Narrow mindedness and large scale building
Ricarda Kohler. Bezau, Austria
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Name of work in English
Narrow mindedness and large scale building
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Name of work in original language
Architecture in the bregenzerwald - a change of perspective for necessity
Prize year
Young Talent 2023
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Work Location
Bezau, Austria
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Author/s
Ricarda Kohler
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School
Architecture and Planning - Vienna University of Technology.
Vienna, Austria
Young Talent 2023 YT Nominees
Narrow mindedness and large scale building
Architecture in the bregenzerwald - a change of perspective for necessity
Program
Collective housing
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Labels
Social · Infill
Austria's Bregenzerwald architecture is at one with contemporary design and innovative craftsmanship. Historic farms and detached houses are favored in this context. This work is a critical examination of this conventional building culture and its harmful effects. Making use of existing structures will be addressed as a potential solution.
In my design, I would like to draw attention to the fact that especially the buildings of the post-war years will be the vacant buildings of the future and that we already have to deal with what is to be done with them. I would like to show that very special architectural concepts can be generated from these very buildings, which, embedded in the cultural landscape, provide enormous added value. For example, a disused spinning mill consisting of four halls, built from the 1960s onwards, serves as a design object. Each individual hall has special qualities that are fully exploited. The design is not intended solely as a residential complex, but to represent a holistic living construct. It includes the cycle of work, leisure and living. Thus, the front part of the building conglomerate becomes a work and bathing hall. From neutral spaces that can be used as a flexible workplace to a recreational area, these two halls will be made especially accessible to the public. All usage typologies represent an enrichment for the population living there. \r\nPart of life is especially living. To generate living space without paying attention to the surroundings is not enough. It is relevant to pay attention to what do I have around where I live. Are there enough jobs, are there infrastructural networks, do I have local opportunities for leisure activities, are there facilities to take care of my children? If all this is insufficiently given, life becomes exhausting and expensive. Because as a villager you are not only dependent on a vehicle, you need a lot of time and resources for every walk of life. The two halls at the back will be turned into a residential complex. From trend-setting barrier-free apartments to very special living space, the variety and spectrum of living is shown here, especially in the existing housing stock.