Contemporary arChiteCture in GrazField studies across town. Through the inner city on foot and by tram toward the west and east and south. Graz Tourismus informaTion Herrengasse 16, T +43 316 80 75-0, F DW -15
[email protected], www.graztourismus.at imprint: Responsible for content: Graz Tourismus und Stadtmarketing GmbH. Concept and text: Karin Tschavgova. Design: Graz Tourismus und Stadtmarketing GmbH, Carina Fiala. Photography: Arch. Riegler Riewe (1), Atelier Giencke (1), Krug/ Flughafen Graz (1), Robert Frankl (1), Hotel Weitzer (1), Universalmuseum Joanneum (2), Peter Blundell Jones (1), Angelo Kaunat (Cover and 17), Gerald Liebminger (2), Günther Linshalm (1), Zita Oberwalder (1), Paul Ott (25), Michael Schuster (2), Helmut Tezak (1). Translation: yplus, Graz, Printing: Druckerei Klampfer Austria-Export-Prospekt. Typesetting and printing errors excepted (2010). For ease of reading, gender-specific terms have been avoided. Nevertheless, the intent of the organiser is that masculine terms used should be interpreted as applying to both sexes. WHEN SOMEONE SAYS “A” IN GRAZ THEY MEAN ARCHITECTURE. More precisely, modern or – better – contemporary architecture. With a density that even eclipses some other European metropolises. With a variety that proves that creative artists and freethinkers are very welcome in Styria. And with a level of quality that shows at first sight that juxtaposing old and new structures is no longer a fundamental issue. Let this brochure be your guide on a tour of discovery that will take you to the most thrilling examples of contemporary architecture in Graz. Just choose from: a relaxed walk through the inner city that will also take you up on the Schlossberg hill, to the historical ‘crown of the town’ and the Stadtpark greenery. Or choose one of the three routes toward the east, west or south of the city – comfortably by tram, from the Kunsthaus in all cases. Or would you rather choose for yourself? No problem; just choose the buildings that are particularly interesting for you – and we will show you the way. from local phenomenon To inTernaTional qualiTy producT Short introduction to modern architecture in Graz Tracing a successful synthesis of old and new: Walk through the inner city Westward or “reaching” modern architecture by tram East Side Off to the south! Out of Graz Information, guided tours, recommended books 2 p 2 p 4 p 14 p 22 p 30 p 38 p 39 3 This is how this city keeps itself young and lively. Seemingly weightless.Tracing a successful synThesis of old and new. which are lit from behind by innumerable light sources. which are accessed via transverse travelators. 1 KunsThaus Gallery Lend | Suedtiroler Platz 2. Walk through the inner city 9 2 10 3 11 8 4 7 12 5 6 14 13 1 1 15 16 17 18 1 It isn’t just the gem of the almost fully preserved historical city centre that makes Graz so special – it is also down to the successful combination of old and new. the historic building of ‘Eisernes Haus’. Lendkai 1 | Peter Cook & Colin Fournier. The gallery of the vaulted top space leads to the so-called ‘needle’. Buildings charged with history and sensitively refurbished. within a very short time it became the city’s most famous building. the ‘bubble’ rests on a glass pedestal. strange structure. GB (2003) Whatever one might like to call this deep-blue. The exterior skin consists of more than a thousand curved acrylic sheets. one above the other. plus contemporary amendments – buildings that can be read as confident gestures and have been cleverly added to the cityscape. 4 5 1 . a glazed city loggia. Its belly holds two exhibition surfaces. forming a visual brace between the ‘bubble’ and the listed neighbour. all of the highest quality. but today. Szyszkowitz & Kowalski showed extreme sensitivity. having turned into extremely colourful and vital districts. bridges of fine steel-glass construction and glass-roofed courtyards form delicate links within the heterogeneous structure. 5 mursTeG Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Kai. Mariahilferplatz | Günther Domenig & Hermann Eisenköck (1992) – no illustration 6 KasTner & Öhler Sackstrasse 7-13. enriched by jovial pubs and trendy event venues. The realisation by 2010 of a spectacular roofscape. An artificial. designed by Spanish architects Nieto Sobejano. Island or ship. and indeed by the Kunsthaus with its mystical light show each evening. 6 6 7 . Its complex structure of steel tubes serves as both a vaulted roof for the café and a concave receptacle for an open-air stage. Light glass roof structures fit in confidently. Lendkai | Vito Acconci. Nieto Sobejano. The sports shop by the river shows the architects’ typical vocabulary of form: powerful sculpting. Enlivened by foreign cultures and a fresh young art scene. E (2010) 3 6 A clever expansion policy allowed the traditional department store to grow into a business empire. Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Kai | Szyszkowitz & Kowalski (1991-2003). shell-shaped island attached to the banks by means of two bridges. Lendkai | Vito Acconci. they have become part of the centre. USA (2003) Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Kai. USA (2003) In 2003 it was installed as a temporary “eye-catcher” but has now been given unlimited permission to stay. The purchase of many properties around the original building of Helmer & Fellner demanded structural renovation and the art of merging. During many years of reconstruction activities.Gries and Lend: not so long ago they were still sleepy trading districts on the west bank of the river Mur. that is the question. is a quantum leap of further expansion. playful attributes and pastose colouration. The island can deal with high water as the two bridges are attached to moveable joints and the floats are located on poles. 2 square desiGn Lendplatz | Norbert Müller (2000) – no illustration 3 rose am lend Lendplatz 41 | Innocad (2008) 4 4 murinsel island Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Kai. The underground parking garage – bright and customerfriendly – was realised largely beneath the 400 year old building of Admonter Hof. a space is created using but a few elements. It was necessary to blast 5000 cubic metres of rock out of the mountain to accommodate the most rapid aid to ascent. 8 café-Bar aiola upsTairs Schlossberg 2 | Siegfried Frank & Michael Rieper (2003) 7 9 A place of enormous urban quality was created here. the place itself has been turned unto something special. The generous space is subdivided into sought-after window seats and secluded areas by means of a lean and clear language of forms. A flat roof on slender steel supports. What more could you want? 9 schlossBerG resTauranT Schlossberg 7 | Christian Andexer & Georg Moosbrugger (2007) This restaurant was always recognisable for its exposed position. allowing inside and outside to merge. The architects reacted both to the view – the city below – and to sunlight by using glazing of full room height. 8 Tip: Check whether the folk life museum currently shows a special exhibition: www. the glazed lift. The uncovering of the remaining bastion walls reminds us of the historic soil on which we stand. had been skated around. after refurbishment. a sound-proof room of archaic ambiance that serves for events of all kinds. The effort has paid off. The building is crowned by the “Skybar” offering all-round panoramic views. Light and transparent. 10 VolKsKundemuseum (folK life museum) Paulustorgasse 11-13 | BEHF Architekten (2003) 9 For quite a while the museum.at 8 10 9 . Two of these were transformed into the “Dom im Berg” (Dome inside the mountain). The square at the foot also serves as a gateway to a widespread labyrinth of former air raid shelters. which was founded in 1913.7 lifT im BerG (lifT inside The hill) Schlossbergplatz | Reiner Schmid (1999) Thanks to new gastronomic attractions the Schlossberg or castle hill recently has become a ‘must’. which silently disappears into the floor at the push of a button. Now.museum-joanneum. This has changed since the entrance area was re-created to be more open and the exhibition surfaces more attractive. whilst bounded by a generous terrace. A visible sign of modernisation is the tube-shaped glass bridge combining the structures from different epochs into one building complex. glass frontage of room height. 10 14 11 13 . Thus the central main space of the Orangerie was clad with one and the same ornamented wallpaper pattern – ceiling. changing rooms and the floor. Walls. who refurbished this classical greenhouse and turned it into an event location. wish to put conventional points of view in question. with blurred edges. After years of throbbing vitality the building had become too small and some clever thinking was required because the general ban on construction in the Stadtpark forbade any kind of horizontal extension. brilliant white body composed of steel girders and horizontal lamellae. Brands United (2005) 12 Splitterwerk work with surfaces and patterns. castle. 14 Johan Hofgasse 4 | Claudio Silvestrin. the late-gothic spiral staircase or the old Jesuit University: each of these historical buildings of the “Crown of Graz” shows the genius of old masters. Rather confusing. and still do. builders and craftsmen. Grabner & Partner. So it was vertically extended. wall and floor fused into a golden mirror hall – flickering. Architects. all in grey. to the brilliance of this city. The contrast with the often centuriesold building substance is particularly attractive. GB (1993) 13 This men’s fashion shop is anything but blatant. The new offices on the top floor are part of a dominant. The architects. The most recent example is the adaptation of the old university in its splendid library as a prestigious event centre. Hofgasse 14 | Alfred Bramberger (2007) 11 12 Cathedral. all of them contributed. 12 oranGerie d’or Burggarten | Splitterwerk. yet as a home to avant-garde artists it is as fresh and cheeky as ever. Tip: On all the main routes through the inner city you can discover beautifully designed new shops. A widely visible sign expressing the versatility of the building. The shop designed by the renowned London architect is a solemn temple in which the art of selling is celebrated. as though cast in one mould. Clearly evident: the architect stages the space – elegantly. shelves. 13 old uniVersiTy Freiheitsplatz. with subtle use of light.11 forum sTadTparK Stadtpark 1 | Ernst Giselbrecht & Peter Zinganel (2000) As a cultural institution the Forum Stadtpark is almost venerable. altogether. mausoleum. which would cover both energy saving measures and altered functional requirements. Szyszkowitz & Kowalski (2006) Those who do not know it would never suppose a building from the 1970s lies behind the finely structured crystalline shimmering façade. The lighting arrangements are clearly finely-tuned to complement the square’s façades and paved areas. just because it is already 80 years old.15 haupTplaTz (main square) Hauptplatz | Markus Pernthaler (2002) Façades that date back to the Gothic period enclose a surface. So what was needed was not only a significant face-lift of the bank’s headquarters but also a general renovation. an altogether urban café and restaurant at the equally newly designed square. Tip: Don’t ignore the building of the Graz Stadtwerke (Graz AG). The same is true of the mobile market stalls. complemented by a new entrance for visitors. 16 herzoGhof. where not only bankers would be able to have lunch. which daily is filled with busy activity. It’s worth seeing the cunning way in which an impression of greater height was achieved by distorting the scale in the staircases. It pays to have a closer look at this jewel of modernism (architect Rambald von Steinbüchel-Rheinwall). Indeed the latter led to the installation of the “Blounge”. light-flooded zone – similar to the new entrance to the Louvre in Paris. 12 13 18 . Shifting the tram tracks at last yielded a satisfactory paved area in front of the Weikhardt watch shop. has a calming effect. Currently a gap between this square and Andreas-Hofer Platz square is being filled by a new building planned by Szyszkowitz & Kowalski architects. using steel and glass. 15 18 Joanneum renewed Neutorgasse I Arge Nieto Sobejano & eep architekten (by 2011) 2011 – a very important date for Graz: the Joanneum. apply order and zoning in order to give back to the square the full effect of its impressive triangular shape. The uniform design concept for tram shelters and kiosks. The solution by the Spanish architects makes the basement an attractive. Austria’s oldest and second largest museum will be 200 years old. This important event has precipitated not only a re-thinking of the structure of the collection but also the tendering of an international architectural competition. It was necessary to clear out. Three historical buildings from different epochs are to be brought together in a functional and architectural whole. long a particularly popular meeting point for people from Graz. GemalTes haus (painTed house) Herrengasse 3 | Hans Gangoly (2002) 16 17 17 sTeiermärKische sparKasse (BanK sTyria) Sparkassenplatz | Reiner Schmid (Bar). palatial town house. dwellings. lecture hall. D (2007) A baroque. office and bar – all in a very small space. 20 15 .WestWard or: “reaching” modern architecture by tram 24 31 25 29 30 21 27 28 22 23 19 20 26 19 By tram one can experience a representative cross section of quality construction in Graz. Tram rouTe 1 To eGGenBerG H A U P T P L AT Z S ü D T i R O L E R P L AT Z / K U N S T H A U S 19 14 BUiLDiNGS 19. Tip: Get on tram line 1 towards Eggenberg either at Graz Hauptplatz or at the Kunsthaus Graz (stop called Südtirolerplatz / Kunsthaus). 19 palais Thinnfeld. The new Haus der Architektur (House of Architecture) forms the basis and is the most public institution – it serves as a passage way. ideally inspiring an up-close discussion of architecture. A radical compromise. house of archiTecTure Mariahilferstrasse 2 | ifau & Jesko Fezer. The stops on our excursion are like pearls threaded on a string: the technical college. hospitals. exhibition space. buildings for infrastructure and leisure facilities. which was refurbished to house three mutually independent cultural institutions – above one another. Internationally – of course. fine cultural buildings. Designed by architects who read like the “Who’s Who” of the scene. reduced to a minimum of design. Living spaces with large glass surfaces and continuous balconies open up towards the garden. has become particularly popular with travellers since it was lined in a striking design by artist Peter Kogler in 2003. Before this boomerangshaped housing and office building.20 residenz “zum weissen elefanTen” (The whiTe elephanT) Südtirolerplatz 13 | Günther Domenig & Gerhard Wallner (2010) – no illustration The former headquarters of the trade unions’ association – rebuilt to become a building for living. backwardleaning skin made of reinforced plastic panels. when Graz was capital of culture. within an urban problem area. office and shop spaces. it enjoys general acceptance. 22 23 M A i N R A i LW Ay S TAT i O N 16 BUiLDiNGS 21. Its popularity was so great that it was decided by vote to let the installation remain after 2003. design Werner Aisslinger. which was allowed to stay as a monument to the 1950s. designed by Viennese architect Georg Lippert. 22. this was the location of the Graz Marienmühle mill. The rooms: minimal and stylish. flats and studios spread out over seven storeys above the ground floor. Those who cannot stay the night should visit the Espresso Bar. flats and studios. What was created here. 23 hoTel daniel Europaplatz 1 | Refurbishment. Coffee service in pastel colours – just like the nightly play of lights on the façade and its balconies. 23 17 . which are also decorated with bushes and trees. The large hall. The motto: back to retro-styling with strong 1950s designs. 22 haupTBahnhof (main railway sTaTion) Europaplatz 2-10 | Christoph Zechner & Martin Zechner (2003) 21 Since its refurbishment in technoid cool architectural language and the addition of a small shopping centre. has become a must-visit since the latest refurbishment. with the addition of a multi-storey residential block in a quiet location. This skin protects the generously designed entrances to offices. What is special is the new attic structure placed on top – a sculpture – stylish and streamlined like the body of a sports car. Offices. D (2005) This typical post-war construction. 21 rondo Marienplatz 1 | Markus Pernthaler (2008) The first thing catching one’s eye is a distinctively bent. Now all that is missing is a new development and improvement of the square in front of the station. affection even. through which the millstream runs as in the old days. has achieved a high quality of life and recreation value alongside big city flair. which we would also like to recommend to the inhabitants of Graz. 25 oBersTufenGymnasium (Grammar school) Dreierschützengasse 15 I Hans Gangoly (2002) – no illustration 24 26 fh-campus (uniVersiTy of applied sciences) Eggenberger Allee 11 | Gonçalo Byrne & Thomas Zinterl (2005) Young blood for the former industrial district! The University of Applied Sciences forms the heart of the still-young campus – the design corresponding with the language of new simplicity. pushed into the hall above the floor on both sides. 27 Bad eGGenBerG (BaThs) Janzgasse 21 | Hemma Fasch & Jakob Fuchs (2010) 26 Protection from the elements. the two building wings house wellness and bathing areas. of course. the indoor pool is reminiscent of a slightly open oyster. Its partner. The slender steel beams were preserved in the foyer. one sees a strung-out building body with a transparent base. 27 WAGNER-BiRO-STRASSE A LT E P O S T S T R A S S E JANZGASSE/EGGENBERGER BAD 18 B U i L D i N G S 24. Approaching. and yet another highlight for Graz. constitute the readily interpretable contemporary layer. shows equally little accentuation toward the north. integrative way. which serves as an airy break area. Standing at the focus. Mental work needs oxygen too. directed toward the south. whilst its rear. placed parallel. As though moving to embrace. surrounded by grandstands and decking. They house the canteen and auditorium and serve to structure the indifferent environment with a paved sun terrace and a garden with trees.24 helmuT-lisT-hall Waagner-Biro-Strasse 98a | Markus Pernthaler (2003) New life for a former locomotive assembly facility. A not altogether simple building task that was resolved in an exemplary. Massive bodies in fair-faced concrete. yet generously opening up toward the extensive grounds – this is the first impression of the newly built ‘water world’ at the traditional baths. water and plant beds designed by landscape architects “ko a la”. gently embedded in the grounds. looking from the edge of the plot by the road. which would make old and new music sound equally good. Surely a treat for body and soul. a massive twin-shell box with solid wood cladding inside. 25 BUiLDiNG 26 BUiLDiNG 27 19 . The central part of the hall was replaced by a new concert hall. Materials such as steel and glass highlight the industrial character. The requirement was to create a flexible event hall. city of architecture. is freed up by two cubes protruding cheekily out of the building body. 28 eGGenBerG palace: lapidarium and museum shop Eggenberger Allee 90 | Purpur (2004). One significant design idea behind the airy construction. Astonishing that this bizarre structure functions to this day as a dining room. 31 SCHLOSS EGGENBERG EGGENBERG/UKH 20 Tram rouTe 1 To eGGenBerG B U i L D i N G S 28. Corridors as bright as day open into friendly common rooms and lead to spacious patient accommodation with balconies. 29. is a pathway through the show on several levels. BWM Architekten (2007) Anyone heading for Eggenberg should not miss out on the wonderful palace or its extensive park. From here one can make the short trip through the vertical succession of out-patient clinics. 30 B U i L D i N G 31 21 . With cubical. a group of young architects. So the design by Purpur. Recently it gained an extra attraction: the Lapidarium. ask to be allowed in through the door to the convent. 29 29 mulTi-purpose hall of The sisTers Georgigasse 84 | Günther Domenig & Eilfried Huth (1977) Don’t be shy. a structure of organic form with ribs and wart-like projections for the lighting. wards and treatment facilities. Excellent prospects of recovery. is more than just a protective shell for the historical finds. In the internal courtyard you get to see a key construction by the ‘Graz School’ of architects. Quality demands quality. All this was guaranteed by the prize-winning architectural concept. Economy. walnut furniture free of embellishment set before classically fine silk damask. resembles the physiognomy of an animal. The multi-storey hall and cafeteria. resembles a high-class hotel lobby. stretching between shape-determining panels and transparent boundaries. Even the entrance area allows worries to be forgotten. greater efficiency in operation and hotel quality not only for private patients. clear and well-arranged – this is how the palace’s museum shop by BWM Architekten presents itself. still with original furniture and still popular. This forms the centre of the cross-shaped complex. 30 former Teacher TraininG academy Georgigasse 85-89 I Günther Domenig & Eilfried Huth (1969) – no illustration 28 28 31 landesKranKenhaus Graz wesT (proVincial hospiTal) Göstinger Strasse 22 | Arge Domenig – Eisenköck – Gruber (2002) In synergy with the accident & emergency hospital to which it is physically connected. The multi-purpose hall. flooded with light. a repository of one of the largest collections of Roman stone artefacts in Austria. A lack of experience in the use of compacting shotcrete made the subsequent encasement in galvanised steel necessary. the hospital expresses all the qualities for which the operator was striving. buildings developed principally from their interior spaces. a monochrome metal mesh. a massive concrete core with a complicated shape running through both floors.East sidE Crowds of students. mansion district and the green valley towards Mariatrost 39 40 41 42 43 38 36 37 35 34 33 32 That modern architecture in Graz enjoys such a good reputation has for a long time been attributable to two main pillars: residential and university construction.makes you dizzy! Tram rouTe 1 To mariaTrosT H A U P T P L AT Z 32 L i C H T E N F E L S G A S S E / K U N S T U N i v E R S i TÄT 22 B U i L D i N G 32 23 . Numerous new buildings for teaching today colour the city just as indelibly as the approximately 40. the interior – wow! Flooded with light. Graz has long since shed its image as Austria’s “Pensionopolis”. the main foyer in front of the large theatre on the upper floor is dominated by the so-called “Twist”.000 students from three universities and two universities of applied sciences. 32 mumuTh – house of music and musical TheaTre Lichtenfelsgasse 14 | UNStudio – Ben van Berkel. NL (2008) 32 A notable architectural critic once noted that Ben van Berkel’s spectacular Mercedes Museum in Stuttgart showed similarities to High Baroque architecture. Back then. conveys students and visitors up and down and . It supports the main joists. the long-anticipated new theatre for rehearsals and performances for the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz. The same is true of MUMUTH. and their exterior aspect was simple. The shell. Great size requires clear rules – so a 300m long. one of the most beautiful avenues in Graz. was intended as screening for the offices. set at garden level.Riewe (2003) Handke. 34 MERANGASSE REiTERKASERNE 24 B U i L D i N G S 33. independent of the pursuit of literature. the way the great old master of the “Graz school” and his partner executed the gigantic programme to accommodate the 14. long since used for residential purposes – mainly opportunistically – was converted to new usage as teaching and rehearsal space for the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz. The carefully renovated city-centre palatial building. The minimalist pavilion with large. with its library. is the “Werkbundhaus” (number 31). a separate gateway structure was erected. Bauer. Roth. offers a view of the small park.000 students at the faculties of law. A 1970s-style café has been built on top of it (design: Innocad). exhibition areas and offices. nevertheless allowing (judge for yourself here) an unhindered view of street life from within. for apartments and a café. gained a complementary construction in its interior courtyard. 34 caValry BarracKs Leonhardstrasse 82-84 | Sepp Hohensinn (2007) 33 A former barracks. 35 resowi faculTies Universitätsstrasse 15 | Günther Domenig & Hermann Eisenköck (1996) The university as a machine. orthogonal block was planned as the backbone. Its somewhat rigid-looking aspect from the street. But variation creates excitement – in this case through lecture theatres. Replacing the fencing along the street. A new presentation hall. Refreshingly unacademic. Frischmuth. social science and business studies. 35 Tip: Not to be missed on the way from ReSoWi to the glasshouses and on Schubertstrasse. complete with metal trellis. Built in 1928 as an exemplar of progressive accommodation and presented as a show home with interior furnishing. the cafeteria and the library as independent elements of highly sculpted form. 35 B U i L D i N G 34 25 . covered terrace forms an intimate retreat. Exemplary. Attached or – wham! – shoved into the main shape. The Literaturhaus offers a stage not only to local writers but also to the “who’s who” of German-speaking authors – with delightful regularity.33 museum of conTemporary German liTeraTure Elisabethstrasse 30 | Riegler. Giselbrecht. Klaus Kada was commissioned to plan an extension. 38 B U i L D i N G 36 27 . Giencke applies knowledge and creativity: to the supporting framework. No wonder these buildings have been presented in all of the architectural magazines of significance throughout the world. separate structure for the research laboratories. Auenbruggerplatz | several architects Exploring the extensive parkland site of the provincial hospital one can see how an exemplary construction of the early 20th century was able to become an architectural showpiece project of the 21st century. Those who wish to enjoy the delights of nature can stroll around the lake or go skating. It preserves the clear view of level ground in the garden. Beautifully contrived.36 landesKranKenhaus (proVincial hospiTal) Riesstrasse. set amongst flowers and lush greenery. 38 38 Tip: Take a break at the Hilmteichschlössl café. which “strictly speaking is based on strict geometry” (Friedrich Achleitner). this apparently organic form. depending on the season. a search for dematerialisation and the stage management of nature. to the curved acrylic window elements with their ideal light incidence and to the layout of routes that allows different viewpoints and turns a walk between the plants into a real experience. Zernig and others. a highly efficient parabolic arc of aluminium. You can purchase anything from plants to garden shears. was bursting at the seams. 37 insTiTuTe of planT physioloGy Schubertstrasse 51 | Klaus Kada (1998) 36 Once the stately Wilhelminian villa. Holteigasse 6 | Volker Giencke (1995) Architects’ burning interest in innovative technologies corresponds with the experience that the story of the glasshouses is characterised by venturous design. The system of Art-Nouveau pavilion buildings around the main avenue has enabled step-by-step fill-in to this day – with plenty of new constructions by Croce-Klug.4 metres without supports. curves elegantly round the sequoia and ginko trees and stands as a masterpiece of structural engineering – 36. Team A. accommodating teaching and research. His trick: dividing construction into an extension and a graceful. The curved bridge connecting the two achieves plenty. His appointment guaranteed not only the greatest possible care regarding the protected botanical garden but also unconventional architecture. Windbichler. 37 LENAUGASSE HiLMTEiCH 26 B U i L D i N G S 37. 38 Glasshouses in The BoTanical Garden Schubertstrasse 59. In between is green shared between all of the apartments. As developers. A long. Above two storeys there are penthouses distributed individually like “ridge turrets”. each containing seven apartments. protected green yards. the architects managed the marketing too. 43 residenTial complex aT mariaTrosT Kirchbergstrasse 4 a-h | Ernst Giselbrecht (2006) The basilica. A total of 27 apartments of the best terraced housing quality extending over three floors. 42 Tannhof i and ii Tannhofweg 8-26 | Hubert Riess (1988. the white colour and generous provision for daylight are all clear references to modernism. communal facilities. All this without causing a stir and without involved frippery. narrow construction was chosen for the flatter part of the plot in the form of a plateau above the access. 4 0 BUiLDiNG 41 BUiLDiNG 42 BUiLDiNG 43 29 .From the Hilmteich lake by tram through the valley of Mariatrost. simply beautiful. which accommodates the construction of two different building typologies. And they were successful. atmospheric. sloping site and fields determined the design. 57 | Pentaplan (1999) 43 This residential building is a rarity from a time of chill wind blowing in the faces of architects at large. individual apartment entrances and keeping cars out on the periphery of the settlement. Established. 39 KernhaussiedlunG seTTlemenT Rettenbacher Strasse 5 a-i | Gruppe 3 (1984) – no illustration 40 reTTenBach residenTial complex Rettenbacher Strasse 3 a-f | Bernhard Hafner (1989) – no illustration 41 Tiefes haus (deep house) Teichhofweg 7-55. then inviting one to take a rest at the end of the steep climb to the basilica. Refined in terms of material and execution. The second construction on the slope consists of four individual tall buildings. crowned by an atrium on the roof into which no one can look from outside. Onward on a journey through time that offers a cross section of local capability in apartment block construction. The clarity and strictness of the buildings. RETTENBACH TEiCHHOF 41 TA N N H O F M A R i AT R O S T 28 Tram rouTe 1 To mariaTrosT B U i L D i N G S 39. 1990) 42 41 How does one create the ideal residential environment? Through subdivision into small units. thanks to hundreds of individual points of light. residential districts. 44 47 45 46 50 48 49 51 52 44 53 55 54 44 JaKominiplaTz Jakominiplatz | Jörg and Ingrid Mayr. Whatever the level of disagreement may be over the functionality and design of this public transport hub .Off tO the sOuth! Variety – suburbs. the trade fair and industrial areas. It’s not to everyone’s liking.in the night time. Johannes Fiedler (1996) Move along! It has the highest through flow of pedestrians (and passengers) and is one of the first squares in Graz to have been treated to a new outfit. Tram rouTe 4 To lieBenau/murparK H A U P T P L AT Z 44 J A K O M i N i P L AT Z 30 BUiLDiNG 44 31 . it radiates big city flair. In the interior courtyard.45 auGarTen hoTel Schönaugasse 53 | Günther Domenig & Gerhard Wallner (2000) What to do. An indoor swimming pool. unconventional building without a conventional roof. 45 47 47 children’s museum Friedrichgasse 34 | Hemma Fasch & Jakob Fuchs (2003) It is both a place to experience and a space for activity. 46. Tip: Want to get away from the hustle and bustle for a short while? A walk amongst the greenery makes a change and gives you a chance to recover. The Augarten park is as richly diverse as its visitors. garages and apartments are gutted. The building is set fairly low and thus nicely ensconced between the trees. The outdoor character of access routes continues with the access balconies. Thus. A sloping floor. ramps and a bridge connect several levels to form a multi-layered spatial continuum with moveable walls. Hotel and restaurant / administration were divided into two buildings. exquisite furnishings and large number of works of art compensate for the sparing use of space. comprehensively restored and rebuilt with new apartment floors. Not least because of the singular grey colour. the building itself becomes an instructive example of architectural quality. 46 BrocKmannGasse residenTial consTrucTion Schönaugasse 54a-b. And this. unified by a delicately designed outdoor area. offer a view out into the park. quite incidentally. a dynamic structure tailor-made to suit the requirements of its small users. 47 33 . Brockmanngasse 102 | Innocad (2006) 46 This is how modern residential space can be created: Wilhelminian style buildings surrounding a block and including workshops. of sculpted form in a contemporary tectonic interpretation. Space to move is taken literally here. A refreshing. It uses the advantages – and is oriented to the south. old and new merge into a green idyll. even though there was absolutely no attempt to pay lip service to the existing buildings. Also suitable for children are the low-set strip windows which. FiNANZAMT 47 32 BUiLDiNGS 45. It reacts to the surroundings and existing buildings. this yields a harmonious whole. nevertheless appearing confidently different. towards which most of the terraces and balconies face. when lying on the tummy. when faced with the challenge of building a “top class hotel” on a difficult site amongst highly heterogeneous surroundings? The architects delivered a tailor-made concept. and it is home to an architectural one-off: a building just for children. stairs. exquisite feeling for colour. In evidence is the experienced handling of high-quality materials.48 sTadThalle (eVenT hall) Messeplatz 1 | Klaus Kada (2002) A new centre on the axis from Jakominiplatz to the stadium. stretching out over the street. Though built onto the latter. Strictly demarcated zones for cashiers. with uncompromised visibility from the south.Riewe (2000) 49 51 residenTial consTrucTion. 51. carl-spiTzweG-Gasse Otto-Loewi-Gasse 18-42 | Volker Giencke (1993) 52 TerrassenhaussiedlunG residenTial complex St. 50 insTiTuTe for informaTion TechnoloGy. Enough superlatives? No doubt about it. was to give a signal visible from afar and marking urban fill-in. Its supports are more than one storey high. each 18 metres high. he was looking for challenges in terms of design and form. The desired effect: distinguished reserve through reduction. A prime feature is the building’s double skin. Quality is in evidence in the foyers. has an undecorated and functional appearance. Its imposing roof. open over the entire width of the hall onto the trade fair park. that was Klaus Kada’s dream as he designed this multi-functional hall. 52 35 . it holds back from the obvious linear projection. cloakrooms and access regulate the urgent flow of visitors and help with orientation. The new building. leaving the Stadthalle. who doesn’t want to steal the show from the Stadthalle.Riewe (2008) 48 A discreet neighbour. Peter-Hauptstrasse 29-35 | Werkgruppe Graz (1978) – no illustration 50 51 S TA D T H A L L E 34 BUiLDiNGS 48. which was there first. The roof of the 6500 m2 hall stands on just four massive steel-reinforced concrete supports and is cantilevered 46 metres out over the forecourt. 11 rotating gates. its area is equal to that of the plots for 15 detached houses. 50. Simple hall construction was too little for the architect. bestquality detailing. Graz uniVersiTy of TechnoloGy Inffeldgasse 16 | Riegler. a centre it is. 49. 49 messehalle (eVenT hall) Messeplatz 1 | Riegler. with two halls arranged one above the other. Hidden away between the walls encasing the interior and the façade of matt-reflective expanded metal before them are emergency staircases and lifts. As an 18storey cylindrical construction it would have been the glorious “highlight” and conclusion of the axis from the centre to the southern outlying district.. Unquestionably enriching the outskirts. It sets it in a building – not somehow as content. rented office space and a restaurant – together with generous foyers. An elegant shell of black glass enclosing the company’s headquarters. the shortened version. cantilevered roof arcs. So an office tower was added to the side of the outwardly apparently closed oval with its light. 54 office and commercial BuildinG Liebenauer Tangente 4-6 | gs architects with Michael Gattermeyer (2010) 53 A business stages its corporate philosophy. 55 froG queen office BuildinG Liebenauer Hauptstrasse 82c | Splitterwerk (2007) 55 55 The unusual name of these headquarters for a company of test engineers can be traced to the architects’ oeuvre. terraces and interior courtyards. 55 BUiLDiNG 54 37 . the stadium in Graz-Liebenau was to be more than just a place sitting isolated on the edge of town and visited on but a few days each year. but rather as a dynamically moving silhouette. as the façade’s shades of grey become raster points. The intention is to tease. not forgetting the wallpaper with landscape scenes that turn all the outer walls into works of art. There is central access to minimised functional rooms – offices that receive their light from several individual windows at differing heights and positions. With the stadium and an office and commercial building marking the corner by the crossroads. Imposing nevertheless. It starts during approach. emerging as ornamentation by machine parts. This leads directly into a multi-storey reception hall in which the walls. Would have been! – Because construction was only allowed to half that height. An impressive building as entrée to the city. floors and parapets are coated in homogeneous silver. It has nothing to do with frogs. Oh yes. All that’s missing is the smell of fresh hay. it now stands as an ensemble.L i S T E R G A S S E LiEBENAU/MURPARK 36 Tram rouTe 4 To lieBenau/murparK B U i L D i N G 53. It continues with an entrance. an opening in the facade leading directly into a lift.53 sTadion Stadionplatz 1 | Team A Graz (1997) From the very start. 54 L i E B E N A U S TA D i O N D R . as manifestation of urbanity. water basins in geometric precision. ISBN 3-901174-36-2 (English/German supplement) 56 airporT Graz-Thalerhof Feldkirchen bei Graz | Riegler.net 39 38 . slants and troughs form an artificial landscape. a puzzling place full of poetry. archiTecTure Graz sTyria yearBooK 2008/2009. They unfolded a significantly curved freely cantilevering roof reminiscent of a wing over the old and the new part.gat. For more in-depth information please refer to the following publications. Guided Tours ‘modern archiTecTure’: haus der archiTeKTur vermittlung@hda-graz. which is completed by numerous large sculptures and Land Art objects. 2000) Only a stone’s throw from the airport – the sculpture park. Published by Haus der Architektur 2009. 57 sculpTure parK Unterpremstätten. available in bookshops: 57 archiTeKTur_Graz – posiTionen im sTadTraum. miT schwerpunKT aB 1990.at General Austrian architectural archive recommended BooKs: This brochure shows a small selection of examples of contemporary architecture in Graz. www.nextroom. Artificial hills with precisely drawn ridge lines.at.at Member of www.hda-graz. Published by Haus der Architektur 2003 ISBN 987-3-901174-67-4 (English edition) ISBN 978-3-901174-66-7 (German edition) of people and houses.at archiTeKTouren-Graz office@architektouren-graz. archiTecTure from sTyria.st Styrian internet portal for architecture and living space 56 http://www.guiding-architects. www.at. surrounded by an embankment overgrown with grass. Peter Zinganel (architecture. New Graz Architecture Published by HDA 2000.Riewe (1994). Thalerhoferstrasse 85 | Dieter Kienast (1999). which was given the functional elegance required for a cosmopolitan city like Graz with the first extension in 1994.architektouren-graz. Pittino & Ortner (2nd extension 2005) Once a critic wrote “if one should fly it should be from here” – referring to Graz airport. 2nd edition.Out Of Graz Because building culture does not stop at the citylimits more informaTion on BuildinGs and archiTecTs: http://www. ISBN 978-3-901174-71-1 (English/German) peTer Blundell Jones. Pittino & Ortner followed ten years later continuing the extension. dialoGs in Time.