Download: 2026 Brochure

 

Appropriate Technology (AT) – Fundamentals & Practice

Solutions to Real-Life Problems

(311.066 & 311.067)

 

Subject of course

This course explores how technology can be designed to create meaningful, sustainable solutions for real-world challenges. Students are introduced to the principles of Appropriate Technology (AT) and examine how innovative approaches in sustainable building, ecological product design, and alternative energy can improve quality of life in diverse environments. Through case studies and insights from practitioners working in international development, the course connects theory with practice and highlights how technology can support social and ecological transformation — both globally and locally.

 

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Explain the core principles of Appropriate Technology and identify real-world applications in sustainable construction, ecological design, and renewable energy systems.
  • Design and evaluate sustainable technical solutions that address essential human needs such as clean water, food security, housing, energy, and access to information.
  • Critically reflect on the role of technology in society and develop their own perspective on resilient, context-sensitive innovation.
  • Produce a reflective report or essay that synthesizes and critically analyzes the key concepts, methods, and insights gained from the course (VO).
  • Communicate their ideas effectively by presenting a seminar project that shares their findings with a broader audience (UE).

 

Teaching methods

The course combines interactive lectures with discussions, practical demonstrations, and small experimental activities. Students are encouraged to actively contribute their perspectives and prior experiences, explore hands-on examples of Appropriate Technology, and engage in collaborative learning. Guest experts from technology, design, and civil society bring practical insights from current international projects, creating a dynamic link between academic concepts and real-world application.

 

Lecturers

  • Wimmer, Robert
  • Taylor, Kojo
  • Kang, Myung-Joo

 

Examination modalities

  • 50% (100% for VO): Individual report/essays depicting and proofing students’ understanding of the theory of appropriate technology in a real situation (either in German or English)
  • 50%: Group/individual presentation of case studies

 

Literature

  • No lecture notes are available.
  • References: Appropriate Technology: Tools, Choices and Implicationsby Barret Hazeltine and Christopher Bull; Capital in the 21st century by Thomas Piketty, Technology for Liberation by Willem Riedijk, and Small is beautiful by Ernst F. Schumacher.

 

Institute: E311 Institute of Production Engineering and Photonic Technologies

 

Properties

311.066

  • Semester hours: 2.0
  • Credits: 3.0
  • Type: VO
  • Format: Presence

311.067

  • Semester hours: 2.0
  • Credits: 2.0
  • Type: UE
  • Format: Presence

 

Mode of examination: Oral and written

Language: English

 

Course dates (to be held in blocked form)

Tu 5th May – Einführung (14-16 Uhr)
Do 7th May – Theorie (14-18 Uhr)
Di 12th May – S-House (10-17Uhr)
Di 19th May – Theorie (10-14 Uhr)
Do 21th May – S-House (10-17 Uhr)
Di 2nd June – Theorie Q&A (14-18 Uhr)
Mi 10th June – Präsentation (14-18 Uhr)

Contact Us:  

Phone: +43 (0)1 58801 49523

Email: contact@grat.at or kojo.taylor@tuwien.ac.at