About SPENI
The Speculative Engineering Institute (SPENI) studies emergent relationships between material, technology and construction in architecture and building. We understand the twin imperatives of the digital turn and the Bauwende as our mandate to seek circular and sustainable solutions in the built environment.
Linking hybrid methods and practices from design and engineering, SPENI explores, develops and probes experimental, interdisciplinary and practice-based formats on all scales – from material-driven assemblies to prototypical production processes and the fabrication of spatial demonstrators and innovations of resource and value chains. With a strong interest in social relevance and future applications, SPENI integrates craft traditions, cultural techniques and digital technologies in teaching and research with diverse partners in business and industry.
Since its founding in 2024 by Frank Bauer and Markus Lager, SPENI functions as a collective and participatory structure which could not function without its exceptional team. Across all hierarchies, it enables its members and collaborators on all stages of education to engage and inspire.
Ever since, SPENI has oriented its work around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals — in research, teaching, and across our ongoing collaborations and transfer activities. Within the sustainability agenda of our university and our many partners, we seek dialogue and exchange with the next generation of architects. Particular relevance attaches to goals "4 Quality Education", "5 Gender Equality", "9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure", "11 Sustainable Cities and Communities", "12 Responsible Consumption and Production", and "13 Climate Action" — though the alignment of individual projects varies depending on their specific focus and scope.