NAPOLEONSTADEL

DESCRIZIONE: This project seeks integration with the context and its distinguished elements: the park, the theatre and the extension by Günther Domenig, the...

This project seeks integration with the context and its distinguished elements: the park, the theatre and the extension by Günther Domenig, the pre-existing historical structures,... Nevertheless, it does not set itself in a composed and quiet way. It exclaims its presence through a few but significant signs/elements which are recognizable so as to recall the presence of Kartner Haus der Architektur. The choice made was to dedicate the whole pre-existing building to the "House of Architecture": exhibition rooms and offices and, move outside, the functions dedicated to reception activities (the café and its related service spaces) and the book shop – according to the indications of the call for bid -, directly connected to the main building. The café and the book shop are also usable separately from the exhibition space and for the offices of Haus der Architektur. Above all, in summer-time they can make use a of covered/open space and the whole sorrounding green area. A series of strongly distinguished elements emphasize, in the context, the presence of Haus der Architektur. They constitute the "bond", the unifying element among the single building bodies, thus creating a congruent space and architectural continuity. The historic building is brought back to its original aspect in the façade holes, redesigning the right relationship of emptiness for fullness, using glass wall on the wide false holes-windows which radically change the image of the historical façade. Inside, the same is maintained, almost in its totality, in the layout chosen by Marta and Wolfgang Gaertner with the winning project of the tender in 1989. The structural plant of the authors is re-interpreted and extended to sustain a further above ground level (which does not alter the volumetric impact of Napoleonstadel), intended for exhibition spaces, directly accessible from outside due to an "architectural" staircase and a light and transparent lift which takes one to a sort of big "prehistoric animal" made of glass and steel, which dialogues with Domenig's neighbouring building, which functions as a skylight and entrance to the exhibition pathway from above. The space currently destined as a bar, located on the ground floor; is intended as space for offices, such as its projection on the above floor, where the new conference room is obtained. Inside a double staircase has been created. It serves the extended exhibition space from one side and the zone intended for offices and conference room on the other side. The underground level maintains the pre-existing distribution and functions. The potential of space is substantially enlarged; besides the activities strictly related to Haus der Architektur, it will be able to be used for other cultural events. A glass, superelevated "bubble" is placed in the green, a few metres from Napoleonstadel. This "bubble" houses the bar, directly accessible from outside with a book shop connected to this. A steel net, a sort of light and transparent covering, connects all the building bodies of the complex, thus functioning as a distinguished and highly recognizable element. The "covered" space is outlined by a steel net so unifying the two buildings, – Napoleonstadel and the new building (the glass bubble) - widening the potentiality of use of space and allowing the creation of different events even outside. A series of neon signs (an idea of advertising which reinterprets the work by Jenny Holzer and Bruce Naumann) further highlights the presence of Haus der Architektur from both the street and theatre park. The deriving complex gives the following comparative data: the exhibition spaces go from 245,70 sq.m to 326,40 sq.m the café from 80 sq.m to 137 sq.m a 28 sq.m book shop is obtained the two offices become four and the total surface of the spaces intended for offices goes from 40,80 sq.m to 74,20 sq.m a new 42,10 sq.m conference hall is also obtained the office service spaces go from 46,70 sq.m to 56,30 sq.m Therefore the project meets all the requirements of the call for bid.