INPUT LECTURES. MASTER THESIS. SPRING 2026
In the second semester of the Master’s thesis on Context(s), the theoretical reflections and architectural interpretations on context depart from the HIL building on Campus Hönggerberg and address a specific program – the future of architectural and engineering education offered by D-ARCH and D-BAUG at ETH Zurich. The HIL building, which was designed by architect Max Ziegler and civil engineering firm Schalcher & Partner, is requiring its first major renovation after 50 years of operation. In order to accommodate the growing number of students and enable all members of the Department of Architecture to be based in a single location, the floor area of the building will need to be increased by approximately 20%. At the same time, the building’s energy consumption must be reduced, its technical installations and façade characteristics must be rethought, and questions of comfort and current standards must be addressed. Furthermore, as the Hönggerberg campus becomes increasingly densely populated, the HIL building is developing into a central urban node, connecting to public spaces and neighbouring buildings on all sides.
The master’s thesis is accompanied by a series of input lectures curated by the Chair of Construction Heritage and Preservation and the Living Lab HIL. These lectures cover various overarching topics, ranging from observations on the existing context to innovative strategies for circular construction and energy retrofitting. By integrating current research findings, students are invited to bridge the gap between theoretical discourse and data-driven technical solutions, fostering a holistic approach to the building’s transformation.
HIL IN TRANSFORMATION
Introduction to Living Lab HIL by Prof. Matthias Kohler, Sarah Schneider
Findings of User Feedbacks by Profs. Momoyo Kajima, David Kaufmann
Alternative Futures for ETH Buildings by Emma Kaufmann LaDuc, Ties Linders
3. February 2026, 17:00 – 18:30
HCI G 3, Campus Hönggerberg, ETH Zurich
CAMPUS CONSTRUCTION HISTORY
History of Campus Architecture(s) by Tiago Matthes and Prof. Dr. Silke Langenberg
Construction System and Catalogue of Building Parts by Tiago Matthes and Andreas Thuy
24. February 2026, 17:00 – 18:30
HIL E 4, Campus Hönggerberg, ETH Zurich
INCLUSIVE ECOLOGIE
Water, Flora and Fauna by Profs. Martina Voser, Max Maurer
Inclusion and Accessibility by Prof. Anna Puigjaner
3. March 2026, 17:00 – 18:30
HIL E 4, Campus Hönggerberg, ETH Zurich
STRUCTURE, ENERGY AND COMFORT
Structural System by Prof. Andreas Taras, Marcus Fauster
Environmental Performance by Prof. Arno Schlüter
11. March 2026, 16:00 – 17:30
HIL E 4, Campus Hönggerberg, ETH Zurich