Studio led by Simon Husslein (Atelier Simon Husslein)

Assisted by David Viladomiu (Studio Chaos)

The studio Togetherness – Inside Temporary Architecture explores the potential of immersive and engaging interiors to empower meaningful forms of human interaction, ultimately leading to a state of togetherness. The studio utilizes virtual reality simulations to iterate and verify concepts and aesthetics.

Patterns of interactions between people are ever-changing in contemporary societies. Togetherness, the feeling of being united with other people in friendship and understanding, has been named as an essential element of society. It can provide a sense of belonging, security, and well-being. It can help to feel connected to others and to feel supported and loved. This project explores how program, structure, and atmosphere of interior spaces can play a significant role in influencing human behaviors towards the goal of togetherness.

The participating students are asked to analyze the characteristics that compose architectural atmospheres and how they evoke specific moods or feelings. They compare experiences in temporary environments to define what is relevant for the project. The research also includes documentation of best practices of temporary architecture. The students also investigate the elements of togetherness and how the design of the environment can support feelings of unity, friendship, and understanding among people. Ultimately, each student is asked to define a meaningful concept, including the description of a target group and the spatial context of a chosen location. This concept then needs to be explored and prototyped in virtual reality using the software Twinmotion. The final presentation needs to utilize a comprehensive array of interior architecture principles for the design of its inclusive, ephemeral space in relation to the proposed concept.