Hannes Schienegger: Redefining Architecture Through “Intensifying Space”

How does an architect turn a simple space into something extraordinary? At BIG SEE Architecture 2024, Hannes Schienegger of Spado Architects—this year’s Grand Prix winners for their Stadel Conversion WET project – answered this question with a concept he calls intensifying space. For Schienegger and his team, architecture is not just about functionality; it’s about creating spaces that deeply resonate with their context and the people who experience them.

“Our curiosity is about the connection between people in space and the effect of space on people”
Hannes Schienegger

At the heart of Spado Architects’ philosophy is a process of asking questions. What is the true essence of the task? What does the site reveal about its past, and what could it become in the future? These inquiries guide their work, leading to designs that are not predefined but evolve from the specific challenges and opportunities of each project. For Schienegger, this process is less about solutions and more about discovery—architecture as a journey of exploration.

A key element of their work is collaboration, not only with clients but also with the site itself. Schienegger describes each location as a partner in the creative process, with its history and potential shaping the design. It’s about finding the balance between where we’ve been and where we want to go. This thoughtful approach ensures that their projects feel timeless yet forward-looking, always grounded in context and purpose.

“Our architecture arises significantly from the questioning and comprehension of the task, from the intensive occupation with the site and from the exploratory examination of the past and the future”
Hannes Schienegger

Spado Architects also embrace the advantages of staying small and focused. With a team of just eight to ten professionals, they prioritize quality and precision in every project. For them it’s not about quantity; it’s about creating projects that truly matter. This commitment allows them to remain fully engaged in every detail, ensuring that their designs reflect the philosophy of intensifying space in meaningful ways.

What sets their work apart is its dynamic, human-centered vision. Spado Architects view architecture as something that evolves alongside the people and communities it serves. Their designs—whether adaptable spaces or reimagined traditional forms—are always in dialogue with their surroundings, balancing functionality with a deeper emotional connection.
Through their philosophy of intensifying space, award winning studio Spado Architects show how thoughtful design can transcend the ordinary to elevate the human experience.