The module Spatial Design deals with the teaching contents material, light, color, form as well as perception of space and their application in a spatial context on the basis of a concrete place.
In the module Spatial Design we look for new spatial solutions and deal with their effects on the users and the environment. In the course of the interdisciplinary module exercise topic, a design is developed or architectural interventions are tested on existing spatial situations. The module Spatial Design deals with different topics of spatial design. The focus is on the examination of daylight and artificial light and their effects on architectural space. Transitions, threshold situations and the material in public space are related to each other.
The lecture and exercise series begins with the theme of space, perception and sensation in an urban context. Subsequently, interspaces and threshold areas, spatial atmosphere and perception, spatial boundaries and spatial openings, space and movement will be examined. The aim is to systematize spatial features and to compile a repertoire of design elements of space. Materials are introduced in terms of their form-giving factors and design possibilities as well as their material aesthetics. Material properties and qualities are elaborated and compared and their use is investigated. Daylighting and artificial lighting designs are presented and examined in terms of their focus on lighting, solar control and glare, light sources, color rendering, service life, energy efficiency. Key factors and basic lighting and planning parameters are presented based on applications in retail, presentation, museum, office, place and façade design. Spatial stagings of light, color, form, material and sound are analysed, broken down into their design parameters and considered separately and in isolation as individual factors. Spatial experience and spatial perception will be discussed on the basis of selected spatial and artistic examples and related to architectural application possibilities. Space and the staging of space will be presented using selected examples. Theoretical content will be practically experienced by means of examples of analyses and practice, they will be practiced and by means of small examples applied, presented and introduced.
Tours, lectures, excursions, company visits and guest lectures complement the course content.
In the course of the interdisciplinary module exercise topic, a design is developed or architectural interventions are tested in existing spatial situations. The aim is to implement the design or parts of it as a mock-up – as far as feasible on site or in the space laboratory – on a scale of 1:1.
Spatial Design at the Institute of Architecture and Design at the Vienna University of Technology deals with practical and current topics in selected courses. Spatial design understands architecture as a medium for the perception and production of reality. Spatial design connects all scales of the human environment and works at the interface of art, architecture and design.
MODULE STRUCTURE
Core Subjects (10ECTS)
253.354 VU Experiment Material
Optional Subjects (5ECTS)
253.360 UE Spatial Experiments
Excursions (2ECTS)
253.365 Spatial Design Excursion
Lecturers:
Anton Kottbauer
Wilfried Kuehn
Franz Karner
Günter Pichler
Alireza Fadai
Andrea Rieger-Jandl
Gudrun Schach
Manfred Pichler
Eldar Hajdarević
Further Information:
Kick-off: Wed, October 1st, 2025, 9.00 – 13.00, in HS7 Schütte-Lihotzky