None.
It is recommended to complete this course in the third semester. The prerequisite for admission is a subject registration and the approval of the responsible unit.

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.