3rd Place

HOFRICHTER-RITTER Architekten ZT GmbH

Graz

Overview of submitted design briefs

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

Competition project team:

• Frederik Baldasty
• Gerhard Schweitzer
• Franz Stiegler
• Christian Rauch

Participating consultants:

• Bildermehr, Renderings, Paul Frick
• Ausstellungsconsulting, Richard Dank
• Peter Mandl ZT GmbH, Martin Stampfl
• freiland Umweltconsulting ZT GmbH Matthias Schuster und Katarzyna Theissl

Jury evaluation

The overall concept of a ‘rift in space and time’ is cohesive and strongly articulated through the proposed sheet pile walls. The project initially presents a very clear urban design approach. A continuous, solid wall along the boundary establishes thematic continuity across the site. The flexible path encourages individual exploration of the site, which is appropriate. Visual axes specified in the master plan have been incorporated.

The arrival building serves as the starting point for the overall concept, the conclusion of which also incorporates the semantic link. The various rest areas on the site are well positioned an thought through. However, upon closer inspection, the content-related and architectural interventions raise concerns. The spatial relationship between the SS barracks and the new arrival building obscures the entrance situation.

The roll call square design still appears overly ambitious, and is viewed sceptically especially in the area of the former kitchen. Similarly, the underground ‘Room of Silence’, along with retreat areas and individual alcoves in what is effectively a passageway, failed to convince the jury.

The use of ‘sheet pile walls’ as a primary material was a point of contention among the jury. While the material’s reference to fragility, impermanence and industrial character is conceptually valid, its dominant presence due to its formal characteristics is viewed with great criticism. Although in certain areas, such as the arrival building, the choice of material gives rise to compelling atmospheric effects, its overstated presence across the entire site is considered excessive. The same applies to the design for St. Georgen an der Gusen, where the same motif of the sheet pile wall is extended.

Overall, the project is worthy of discussion but does not fully convince as a cohesive solution.

Architectural and artistic solution

As described above, the project is convincing in parts but fragmented overall. Its impact relies heavily on the overwhelming presence of the huge metal wall.

Urban planning solution

The design of the arrival building creates new spatial configurations that fail to convince. The relationship between the two former SS barracks and the surrounding open space remains unresolved.

Functional solution

The floor plan of the arrival building lacks clarity. The placement of workspaces deep within the building, relying on an atrium for light, was criticised by users. As previously noted, the ‘Room of Silence’ likewise fails to be convincing.

The narrow paths in some areas are not ideal for groups. The semantic link, which uses glass panels, is also met with criticism.

Sustainability and energy efficiency

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

Cost estimate

The submitted cost estimate is plausible and transparent. The estimated costs fall below the specified budget. The cost estimates would need to be further refined during the negotiation process.

Implementation stages

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