Competition for ÖBB Site
2nd prize for modern quarter with a “green lung” in Graz
In the EU-wide, open urban planning competition organized by ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG ATP architects engineers, Innsbruck – amongst a total of 40 participants – convinced for the 2nd prize with the concept of a versatile quarter with a “green lung”.
The task was to remodel a former ÖBB operational building by adding a mix of retail, residential, and office uses, while paying close attention to transport and immission-related requirements.
Our concept responded to this task and to the required focus on the development of the open and publically usable spaces by proposing a base zone. This covers the entire site and acts as the integrating element for the wide range of uses. The jury particularly welcomed the highly effective idea of the base as a dynamic, urban element with a wide range of urban development possibilities. Our decision to start the residential accommodation at first floor level in order to ensure optimal light and sunshine for the living spaces and balconies was also very well received.
The “green lung” as a meeting zone
The heart of our design, which proposes two office buildings at the noisiest points on the perimeter of the block and three apartment buildings, is a large “green lung”. This provides space for lawns, playgrounds, and urban gardening. Due to its location and status as a public park, most of the apartments benefit from this greenery. The private external spaces of the residential complex form the raised area of park at the eastern end of the site. We integrated the “urban mini forest” – the existing row of trees – into the concept as a means of ensuring an excellent microclimate. These trees combine with the additional planting to form a green filter to the street. The large areas of open space and the park, with its many paths and cycleways, meet the demand for a variety of meeting and recreation zones for young and old.
