Investigations

Nipun Prabhakar's architectural investigations are deeply rooted in a commitment to community-driven processes, traditional wisdom, and radical resourcefulness. His work, particularly through the Dhammada Collective, focuses on designing spaces that are both functional and culturally resonant, often involving extensive documentation of indigenous communities and collaboration with local artisans. He champions an aesthetic that celebrates local and reused materials, striving to create resilient and adaptable environments through material circularity, such as salvaging construction debris. Prabhakar's approach prioritizes enabling communities to shape their own environments, challenging conventional, top-down design paradigms.

Sebastian Hicks's architectural explorations revolve around the concept of "performative urbanism" and the co-creation of public space, exemplified by projects like the "Chapel of Many" and "Coforum." His work often utilizes transformable structures, like walls made of chairs, where the participation of individuals directly shapes the physical and symbolic nature of the space. Hicks investigates how architectural objects can act as tools for reconciliation, dialogue, and fostering inclusivity, often engaging with intergenerational learning and collaborative building processes that bridge traditional craft with modern techniques.

It's part of Stefan Breuer's core belief to critically analyze the current state of spatial production and to highlight the potential for alternative designs.

Stefan has been involved in the realization of dozens of exhibitions both domestically and internationally, taking on various roles such as setup, technical coordination, curating, exhibition architecture, and conceptualization.

Stefan's research encompasses topics like Life Cycle Assessment and the further development of existing qualities, which refers to both built structures and social systems. The logical consequence of this is to encourage engagement with the societal and legal frameworks governing spatial production. For example, the results of a research project for the state of Carinthia were incorporated into a guideline for the housing subsidy law. At the same time, the power of architecture was communicated to children, for instance, through a children's literature festival. Stephan Breuer is a Senior Researcher and Senior Lecturer at FH Kärnten, where he addresses topics with students that deal with marginalized groups in society, such as homelessness, as well as collaborative design practices with real-world relevance, like the "Reallabor" (real-world lab). He also volunteers in building culture initiatives.