UMBAUEN UMBAUEN UMBAUEN

FB06.511

Profile project

PRO-2.0-02, PRO-2.1-30 PRFPROBW 

8 SWS, 12 ECTS

Univ. Prof. Dr. Gabu Heindl

W/M Helena Rafalsky MA Arch

W/M Alexander Rakow M Sc. Arch

Studio day: Tuesdays from 2 p.m.

Why is there vacancy in times of housing crisis? What are the spatial, material, and social qualities of unused buildings?

In the master project UMBAUEN UMBAUEN UMBAUEN – practice of collective transformation, we examine the structural causes and consequences of vacancy within the urban fabric. We develop strategies for a social-ecological transformation of already built structures that critically question the credo “build, build, build.”

We focus on sites of vacancy in Kassel: Villa Rühl on Mönchebergstraße, the former Sparkasse building in Wolfschlucht, and vacant ground floor spaces. We will explore the vacant buildings and their immediate surroundings on site, observe and investigate the spaces in order to develop a deep understanding of their spatial, material, and social relationships. Using analytical drawings and mappings, we examine the relationships between vacancy, neighborhood, and the urban context. 

By means of a storytelling method, we develop narratives of collective practices that initiate the re-activation of vacant buildings, evaluate needs for new uses, and connect with local actors from Kassel and the surrounding area who bring specific spatial needs or expertise in vacancy activation. The students themselves are actively involved in this process: they reflect together on their needs for housing, meeting places, and workspaces, using this process as a starting point for investigative learning and for taking action.

Within the studio, we will already practice forms of collective space-making: How do we organize ourselves as a studio – how do we share space, time, resources, and knowledge? How do we create shared everyday practices such as cooking and eating? And how do we curate, plan, and run a workshop, an assembly, or an exhibition?

The aim of the Master Studio is to develop design proposals for the three sites that not only outline a spatial and material conversion but also consider the process of transformation — including participation of local actors, possible operational models, questions of accessibility, decision-making processes, etc. During the WiSe 2025/26, we will collaboratively establish the groundwork and concept for a hands-on „Reallabor project“ in 2026, aiming to re-activate an existing vacant building in Kassel as a student-led initiative. 

For Whom?

This Profile Project is part of the Mastervertiefung in ARCHITECTURE CITIES ECONOMIES.

The Project is also connected to the ACE Research Studio of WS 2025-26.

It is not mandatory but recommended to enroll in both (master studio & research studio) together.

When?

Tuesday, 14:00-18:30 hrs., first meeting: October 16, 2025 14:00 hrs.

Prerequisite for successful completion of the studio: the development of a project that deals creatively, diagrammatically, and conceptually with the development of alternative concepts for the non-profit and ecological utilization of vacant properties in Kassel, as well as their responsible management. The submission takes the form of a written concept, as well as drawings (architectural & graphic novel) and models in various scales, including floor plans, sections, and detailed drawings. At the end of the semester, a reader is designed collectively.