Jane Austen and karaoke – an unusual combination? Indeed. And an extremely compelling one, at that. With Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) [German title: Stolz und Vorurteil* (*oder so) ], British author Isobel McArthur recently created a refreshing adaptation of Jane Austen’s world-famous novel for the stage in which five women give their all.

After 52 years, Film Academy Vienna is leaving this history-steeped building on Metternichgasse and moving to its new home in the Future Art Lab on the mdw Campus. Screenwriting and directing student Albert Meisl provides his own very personal look back at the history and spirit of this building.

On September 8, 2020, Europe’s largest refugee camp—Moria, situated on the Greek island of Lesbos and known as a “living hell”—was set afire. The continuous three-day blaze ultimately left the camp completely destroyed and 13,000 people in utter destitution.

Just recently, the mdw saw the establishment of “Voice Science” as a subject area in its own right with its own new career position. And this semester, three mdw students have commenced their scientific doctoral studies in the field.

How does the mdw’s new Future Art Lab sound? By what metaphors were Pichler & Traupmann guided during the design process? And how does one create the perfect symbiosis between visual and acoustic sensory qualities in such a building? A conversation with architects Christoph Pichler and Johannes Traupmann.

Rector Ulrike Sych and Vice Rector Johannes Meissl provide insights into the future of this new building from the Rectorate’s perspective, outlining the overall backstory, expectations, and possibilities.

The Future Art Lab on the University Campus offers a myriad of technical possibilities. Department heads tell us what they think of this new building—and how they’re doing with the big move that’s still underway.

Pauline Heister is the first woman to hold a professorship in Audio Engineering/Production at the mdw. She brings with her a rich body of professional experience in orchestral recording and opera broadcasting, and she now looks forward to cultivating intensified exchange between Tonmeisters and instrumentalists at the FAL.

Part of the FAL’s basement level is designed as a recording area where student Tonmeisters can practice on their instrument: the recording studio.