After successful completion of the course, students are able to deal creatively with historical buildings, because all design work on protected structures requires specific expertise and appropriate strategies. This course offers students the opportunity to study the manifold requirements that are needed to conserve, restore, renovate and administrate a historic monument.
Broadcasting station Bisamberg
The history of Austrian broadcasting began in Vienna in the 1920s with the establishment of low-power transmitters that supplied the capital with radio. However, the steadily growing demand for broadcasting in the rest of the country called for the construction of increasingly more powerful transmitters. Thus, on May 28, 1933, Austria's first large-scale medium-wave transmitter with a power of 100 kW was put into operation at Bisamberg, northwest of Vienna. The highly innovative transmitter facility consisted of a 130 m high transmitter mast and a 115 m high reflector mast, which made it possible to broadcast the radio signal even across national borders, an operations building, and a residential building. Both structures were built in the international style under the direction of architects Arthur Swoboda and Gustav Orglmeister.
On April 13, 1945, the Bisamberg transmitter was blown up by the retreating SS troops. This resulted in the complete destruction of both antennas and the transmitter building. Only the diesel power station was saved by the station's employees.
After the conclusion of the State Treaty, the rebuilding of the large transmitter could be started. On August 17, 1959, the new facility was finally put into operation. It now consisted of a newly erected transmitter control center, the preserved diesel hall and residential buildings, and two new antennas (265 m and 120 m high). The taller mast was the tallest structure in Austria until it was blown up in 2010.
In the second half of the 20th century, the transmitter on Bisamberg played a central role in Austrian broadcasting. However, the loss of importance of medium-wave broadcasting led to the discontinuation of operation of this facility by the operating company ORS on December 31, 2008. On February 24, 2010, both transmission towers were blown up due to excessive maintenance costs. Thus, the listed building complex lost its original function forever.
Despite being unused for many years, the remaining buildings of the former transmitter, including the equipment, are in good condition. Nevertheless, finding an adequate subsequent use for these buildings is of great importance. Only in this way can they continue to be preserved as witnesses to the history of Austrian broadcasting. This is the central task we are facing with the tour design studio. A conversion of the existing buildings that is compatible with the preservation of historical monuments, clever structural additions, and a considered redesign of the surrounding area should make this possible.
Excursion: Two one-day trips to the Bisamberg transmitter will allow us to work directly on the object.
The course will be held with the assistance of Dipl. Ing. Oliver Schreiber (Federal Monuments Office, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Public Service and Sports).
Introductory meeting: Tuesday 12.10.2021, 09:00; HS 15
Course dates: every Tuesday between 9:00 and 13:00, Sem 257 or online
Application via application pool on TISS.
Application procedure: a letter of motivation (approx. half a DIN A4 page) as a part of the portfolio or by e-mail to dimitri.egorov@tuwien.ac.at
This design studio is linked to the course 251.687 "excursion monument preservation".
