Alumni of the Month May 2015

«Architecture is arts in crafts»

Alumnus of the Month May 2015 René Finger

Dear René, how did your interest in architecture start?

It runs in the family. My grandfather, my father and my uncle all were builders. This influenced my brother, cousin and me a great deal – it almost felt like growing up on a construction site.

It was during my studies at the University of Liechtenstein that I developed a strong passion for architecture and design theory. My lecturers helped me discover new ways of seeing the built environment around me.

Through this I gained much deeper knowledge of what it means to be an architect and helped me understand the “language” of building and constructing.

«For me architecture is like a language that needs to be properly learned.»

What made you decide to study in Liechtenstein?

It was a clear decision for the region - the beautiful Rhine Valley. Beyond that, the University of Liechtenstein enjoys a good reputation for its architectural education.

Talking to Hansjörg Hilti, former director of the Institute of Architecture and Planning at University of Liechtenstein, finally convinced me to choose Liechtenstein. Back then, the student-staff ratio was even lower than it is today (12:1), and almost all my fellow students came from this region. The classes were very small and you really had a chance to get to know the people that you would be spending those three years of your studies with.

What were the most memorable or best experiences gained during your studies?

I loved all that freedom and independence! By this, I primarily mean the freedom to try new things and that one was allowed to make mistakes. The good relationship with my lecturers let me learn about their professional understanding of what architecture is or should be. This helped me reflect on my personal perspective and style.

I really enjoyed my study time and actually, I should not have finish my studies so fast.

Thinking back, I would take a little bit more time to fully enjoy this special time.

What aspects of your studies can you apply in your current job?

Benedikt Loderer, chief editor of the magazine Hochparterre, gave the commencement speech at my graduation. He remarked that we now might own a title or diploma, just like a hunting license. However, we would still not properly understand what “hunting” means…and he was right!

For me, architecture is like a language - you first need to learn how to speak it. At college you will learn the basics: the first “words”, the “grammar” and you might even begin to write “(design) poems”. Your studies will be the starting point of your career. At a later stage, in combination with practical insights, your studies will become of high value.

«I learnt to be patient – especially with myself.»

Also, it takes a lot of diligence to study architecture. Numerous times you will start out with an idea for a new building, throw it overboard, only to return to your initial design.

You will learn that it often takes a lot of detours to come up with a creative concept.

A beautiful idea - architecture as a language.

Absolutely. I understand architecture as something that you don´t need to constantly reinvent – just like our respective languages.

Obviously they can change and adapt over time. However, the foundation will always be the same. There are a lot of good design practices and concepts out there already. First and foremost, a building has to fit into its surroundings. Those that don´t often stem from an architect´s urge for self-realization.

Which architect or design theory influences you?

There are so many! In my belief, it is the architect´s job to find the best solution possible to every project. There is no universal architectural style that fits all. Most importantly, one always needs to consider both location and surrounding when designing a building.

What has been your favourite project?

That´s a tough question. To be honest, I wouldn ´t be able to pinpoint one. I mean, you always need to put in a lot of heart and soul. Some of my colleagues already had to work on projects they didn´t really enjoy. Fortunately, I never had that in my professional life!

Currently, I am designing a new lab at the University of Applied Sciences in Buchs, Switzerland. I really like this project in all its complexity. Working closely with expert planners, the team of scientists that will eventually use the lab, and further building specialists is something that I enjoy a great deal.

Building a lab is something rather out of the ordinary. How did you approach this project?

First and foremost, you need to maintain the dialogue between builders and scientists. It takes a lot of discussion to find out what it is that those who eventually use the lab really want. You end up making a number of

suggestions, some even a little daring, which then need to be adjusted to the wishes and actual needs. That takes time and good organisational skills. You need to make sure that everyone knows what their tasks are and what the final goal is.

«Being an architect also means being a manager.»

Today, building is a real team effort. The days of architects working all by themselves are over. In order to be successful you need to have a strong network of experts and construction specialists.

So far, you have been mostly involved in building. Have you gotten involved in research projects or teaching, yet?

Unfortunately not, but I would love to. I really like the thought of exchanging design ideas with students, other faculty members or researchers. This motivated me to join the board of an architecture forum in Eastern Switzerland.

Well, you could also exchange ideas with students in another way. How about offering internships? Are you currently looking for new talent for your company?

Always! I think it is very important to help students gain some valuable work experience.

This is particularly important for students who have not done so prior to their studies.

That´s great news! Coming back to you – do you have a particular career goal?

To design and to construct!

« I do not need to build a second Eifel Tower.»

As an alumnus – Do you have any advice for our current students?

Take it slow and step by step. It`s important to make your own experiences by trying out new things. Go on exchange, go traveling, get inspired by other architects and the people you meet along the way. Don`t rush your studies and make the most of this time!

Do you keep in touch with other alumni?

I have grown really close to some of my fellow students. We see each other on a regular basis – but as friends and not as professionals.

The interviewee René Finger, graduated from the University of Liechtenstein in 2004. The institution was then known as University of Applied Sciences Liechtenstein. In 2008, he set up his own company, the «Finger Architekten sia/fsai“ (www.fingerarchitekten.ch), in St. Gallen, Switzerland.

Currently, he designs and manages the construction of a new lab at the University of Applied Sciences in Buchs, Switzerland. So far, this has been the largest project in his career as an architect.

Prior to his studies at uni.li, René did an apprenticeship as a draughtsman which he finished in 1998. During his Master degree, he spend a semester abroad at the Universidade Moderna Setubal in Portugal.