Vertical Studio: BETWEEN COLLECTIVE LAND AND SKY

Is airspace a collective good? Airspace in Germany cannot be bought, rented, or leased—unlike in New York, where air rights can even be acquired from neighboring properties to enable vertical expansion beyond the standard building limits - with considerable consequences. Converted roof spaces should not be a sign of displacement but rather an opportunity to create additional space for social and collective housing. How can suitable land for social housing and community-oriented constructions be reimagined?

This studio explores the development of built-up areas and urban infrastructures, such as parking garages and supermarkets, as well as the collective expansion of rooftops on existing residential buildings. The focus is on how new spaces for social housing can be developed and designed. As part of the course, we will take a study trip to Vienna to learn about the history of social housing there and examine existing rooftop extensions.

An important aspect is the substantive and theoretical examination of densification as an essential instrument for the use of limited urban space. How can sustainable land use and the general use of existing infrastructure function in a socially just manner? What are the legal and conceptual aspects of land ownership and the associated ownership structures? This is about the question of why and how airspace is taken away from the common good and sold as property. We will start by identifying available (roof) spaces in Kassel in order to develop alternative concepts that enable non-profit and ecological utilization as well as the responsible treatment of already built-up areas.

Students can submit their proposals for the BDA Study Award "Neu überdacht" 2025. The competition seeks concepts for redesigning rooftop spaces, considering aesthetic, technical, and social aspects. The submission deadline is in early October. You can find more details about the competition here.

Vertical Profil | Studio Project

12 ECTS

FB06.511

Prof. Dr. Gabu Heindl, WM Ana Bisbicus  M.A. Arch., WM Alexander Rakow Msc Arch.