The module identifies key parameters to guarantee sustainable construction. Sourcing, manufacturing, logistics, assembly and recycling are put into relation with contemporary architectural practice. A critical approach to current design paradigms and consequent positions in design are developed.

exercises, research, writing, case study

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

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.

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.

The Advanced Studio - Built Heritage & Upcycling focuses on design, based on the principles of repair, reuse and circularity. Buildings are seen as material banks and repositories of knowledge for the time of their function and form. Using existing material sources and building stock as well as exemplary references, material resources and typologies are recognised and explored. The creative merging of existing buildings, inventories and new typology is a central part of the design method. The idea of a concise architectural work as a repaired or newly assembled and inhabited warehouse of building elements, characterised by tectonic clarity and great atmospheric density, is the studio's goal.

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

BSc AR 24: Successful completion of all four foundation studios (Grundlagenstudios)
MSc AR 24: none

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 (80%) and final presentation (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.

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

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.

The Pro Bono Project emphasises the importance of social responsibility and offers students a platform to engage in nonprofit activities for the well-being of society. It provides an opportunity to initiate, develop and implement a project in collaboration with partners from practice (e.g., municipality, association, school, NGO, etc.). The project is studentled, with the guidance of mentors. It can be either a built intervention or an activity, but it must have a connection to the built environment and serve the common good. The Pro Bono Project is intended to bring added value both to the Liechtenstein region and to the international context. Collaboration between Bachelor´s and Master´s students, as well as with students from other programs at the University of Liechtenstein is encouraged. Both group projects of up to five students and individual projects are possible. The Pro Bono Project has to be linked to at least one unit of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture.

Student-led project work under the guidance of mentors. Sustainable action within a self-selected environment is critically analysed and applied. The Pro Bono project allows students to establish a close link to practice. By preparing a Pro Bono Project, students gain an in-depth insight into the three main areas of professional activity: concept phase, implementation phase and reflection phase. Students can complement and test their theoretical studies with practice-relevant
work.

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

Minimum 75% compulsory attendance
The introduction, two inputs as well as four mentoring meetings – the first two during the planning phase (before submitting the application) and the other two during the implementation phase – are compulsory.
The final grade is calculated from the weighting of the following components: project application (20%), final report (40%) and project presentation (40%).

For Bachelor students: submissions can be done in German

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%).

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%).

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

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.

Successfully passed module "Preliminary Study"