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Architectural Design V-IX: Last Islands (GD A. Beer / D. Merz)
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:31:05
Abstract
Especially with older structures and listed buildings, the question always arises: what will their future look like? We are exploring this question by looking at an inventoried, small-scale group of buildings on Burgweg in Zurich Riesbach, working together to develop strategies for a respectful approach to the existing values.
Objective
Grasp the importance of research, careful observation, assessment of the built environment, and unlocking the hidden qualities and potentials before acting. Develop design strategies consistent with preservation principles, produce solutions based on research and on-site experiences.
Content
Villages, neighbourhoods and cities are in a constant state of transformation. Small, seemingly insignificant buildings are often under immense development pressure, with many demolished to make way for new projects before their qualities are even recognised, while others endure through time with appropriate adaptations. The future of older structures and listed buildings, frequently prompts the question: what lies ahead for them? In our guest semester we will explore an ensemble of small-scale buildings on Burgweg in Zurich Riesbach and work together to develop strategies for a respectful approach to their existing values. This involves recognising and enhancing architectural and historical qualities, as well as understanding and navigating the opportunities and risks associated with these buildings and their surroundings. Throughout the project we will balance the preservation of existing values with the exploration of future potential to formulate appropriate design strategies. The group of buildings we will study can be traced back to historical settlement structures, when scattered villages and independent communities encircled the fortified city. Over time, these village structures have been absorbed into Zurich’s urban fabric, now appearing as islands. The original village character has been preserved, with elements such as fountains as meeting places, forecourts, crossings, thresholds, stairs, a variety of building types and constructions forming a small-scale, yet coherent ensemble. Our challenge is to determine whether the ensemble can transition into its next phase of life through suitable interventions without losing its inherent quality. Can new values be respectfully integrated into these structures? How do we determine the most appropriate strategy? The semester will begin with an inventory analysis of the individual buildings and the entire group of buildings to uncover existing values and potentials, leading to the development of future visions for the site in group work. The resulting designs will be refined into detailed designs, exploring concept and construction through models, axonometries and plans at scales of 1:100 to 1:10. On-site work will be a key component throughout the semester. The studio includes an integrated on-site design-build seminar week at the Berghotel Schatzalp in Davos and the elective course “Repair: Keep in Place” focused on heritage preservation, which will be led by Prof. Dr. Silke Langenberg. These three courses are designed to provide concentrated focus on preservation, construction and sustainability in architectural design. Enrolment in the elective “Repair: Keep in Place” is strongly recommended.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC
- Frequency
- Semesterly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| exercise |
Architectural Design V-IX: Last Islands (GD A. Beer / D. Merz)
No course on 22/23.10.2024 (Seminar week).
|
|
16 h weekly |