Sustainable Design
The Sustainable Design unit follows a holistic approach that integrates ecological, social and ethical aspects. Its focus lies on environmentally friendly designs, resource-efficient materials, energy efficiency and social responsibility throughout all phases of the construction process. Societal issues such as mobility, health, integration and values also play an important role. The aim is to reduce the ecological footprint and secure the quality of life for current and future generations through sustainable design of the built environment.
News
Student Alina Dinu received the «Research Award for Architecture» from the Austrian Federal Chamber of Civil Engineers for her master’s thesis «Danube Delta Settlements. Conservation Potential and Revitalization Scenarios.» In her work, she explored the origins, culture, and authenticity of traditional communities in Romania, focusing particularly on the abandoned villages of the Danube Delta.
Master student Lion Maul reports on his project “Dignified Ruins” on hochparterre.ch/campus. The project was developed as part of the Advanced Studio Sustainable Design: Danube Delta Part 2.
From 6 to 12 July 2025, an internationally oriented summer school on “Vernacular Architecture in the Danube Delta” took place in Tulcea, Bucharest and the Danube Delta. The event was organised by the Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urbanism in Bucharest and carried out in close partnership with the University of Liechtenstein, TU Vienna and the University of Catania. Prof Dietrich Schwarz and doctoral candidate Alina Dinu were part of the summer school.
In the June 2025 issue of lie:zeit, Prof Dietrich Schwarz and Wolfgang Simma-Wallinger explain how the University of Liechtenstein addresses key aspects of sustainable building. The focus lies on topics such as resource conservation, energy efficiency, certification systems and the architectural response to demographic and climatic changes.
Minergie is the Swiss building standard for comfort, efficiency and climate protection, applicable to both new builds and renovations. Prof Dietrich Schwarz is a board member of the association.
Holistic Approach
The Sustainable Design unit teaches and conducts research on climate-adapted architecture and low-tech strategies. The focus lies on simple, robust solutions that create high comfort with minimal resource use, strengthen regional identity and enhance the resilience of society and the environment to climate change.
One Planet Society
The Sustainable Design unit teaches, conducts research and works together with local initiatives such as IG Mobility Liechtenstein and Integrity.Earth to promote sustainable development in the region. In close collaboration, future-proof concepts are developed for climate-friendly mobility, resilient agriculture and the implementation of the vision of a “One Planet Society.” The aim is to strengthen local potentials and make concrete contributions to an ecologically and socially responsible transformation.
