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The students can independently formulate and implement architectural concepts. They can convincingly communicate their designs, present them in detail and position them within their respective theoretical or creative context.

The design studio invites students to reimagine the alpine shelter as radical architecture. Rather than planning new constructions, the focus is on the transformation, repurposing, and renovation of existing high-altitude huts. In the face of climate change, material scarcity, and ecological responsibility, students will develop strategies for circular construction, energy autonomy, and resource-efficient design. The studio is aimed at students with creativity, a willingness to experiment with innovative solutions, and an interest in digital tools. It offers the opportunity to develop groundbreaking architectural responses to real-world challenges, contributing actively to resilient landscapes and sustainable building practices.

The design studio is dedicated to a radical rethinking of the alpine “shelter” as architecture at the edge of habitability. Using existing high-altitude huts as a starting point, students will develop concepts for repurposing, transformation, and repair instead of planning new buildings. The goal is to test strategies for circular construction, material intelligence, and resource conservation in response to climate change, material scarcity, and ecological responsibility. The hut is not seen as a comfort zone, but as an essential protective space that functions with minimal infrastructure, limited resources, and in direct confrontation with extreme environmental conditions. Topics range from weather resistance and energy autonomy to material cycles and speculative scenarios for future alpine living and climate conditions.

The work in the studio combines research-based design, experimental material studies, and critical reflection. Excursions to selected alpine huts provide a direct understanding of location, topography, and use, forming the basis for further exploration. In workshops, students work with natural materials as well as innovative manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing or bio-composites, deepening their knowledge of materials and technology. Guest lectures by architects, material researchers, and mountaineers broaden the professional perspective and offer insights into different viewpoints on the topic.

In weekly studio sessions, designs are intensively discussed, models and systems are tested, and concepts are progressively developed. Students work either individually or in groups of up to two people. Each group is assigned an existing hut to analyze and begins with a detailed site analysis, from which an overarching concept is developed. Over the course of the semester, this concept is translated into an architectural design. Model-making is an essential part of the process, supplemented by the use of digital tools such as Rhino and Grasshopper. These tools are used for modeling, simulations, visualizations, and the creation of architectural plans and explanatory graphics.

Course examination according to § 6, statute section on "study-law regulations".

Will be discussed in the first lesson.

There are no mandatory requirements, but it is preferred that the students have a basic experience and general interest in computational design and generative design. Digital skills will be acquired throughout the semester.

Information on how to register for the Design Studio courses can be found at: https://www.uibk.ac.at/fakultaeten-servicestelle/standorte/technikerstrasse/studium.html/