Wiener Neustadt University of Applied Sciences

Project data

Year

Status

Awards / Phase

2.2nd place

Type

Size 
10.000 m2

47.8144, 16.2474

Renovation, Conversion and Extension of the Carmelite Monastery Wiener Neustadt

2nd Prize, Architecture Competition, 2015

Design Idea

The proposed architectural solution is largely determined by the historical and spatial examination of the existing monastery complex. This was the only way to ensure that the complete building structure could be integrated as sensibly as possible into the overall solution for a modern FH campus. The additional rooms to be created do not exist "independently" or "next to" the former monastery, but only function in interaction.

The complex initial situation, with the historically determined overlapping of different parts of the building and the scattered possibilities for an expandability, was reacted to by overlapping old and new and a targeted adaptation of the Carmelite monastery in a few, but effective, areas. The site plan and the figure-ground illustrate the concept of targeted interventions and overlapments, which can be seen in the complex itself in a sequence of different room sequences.

Architectural Concept

In view of the access situation from the west, as the only sensible functional solution, the existing corridor zone in the southern connection to the nave is defined as the main access axis on the ground floor and on the first floor. It connects all essential areas of the campus.

As an essential new element in the cityscape of Wiener Neustadt, the entrance situation is defined by a cantilevered building component, which reaches up to Schlögelgasse and thus fits into the system of street fronts of the adjacent buildings. The insertion of the building structure will frame the square in front of the church and mark the entrance to the existing development axis.

The most important change within the monastery complex is the restoration of the former cloister. In close coordination with the Federal Office for the Protection of Monuments, the west wing is to be restored to its original appearance, retaining the façade and the possibly baroque roof truss, without the subsequently inserted intermediate ceiling (see fig. 1 Bauhistorische Untersuchung Stellungnahme Westtrakt: „Durchschnid“ und „Prospectus des ehemaligen Karmeliterkloster ün W: Neistadt“ Ende 18. Jh.). By a punctual breakthrough to the north to the main development axis, a ring development on the ground floor level is created. Towards the courtyard, the west wing is supplemented by an attached brace in its development function by workplaces of the administration (two-storey development in the sense of a built-in bridge).

The main movement axis is completed by a new building on the east side in the garden, which represents a punctual setting of a new architectural theme according to the strategies of "extension" / "appending" (for the west wing) or linear continuation (new entrance wing along the development axis). At the same time, the interior design of this building represents a conscious reference to the free arrangement of different functions and areas within a defined area; as can also be found in the plans of historical European monasteries (see, for example, Idealplan der Klosteranlage St. Gallen). Each level of the five-storey building is a variation on the theme of openness (= movement / communication) and unity (= intensive teaching / lectures/ isolated group work). The individual levels are linked together via multi-storey air spaces in the area of the development and in the areas for open learning to form a multi-purpose learning and study landscape.

With regard to future developments of the still existing hospital, the site to the north (including the rescue access road), which was also proposed by the awarding authority, remains undeveloped. In order not to come into conflict with subsequent use concepts and possible new buildings on the site from the outset, it is proposed to use this area exclusively with parking spaces or to plant a row of trees adjoining the campus site to the north.

With regard to strategic considerations for future developments of the campus, it should also be mentioned that the situation on the east side of the garden offers space for a possible extension with a similarly large building (cluster system).

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