1st Place

Vienna

Overview of submitted design briefs

• Design brief: "Arrival Building"
• Design brief: "Roll Call Square"
• Design brief: "Architectural Concept ans Open Space Design"
• Design brief: "Room of Silence" 
• Design brief: "Semantic Link Gusen – St. Georgen"
• Explanatory texts

Competition project team:

• Julia Hosner
• Michael Voit
• Johanna Sieberer
• Catherine Zesch

Participating consultants:

• Kieran Fraser Landscape Design e.U.
• Sabine Dreher (Liquid Frontiers)
• Peter Sandbichler
• L-Bau-Engineering GmbH
• TB Obkircher OG
• Werkraum Ingenieure ZT GmbH

Jury evaluation

The project addresses the key aspects of the master plan for the redesign of the Gusen Memorial and offers appropriate architectural, urban planning and landscape design solutions. These include the layout of paths, attention to vantage points and visual axes, and the functionality of the new arrival building and the ‘Room of Silence’.

The project-specific recommendations from the first stage were largely taken into account.

Architectural and artistic solution

The design does not seek to radically transform the site but instead works sensitively with what already exists. The architectural concept and the design for the open-air areas respond to the existing structures and aim to highlight the historical traces of the site for visitors through carefully-considered interventions. The historical fragments are linked via a circular tour and the different sites are woven into a ‘networked landscape of memory’ through visual connections.

The archaeological and structural remains are preserved and made accessible through a Path of Remembrance, designed as a continuous and legible ribbon integrated into the landscape. A concrete wall along the property on the eastern boundary forms a clear border and provides an effective visual barrier from the adjacent commercial area. The choice of concrete establishes a close connection to the Gusen Memorial and thus honours the commitment of the survivors. The use of the colour red clearly distinguishes new elements from the historical structures.

The design for the ‘Room of Silence’ is compelling: a delicate sculptural form that creates a fluid transition between interior and exterior, interacting with the surrounding nature and changing seasons. It offers an innovative and distinct concept for a special contemplative space.

Urban planning solution

The narrative arc, which unfolds through changes in height, develops naturally from the existing topography and planned visitor route. The ascending and descending pathways effectively frame and support significant visual connections.

The arrival building is easy to locate, blends in with the natural terrain, and is clearly differentiated from the SS barracks through its choice of material. It forms an essential part of the visitor pathway. An atrium serves as a gathering point for groups and marks the beginning of the Path of Remembrance. The elongated form of the building accommodates staff parking along the edge of the site. With its living roof, it harmonises well with the landscape.

The semantic link not only draws on the remains of the narrow-gauge railway, but also provides an opportunity to highlight further sections of track linking the memorial sites. The design develops a clear symbolism based on the motif of the railway sleeper, which is subtle yet clearly visible in the terrain. In St. Georgen an der Gusen, the semantic link is used effectively, with the actual layout of the Bergkristall tunnel complex recreated on the ground by a system of paths. The concept strikes the right balance between making historical remains visible and implementing targeted architectural interventions. On the one hand these establish Gusen as a stand-alone memorial site and, on the other, they create clear architectural references to the other memorial sites.

Functional solution

The pathway at Langenstein I serves multiple purposes: it allows for interpretive content and creates spatial opportunities. The inclusion of weather-protected rest areas should be considered.

The Langenstein II site is divided into three zones with clear purposes: a functional mobility area, an zone offering privacy to local residents, and the existing memorial. Repeating design elements tie the three memorial site together.

Sustainability and energy efficiency

The plans and texts contain no statement on sustainability. This issue should be addressed in greater depth during the negotiation process.

Cost estimate

The submitted cost estimate is plausible and transparent. The costs fall below the specified budget. Since the estimated costs are close to the upper budget limit, an in-depth cost review will be required during the negotiation process.

Implementation stages

The implementation phases are set out in a plausible manner and fit within the specified time frame.