Clara Ziche completed her degree in Information Systems at the graduation ceremony in September 2024. Her master's thesis «A case study on using Large Language Models for Process Modeling in Enterprise Organizations» was not only accepted at the BPM conference in Krakau, Polen, but also received the BPM2024 BEST INDUSTRY FORUM Paper Award.

Since 2003, the International Conference on Business Process Management is the premier conference for researchers and practitioners in the field of Business Process Management. 

Clara Ziche stated: “The University of Liechtenstein was the perfect place to combine work and study, i.e. to work in industry and obtain an academic degree at the same time. The Information Systems discipline in particular benefits from close collaborations with companies; and companies benefit from interactions with research institutions.

At the University of Liechtenstein, I was trained in scientific methods and in the current state of research in the field of Business Process Management (BPM). This enabled me to contribute from my perspective as a BPM practitioner and submit a paper to the academic BPM conference.”
 

As part of the Erasmus Days week, the University of Liechtenstein, in collaboration with the Agency for International Educational Affairs (AIBA), hosted an inspiring event on 17 October 2024 dedicated entirely to international educational cooperation.

The Erasmus Day at the University of Liechtenstein began with two opening speeches: Dr. Christian Frommelt, Rector of the University of Liechtenstein, and Dr. Stefan Sohler, Head of the Agency for International Educational Affairs, both emphasized the outstanding importance of the Erasmus+ programme for Liechtenstein. They particularly highlighted the fruitful collaboration between the university and AIBA, which enables students and researchers to access valuable international exchange opportunities.

One of the highlights of the day was the presentation of ten projects that showcased a wide range of diverse and innovative ideas. The projects clearly demonstrated the breadth and potential of the Erasmus+ programme.

Around 50 participants attended the event, which featured both informative contributions and a convivial networking opportunity during the closing reception. Numerous stimulating conversations revealed a strong interest in further cooperation and new project ideas – perhaps even laying the groundwork for the next Erasmus initiatives.

Overall, the event was a great success, underscoring the crucial role that the Erasmus+ programme plays for Liechtenstein. We already look forward to next year’s Erasmus Days and are excited about the future projects that will emerge.

Since September 1, 2024, the two young architects Timothy Allen and Ronan Crippa have been enriching the team at the Liechtenstein School of Architecture as practical lecturers in the Foundation Studio of the Bachelor’s programme in Architecture.

Both rooted in the Rhine Valley, they not only run their architecture firm in Grabs but are also actively committed to promoting architectural culture in their home region. With passion, they dedicate themselves to topics such as renovation and reuse, ecology and CO2 reduction, as well as sensitive urban development – with a focus on construction, atmosphere, and cultural engagement in architecture.

Their approach? They love to experiment with materials and construction, always in search of new ways to make architecture vibrant and sustainable. It is no surprise that they are already gaining considerable attention in the architectural world: In September 2024, Allen + Crippa were awarded the “Wild Card #7” by the magazine Hochparterre, a renowned competition for architects under the age of 40. This award secures them a place in the selective competition for the Spichermatt housing estate by Logis Suisse AG in Stans – an important milestone on their exciting journey.

We are delighted to welcome these two innovative minds to the University of Liechtenstein and look forward to the impulses they will bring to teaching and practice!

The Liechtenstein School of Architecture (LSA) first obtained RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) validation for its Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral programme in 2018. Now, the LSA has reaffirmed its excellence with a highly successful re-validation in 2024.

The Liechtenstein School of Architecture remains one of the few institutions worldwide to have earned RIBA validation at all programme levels. 

RIBA evaluates architecture schools worldwide, and its validation is regarded as a mark of quality and a quality assurance instrument. It also serves as an opportunity for self-reflection and the critical examination of ongoing processes.  

On-site Programme Evaluation 

The RIBA reviewers are professors from leading architecture schools in the United Kingdom. In June of this year, a team of six reviewers, along with representatives from the RIBA agency, visited the University of Liechtenstein for a two-day comprehensive evaluation of the architecture programmes. In addition to detailed documentation, the reviewers assessed students' final projects, models, portfolios, and the doctoral theses from the research groups.  

Enthusiastic about the programme and the school  

In their final report, the RIBA reviewers expressed enthusiasm for the Liechtenstein School of Architecture. They described it as a uniquely inspiring environment that offers students an outstanding educational experience and praised the self-reflective quality strategy that culminates in the new curriculum. The revised curriculum (starting date in September 2024) was also critically examined and deemed highly forward-looking, addressing the relevant challenges of sustainable architecture practice and excellently integrating theory and practice. 

“The Liechtenstein School of Architecture may be small, but its quality and approach are on par with the best,” emphasized the RIBA reviewers.  

A Seal of Quality at an International Level 

The Dean of the School of Architecture, Prof. Dr. Daniel Stockhammer, explains: “The RIBA validation confirms the high quality of our architecture programmes based on international criteria. We are proud to receive such positive feedback from the expert panel six years after the initial validation.” 

Moreover, architecture students at the University of Liechtenstein benefit from the RIBA validation, as they can obtain the designation RIBA Part 1 for the Bachelor's degree and RIBA Part 2 for the Master's degree in addition to their qualifications. This gives them a significant advantage in entering the job market and gaining recognition for their degrees from other architecture schools across Europe and globally. 
 

As part of the initiative "Traffic Signs of Justice", the University of Liechtenstein hosted a series of lectures and a standing lunch on Wednesday, 16 October 2024.

In collaboration with Benjamin Kuchelmair, an alumnus of the University of Liechtenstein, the sign “War is a dead end” was acquired, officially unveiled, and inaugurated. Kuchelmair explained: “Just like in road traffic, some paths inevitably lead to a dead end with no way forward. Let us seize the opportunity together to make a U-turn and decisively take the path of peace through cooperation, rather than remaining alone in a dead end.”

Dr. Christian Frommelt, Rector of the University, examined the topic of war from a political science perspective: “The 'Democratic Peace' – the insight that democracies do not go to war with one another – is regarded as the only empirical law in the otherwise unpredictable realm of international relations. It is therefore crucial to protect democracies and support institutions that promote democracy.”

The designs for the "Traffic Signs of Justice" were created by artist Johannes Volkmann together with children and youth from nine different countries. The signs were produced in large numbers to be featured in artistic projects across Europe. They are intended to highlight the values of our open and free society.

Initiated by Gaudenz Ambühl, the “Liechtenstein Concept” was developed to enable broad involvement of all interested initiatives and institutions throughout the country. The goal is to establish the “Traffic Signs of Justice” as permanent installations in public places such as town halls, schools, businesses, or churches across Liechtenstein, embedding them sustainably in the public consciousness. The sign “War is a dead end” will have a permanent location on the campus of the University of Liechtenstein.