How can components from an old knitted building be reused to give an architectural project a linear typology with a clear tectonic and structural expression?

Mustafa Karaaslan addressed this question in his bachelor's thesis at the Liechtenstein School of Architecture. As a concrete object, he used the knitting building with a retrofitted barn on Kapfstrasse in Eschen, which was built in 1793 and moved in 1861. This offers a unique opportunity for conversion. The task was to survey the existing building, catalog its parts and reuse them in a new design. The design process focused on a form that complements the linear qualities of the chosen site - a path and parking lot that is used by hundreds of people every day and also serves as a jogging route for local residents.

The existing building represents a traditional construction method with specific adaptations that have been made over time. The knitted building has a mixed foundation system: a concrete foundation on the east façade and dry stone walls made of various materials on the other sides. The barn, built in 1821 and directly attached to the knitted building, is designed as a lightweight structure and consists of supports, struts and two plank walls. The room heights vary depending on the area of use: around seven meters in the barn, five and a half meters in the hayloft and two meters in the cowshed. The location chosen for the design is in the immediate vicinity of important public buildings such as the indoor swimming pool, the school and the community center. It is frequented by many people every day, making it a key area for urban planning interventions. By using an already asphalted path, the logistical challenges of transporting and assembling the components are solved efficiently and the environmental impact is minimized.

The central idea for the conversion arose from a study of the linear typology and its potential for innovative spatial design. The building should not only function in itself, but also interact with the surrounding public space. Karaaslan sees the space below the building as a permeable and lively area, while the second floor allows for a clearly defined use. The result is a repeating timber frame structure that stretches 65 meters along the path. On the first floor there is a public fitness trail, which is to be managed by the 'Eschen Aktiv' association. This facility promotes people's health and strengthens the sense of community. There is space for events on the first floor. This part of the building offers a high, covered space for this purpose. Awnings are attached to the supports of the building, which can be extended as required. The two residential units can be reached via a spiral staircase on the west façade and are characterized by floor-to-ceiling, recycled wooden window façades that are divided by wooden chambers. Bedrooms and bathrooms utilize the chambers of the knitted structure and create interesting spaces for the apartments through their staggered arrangement.

Because the length of the original beams was insufficient, special connections had to be developed to meet the requirements of the design. The supporting structure consists of several repeating frames that differ in length and thus adapt to the topography. The frames consist of columns, two cross beams and two rafters. Additional struts are attached under the first crossbeam to ensure light bracing. The frames are connected to the ground via point foundations. These foundations rise about sixty centimeters above the ground and are connected to the supports by means of a special wooden connection. In German, this connection is called 'Schräges Hakenblatt mit Kreuzapfen und Keil' and in Japanese it is known as 'kanawatsugi'. This construction method makes it possible to dismantle the supports again if necessary and takes account of the principle of reversible construction.

The European Union's Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility scholarship program enables students to spend time at partner universities outside of Europe.

On this occasion, eight professors and staff from universities in Tunisia, Morocco, Georgia, Bosnia and Poland visited for a few days to get to know the campus, the students, the country and the region.

After a welcome by Rector Dr. Christian Frommelt, a visit to Hilti AG was on the agenda, and incoming students met the group of guests for a roundtable to talk about their life and studies in Liechtenstein. The topic of inclusion of students during their studies was discussed in depth and rounded off with a visit to the HPZ in Schaan. The visitors were very impressed by the professionalism of the support provided throughout the entire life cycle.

In addition, some staff and professors from the Schools (Architecture, Business) and Student Services gave the visitors an insight into their areas of work (job shadowing). The week was characterized by inspiring encounters and interesting conversations.
 

Petros Mavromichalis, EU Ambassador for Switzerland and Liechtenstein based in Bern, visited the Principality and the University as part of Europe Day.

European policy and topics of interest to Liechtenstein were discussed with Rector Dr. Christian Frommelt and students of the BSc Business Administration and MSc Finance courses. Following the roundtable, the ambassador hosted a reception for institutions from Liechtenstein in the Vaduz Town Hall.
 

On May 14, 2024, the Chairs of Corporate, Foundation and Trust Law as well as of Economic Criminal Law, Compliance and Digitalisation hosted the Compliance Day 2024 at the SAL in Schaan. This year, the event focused on current developments and challenges in compliance and due diligence obligations.

Prof. Dr. Alexandra Butterstein, LL.M., Dean of the Liechtenstein Business Law School and Professor of Corporate, Foundation and Trust Law, opened the event and warmly welcomed the approximately 120 participants. In her introductory remarks, Alexandra Butterstein emphasized the steadily growing importance of compliance and highlighted the challenges posed by new regulatory measures. Targeted training programs, such as Compliance Day, the Certificate Program for Compliance Officers, or the Intensive Course on Criminal Law and Companies offered by the University of Liechtenstein, can help meet these new demands. She thanked the expert speakers of the 11th Compliance Day and the Liechtenstein Financial Market Authority, which jointly developed individual program topics with the University of Liechtenstein.

The morning program, moderated by Prof. Alexandra Butterstein, focused on current issues in asset management, corporate law, and trust business. Pascal Eggenberger began by discussing compliance focal points from a practical perspective, addressing money laundering risks, supervisory priorities, and offering concrete recommendations for action. Dr. Reto Degen then provided a detailed presentation on the innovations introduced by the prudential supervisory regime for asset managers, followed by Michael Schneebeli and Veronika Schlegel, who vividly illustrated the compliance requirements for complex corporate structures from a practical standpoint. Martin Raffelsberger pointed out recent developments in case law on due diligence law and the trust sector, which are of significant importance to legal practitioners. A panel discussion provided an opportunity to delve deeper into the legal issues and topics raised. The discussion showed that the risk-based monitoring of business relationships and transactions, as well as the legal framework in Liechtenstein, is of great interest in the context of location competition and requires further elaboration.

During the networking lunch that followed, participants had the chance to exchange ideas and engage in discussions. The afternoon program, opened by Prof. Dr. Konstantina Papathanasiou, LL.M., Chair of the Senate and Professor of Economic Criminal Law, Compliance and Digitalisation, centered on compliance developments in the context of digitalisation and capital market (criminal) law. Konstantina Papathanasiou emphasized the importance of corporate criminal law and preventive and repressive criminal compliance before Mathias Bartel discussed the EU Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and its implications for the legal situation in Liechtenstein. His remarks made it clear that compliance frameworks are constantly evolving and that market participants must respond to changing circumstances. Addressing a rapidly changing topic, Stefan Moser focused on the use of new technologies in compliance, highlighting opportunities and risks for practitioners. Konstantina Papathanasiou then presented selected issues of prospectus criminal law, clearly demonstrating certain liability risks, before the afternoon panel discussion further explored the multifaceted topics.

In her closing remarks, Prof. Konstantina Papathanasiou thanked all participants for the successful event and engaging presentations. Compliance Day 2024 once again underscored that adhering to and implementing the complex national and supranational compliance regulations requires ongoing engagement. The event concluded in a relaxed atmosphere with a joint aperitif.

The LSA invited the director of the Poolbarfestival, Herwig Bauer, to a discussion with university lecturer Martin Mackowitz to the architecture atelier on May 8, 2024.

Bauer, himself a trained architect and former student of Hugo Dworzak (Institute Director, Institute for Architecture and Spatial Planning 2014–2018), talked about the history and growth of the festival, which now attracts 30,000 visitors to Feldkirch every year.

At the next "Architecture by dessert" on Wed, May 22, 2024, at 1 pm, practice professor Anna Heringer and university lecturer Martin Mackowitz will report on building with clay.

On Saturday, May 4, 2024, the 2013 graduating class of the Master in Banking and Financial Management met at the University of Liechtenstein campus after more than a decade. For a reunion with BBQ and sunshine - and an update on their alma mater.

When University of Liechtenstein alumni return to campus, employees also look forward to catching up with former students. And so the Finance team did not miss the opportunity to join 13 of the 19 alumni and alumnae at this Saturday's reunion.

Update on the University of Liechtenstein

Prof. Dr. Marco Menichetti, Dean of the Liechtenstein Business School, presented the new Liechtenstein Business School to the guests; the Academic Director of the degree program, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Martin Angerer, provided insights into the new Master in Finance curriculum; and Ass.-Prof. Dr. Sebastian Stöckl, Academic Director of the Liechtenstein Undergraduate & Graduate School, rounded off the program with a keynote speech on the latest research projects.

Exchange over BBQ and sunshine

Of course, the opportunity to talk to former fellow students in person over coffee and croissants about their professional and personal careers over the past few years and to reminisce about their own student days on a short tour of the university campus was also particularly exciting. In bright sunshine with a view of the mountain panorama, there was then plenty of time for personal discussions over a BBQ on the terrace of Lecture Hall 6.

Open to all alumni

Of course, all graduates of the University of Liechtenstein are cordially invited to take advantage of this new offer for alumni and experience their own class reunion on campus. The new Alumni Relations responsible person will be happy to help in the search for former fellow students and welcomes alumni to the campus: Inquiries in the Alumni LinkedIn group or at alumni@uni.li.

The annual study trip for the Master of Science in Finance is one of the highlights of the program. This year's trip took the students to the East Coast of the United States.

They visited asset managers, banks, the U.S. Capitol, the International Monetary Fund, the Embassy of the Principality of Liechtenstein, and others, focusing on the impact of digital transformation on finance, policy, and their interplay.

New York City: Global Financial Center and Cradle of Modern Finance

On the first and second days of the trip in New York City, students gained intensive practical insights from major players in finance. Accompanied by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Martin Angerer and Alexander Walch, MSc, visits included BlackRock Inc., LGT Capital Partners, and Deutsche Bank. At the latter, a special focus was placed on the role of science and economic analysis in the daily work of an international major bank. At BlackRock, students received valuable insights into the operations of the world's most significant asset manager. At LGT Capital Partners, they learned about the role a native Liechtenstein financial service provider can play in the USA. Various experts presented their work areas in alternative investments, such as primary, secondary, and direct investment solutions in private equity, venture capital, LGT's in-house fund solutions, and co-investments. Impact and sustainable investments were also discussed as increasingly important investment fields in current times. The group was welcomed by Executive Director Alex Jilla, an investment manager for co-investments, among others. Further executive and associate directors discussed their work areas, and conversations were also held with recently hired employees who shared their career paths from university to a prestigious investment company.

During the high-profile company visits, finance master’s students gained a comprehensive insight into potential career fields after graduation. They particularly appreciated the welcoming reception and the opportunity to ask detailed questions. Additionally, excursions to Wall Street and other significant sites in Manhattan highlighted New York's rise as a global financial hub. An evening visit to the One Vanderbilt Summit summarized the impressions, offering a panoramic view of all major financial service providers in New York.

Washington, DC: Political Heart of the USA and Bridge between Science and Practice

The second part of the study trip involved a change of location to the capital of the United States. On Thursday, the students learned about the history and significance of Congress during a tour through the Capitol led by a staff member of a member of the House of Representatives. They also familiarized themselves with the U.S. American political system and its differences from European democracies, as well as similarities with Liechtenstein, such as the strong role of the people in direct political participation.

The next visit was to one of the most prestigious universities, George Washington University, where students were received by Assoc. Prof. Samuel Ledermann. The scientific exchange primarily dealt with sustainable investment solutions and the significance of international affairs in the context of economic development in developing countries. The students were also shown potential career paths in research and teaching, and how possible guest stays as a PhD candidate could be structured. The eventful day concluded with a meeting with Dr. Georg Sparber, the Ambassador of Liechtenstein to the United States. The ambassador first contextualized current global political events, outlined Liechtenstein's interests, and highlighted the importance of Liechtenstein's involvement in various international bodies for securing sovereignty and promoting economic development. He particularly noted the economic significance of the U.S. as Liechtenstein's second most important export destination, especially in light of the upcoming presidential elections, before the evening ended with an apéritif.

The final day of the study trip aimed to complete the picture of Washington as a political center. In a meeting room of the Capitol, a lively discussion with lobbyist Andy Bopp, whose daily work involves encounters with Senators and Representatives of Congress and their staff, explored the significance and role of lobbying. Ethical boundaries and risks were discussed, as well as the necessity for all interest groups to participate in the legislative process and the role various types of lobbyists can play. Like all other appointments, there was ample opportunity to ask questions, clarify misunderstandings, and learn new things. Friday concluded with a visit to the International Monetary Fund, where the group was received by a very senior representative, Mr. Marcel Peter, a member of the Executive Board. He represents the Swiss-Polish voting group of the Bretton Woods institutions (IMF and World Bank), which also includes Serbia and various Central Asian states and potentially Liechtenstein in the future. Liechtenstein's application for membership in the International Monetary Fund, as well as the general role and mandate of this institution, were extensively discussed before the study trip concluded in the impressive boardroom of the IMF's Executive Board.