ÖBB Site Ostbahnhof, Graz, AT
2nd Prize, EU-wide, open urban planning competition
ATP architects engineers, Innsbruck was awarded 2nd prize in the open urban planning competition organized by ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG. 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.
ATP responded to the brief and to the required focus on the development of the open and publically usable spaces by proposing a base zone, which covers the entire site and acts as the integrating element for the wide range of uses. Two office buildings positioned in the particularly noisy locations at the two “ends” of this zone provide a framework for the site. This is subdivided into two plots for commercial and residential use and a further, centrally positioned, green area.
“Green lung”
The park is the heart of the project and, as a “green lung”, provides space for playgrounds, lawns, and urban gardening and, hence, a varied range of options for every age group. As a public park it is positioned to ensure that most of the apartments benefit from its high-quality green space, while the raised area of the park at the eastern end of the site also forms the private external spaces of the residential complex. The “urban mini forest” – the existing row of trees – was integrated into the concept and combines with the additional planting to form a green filter to the street. The jury particularly welcomed the way in which the base is effectively programmed to meet the needs of both businesses and consumers and hence, encourage a dynamic urban life. The residential accommodation starts at first floor level in order to ensure optimal light and sunshine for the living spaces and balconies.
