Gusen

Recognition

mia2 Architektur ZT GmbH / DI Isolde Rajek, rajek barosch landschaftsarchitektur

Linz / Vienna

 

Overview of submitted design briefs

 

Competition project team:

  • Christian Stelzer
  • Petra Rager
  • Askar Daurbekov
  • Aron Seereiter
  • Constantin Nusser

 

Participating consultants:

  • pbp Architekten Patzelt Barth + Partner zt-gmbh
  • Dipl.Ing. Helmut Schiebel Ziviltechniker Ges.m.b.H.

 

Jury evaluation

The jury found the project’s response to recommendations for developing the proposal unconvincing.

 

Architectural and artistic solution

The use of hedges to outline barracks in the roll call square area does not reflect their actual historical locations. This distorts and obscures the historical situation. In addition, all vegetation is removed (keyword: ‘preserving nature’).

Highlighting historical structural elements on the roll call square by embedding stone slabs into the ground is not considered an adequate approach.

In general, the ‘Wall of Remembrance’ is viewed positively but in its planned form, the gesture appears excessive.

 

Urban planning solution

The pergola linking the arrival building and former SS barracks provides weather protection but obscures the spatial relationships. In conjunction with the pergola on the street side, the ‘Wall of Remembrance’ creates an undesirable visual barrier (screen) to public areas.

The overarching ‘3 spaces’ concept failed to convince because in terms of the overall effect, the relationship between the spaces was too weak.

 

Functional solution

While the ‘Room of Silence’ has been redesigned in response to criticism in the first stage of the competition, it still fails to fulfil its purpose as a space for retreat and contemplation. The organic shape of the building is more likely to distract than to encourage contemplation.

On a positive note, access for emergency vehicles has been taken into account in the design.

 

Sustainability and energy efficiency

The plans and texts contain no statement on sustainability.

 

Cost estimate

The submitted cost estimate is plausible and transparent. The estimated costs fall below the specified budget.

 

Implementation stages

The implementation phases are missing in the proposal. This is attributed in the text to a lack of key specifications on the part of the client.