Research at IKA

DOCTORAL STUDIES (DR. TECHN.)

There is no application deadline and no admission fee. Further information on the program: ika.akbild.ac.at/school/ admission/Dr_techn

For queries concerning the program, please contact: arch@akbild.ac.at

Architecture, as a discipline situated between the Arts and Sciences, finds itself in a unique position. Even if classified as scientific program of study by statute, the design process and therefore creative-artistic thinking forms the core of its education, thus architecture cannot be understood solely as an applied science. Architecture cannot be considered as a purely artistic discipline either since its practice involves a wide range of scientific aspects that require a rational-analytic and/or interpretive approach. These aspects are prerequisites to, as much as immanent societal obligations of the discipline.

Making research visible by means of a PhD program at the IKA emphasises the particular position of the discipline. This has given rise to a distinctive, highly original, concept of research which allows for both strict scientific research formats – i.e. within the field of architectural history or material technology – and artistic research at the intersection of design practice. Consequently, Doctoral theses may include and focus on theoretical, historical, technical as well social themes. Additionally, Design based research equally qualifies as a research path.

The IKA has offered a doctorate study program in architecture (Dr. Techn.) since 2011 which is open to students holding an appropriate university degree in architecture (master, diploma). Candidates who wish to apply for the program are required to write a synopsis of their proposed dissertation project and are encouraged to approach a professor at the institute who could act as a supervisor for their intended doctoral thesis. Once a supervisor is found the program normally stretches over six semesters.

Current Dr. Techn. Candidates at IKA

ANAMARIJA BATISTA ‚Krise‘ als Denkfigur und Ihre Manifestation im städtischen Raum: Ein Blick auf die künstlerische, architektonische und urbane Praxis. (supervisors: Diedrich Diederichsen, Angelika Schnell)

SONY DEVABHAKTUNI Dancing Through Architecture: The Impact of Collaboration in Practice. (supervisor: Angelika Schnell)

OLIVER DOMEISEN The four elements of architectural ornament – foundations for a contempoary ornamental practice. (supervisor: August Sarnitz)

NIKOLAS ETTEL The Architectural Parallels, Film-making as investigation method for urban oddities. (supervisor: August Sarnitz)

ADAM HUDEC Epidermitecture: An exploration of the potential of the facades outermost skin. How patina, the shallow layer of deposits on their surface can be of benefit to the building and its environment. (supervisors: Michelle Howard, Katja Sterfinger)

WALTRAUD INDRIST 5 Häuser. 5 Familien. 5 Freundschaften–Der photographische Akt im Werk des Architekten Hans Scharoun zwischen 1933 und 1945. (supervisor: Angelika Schnell)

CHRISTINA JAUERNIK The figure is not with herself. Entanglements of the digital, technical and physical self in the artistic research project INTRA SPACE, the reformulation of architectural space as a dialogical aesthetic. (supervisor: Wolfgang Tschapeller) SOLMAZ KAMALIFARD A Study of Natural Lighting in Interior Spaces as a Human-Space Interaction Stimulus. (supervisor: Michelle Howard)

BERTAN KOYUNCU Re-reading Henri Lefebvre Through Inside and Outside the Refugee Camps in Lesvos. (supervisor: Angelika Schnell)

JAE HYUN LIM Synthetic History: Unmasking the History of Tange and Isozaki. (supervisor: Angelika Schnell)

ESTHER LORENZ The Corporeal City. (supervisor: Angelika Schnell)

MAHSA MALEKAZARI Dancing to the Tune of Light. An investigation into ascertaining discrete visual conditions through the active behaviour of the occupants. (supervisor: Michelle Howard)

PAULA STRUNDEN Simulating Atmospheres: Digitizing embodied design and decision-making processes in architecture. (supervisor: Angelika Schnell; part of research project Communities of Tacit Knowledge)

MARA TRÜBENBACH A Loom’s Influence: Handcraft and the Role of Contemporary Aesthetic Education in British Architecture. (supervisor: Tim Anstey, Oslo School of Architecture; second supervisor: Angelika Schnell; part of research project Communities of Tacit Knowledge)

RESEARCH PROJECT

Communities of Tacit Knowledge: Architecture and its Ways of Knowing1 2019–2022

Angelika Schnell Eva Sommeregger Paula Strunden Mara Trübenbach Ambivalences of Modernity The architect and City Planner Roland Rainer Between Dictatorship and Democracy2 2021–

Angelika Schnell Ingrid Holzschuh Waltraud Indrist Monika Platzer

1 This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 860413.

2 Stand-Alone Project, Funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) P 34938-G