Climatic and societal changes such as climate change, urbanization, densification, and increasing pressure on use place cities and their open spaces under fundamental strain. As their spatial extent becomes increasingly limited and they are already heavily burdened by diverse and often competing demands, open spaces—as central elements of urban structure—are coming under growing pressure. Against this background, a rethinking becomes necessary: open spaces can no longer be understood exclusively as horizontally organized in-between spaces, but must instead be reinterpreted as independent spatial systems with specific qualities and potentials.
The seminar addresses the question of how open spaces can be extended beyond the horizontal plane into the vertical dimension. Central to the seminar is an exploration of verticality as a spatial, climatic, and design-related principle. Vertical open spaces are understood as layered exterior spaces with at least two levels, capable of generating new forms of use, spatial connections, and climatic effects. This perspective makes it possible to read cities as climatically permeable, porous, and three-dimensional systems of open spaces into which interior spaces are embedded.
Based on current research, vertical open spaces are examined as an independent open space typology. Through international case studies, different spatial configurations, use requirements, and constructive strategies are analyzed. A particular focus lies on sectional drawing as an analytical tool, which makes specific spatial qualities visible and refers to analytical modes of representation such as the city plans by Giovanni Battista Nolli. In addition, qualitative and semi-quantitative methods are employed to identify characteristic spatial typologies and clusters of vertical open spaces.
The analyzed examples show that vertical open spaces are often shaped by open or temporarily transformable building envelopes and deliberately operate at the interface between interior and exterior space. This results in an expanded understanding of open space that questions conventional categories and describes hybrid spaces between architecture and landscape architecture. At the same time, it becomes evident that vertical open spaces can make a significant contribution to improving the urban microclimate, enhancing the quality of stay, and strengthening urban resilience.
Another focus of the seminar lies on the historical development of vertical open space systems. Particularly in warmer climate zones, traditional urban systems can be read as vertical open space systems in which climatic conditions play a decisive role in spatial organization. This perspective opens up new approaches for contemporary urban development and enables cities to be understood as climatically effective, permeable, and porous structures.
Building on this, strategies for the design and transformation of urban spaces are discussed. Alongside new construction, particular emphasis is placed on the further development of existing structures, which can be rethought and enhanced as part of vertical open space systems. The seminar conveys hybrid design approaches between architecture and landscape architecture and addresses new typologies that contribute to the sustainable design and upgrading of urban spaces.
Participants gain insights into theoretical foundations, methodological approaches, and design strategies for engaging with vertical open spaces. Through lectures, discussions, and interdisciplinary exchange, the content is jointly developed and reflected upon. The aim is to develop new perspectives on open space, the city, and architecture, and to formulate impulses for future-oriented, climate-resilient urban and open space planning.
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The seminar was conducted by the lecturer Dr. Isabel Zintl.
Alle Käufe sind final, kein Umtausch oder Erstattung möglich.
Gründerin und Leiterin
Dr. Isabel Zintl
Dr. Isabel Zintl ist Nachhaltigkeitsexpertin, Beraterin und Dozentin für strategische Stadt- und Freiraumentwicklung und als Mentorin erfahrene Wegbereiterin für Frauen in der Planung. Das Wirken von Dr. Isabel Zintl ist von einer nachhaltigen transdisziplinären Arbeitsweise geprägt – diese basiert auf übergreifenden Studien zur Landschaftsarchitektur, Stadtplanung und Architektur.
