Uncovering
Georg Dornhofer
Tobias Gruber
Emilian Hinteregger
Dinko Jelečević
Elisabeth Koller
Ena Kukić
Bernhard Luthringshausen
Ernst Preininger
Evelyn Temmel
circa. operates in the dynamic field between research, education, and practice.
Our core team is made up of 10 young architects, spatial researchers, and educators with different specializations, cultural backgrounds, and skills. All members have several years of pedagogical experience as well as practical experience, focusing strongly on working with existing buildings and spaces. Individual members work has been awarded with both local (in different countries) and international architectural prizes, has been widely published and exhibited.
Our built environment provides space and resources—both increasingly scarce. This makes working sustainably with existing buildings more vital than ever. To do this well, we first need to truly understand them.
Rather than viewing buildings solely as numbers, materials, or isolated parts, we approach them as living cultural practices—rich with stories, qualities, and hidden potential. By focusing on these aspects, we can better care for and appreciate what already exists.
Drawing on both our pedagogical experience and practical architectural expertise in adaptive reuse, we design workshops that explore diverse ways to study and reveal the potential of existing buildings. Through drawing, model making, photography, and mapping, we investigate from multiple perspectives. This layered approach opens new viewpoints and makes the unseen visible.
By combining careful observation, analysis, and creative experimentation, we uncover opportunities that go beyond simple metrics—exploring space, context, cultural expression, and design quality. Our aim is to engage with existing buildings through curiosity and respect.
The outcomes of these workshops will be shared in a public exhibition and accompanying publication.