COURSE STRUCTURE

AND Design Studio is a practice-based project format where students focus on developing systems for regional value chains in material and construction, with a particular emphasis on their application in architecture. This studio is distinguished by its approach involving field research, project-oriented organization, and the utilization of design-thinking methodologies. It operates in close collaboration with regional partners from the public sector, the construction industry, and cultural institutions.

In this semester, our theme is PALUDI PREALPS. Our students engage in direct dialogues with stakeholders from politics, peat- and wetland farmers, and the construction sector. They immerse themselves in understanding process flows, operational planning, and identifying potential opportunities within the system.

Working alongside BHB Unternehmensgruppe, the AELF and students from MA Management, we translate the acquired experience and knowledge into practical architectural applications tailored to the local context and available materials. Our students conduct field research on-site during visits to peat- and wetland farmers, material innovators, designers, and engage with local experts. Together, they explore how paludi can be integrated into building processes, how circular and climate-positive thinking can be incorporated into existing businesses, and how to maximize the utilization of this raw material.

Employing design-thinking methodologies, our students generate innovative ideas and solutions based on their collected insights and observations. These concepts are then realized and implemented in prototypical architectural applications.

To kickstart this collaborative project, on October 23rd, all participants delve into paludi as a material through various short input sessions around the topic PALUDI and a hands-on workshop at the TUM Bioregional Design Lab. On October 24th, the students will embark on a journey to the Prealps region. Throughout the semester, students will have the opportunity to meet and learn from experts in the field. The culmination of their efforts will be showcased during a concluding event in early February, where the outcomes will be presented to project partners, policymakers, and the public.

FRAMEWORK BY

Prof. Niklas Fanelsa, Marlene Stechl with
Melanie Hammer, BHB Unternehmensgruppe
Tilo Scholze, AELF Fürstenfeldbruck
Prof. Ikonnikova, TUM School of Management Resource Economics