After successful completion of the course, students are able to work on complex design tasks in the field of architecture and urban planning independently, systematically and with an original, contemporary design approach based on a precise architectural language. They will have the skills to identify fields of action in the urban context and to develop appropriate urban planning solutions. The students conduct independent research and establish topic-related foundations. They will be able to create design concepts and to present them comprehensively and convincingly in the form of draft and detailed plans.

The Gateway to the Riverine Forest

Exhibition and Portal Buildings for the Danube Riverine Forest

The "Tor zur Au" (Gateway to the Riverine Forest) functions as a portal building and is a place of communication, exhibition, research and mediation. The immediate vicinity both of the national park and the region of the neighbouring communities enables the city to be connected to the countryside, but also facilitates the integration of the surrounding communities into a large, coherent natural and settlement area. Different natural areas in the municipalities thus also form gateways to nature and the landscape area of the Danube floodplain.

We want to tackle the connection of the city to the natural area. The proximity of the national park and the regional natural areas opens up an undreamt-of potential to connect everyday life with nature in order to make the quality of life, open space and landscape tangible.

The Donau-Auen National Park was founded in 1996. The entire national park covers an area of more than 9,300 hectares and is the habitat of more than 800 species of higher plants as well as more than 30 species of mammals, 100 species of birds, 8 species of reptiles, 13 species of amphibians and about 60 species of fish. In addition to the Wien-lobAu National Park House and the Schloss Orth National Park Centre on the Lower Austrian side, another entry point to the national park is now planned for AirportCity Vienna. The optimal connection to the railway network and the immediate proximity to the floodplain complement each other perfectly at this location.

Past semesters have dealt with the qualities and deficits of AirportCity in terms of urban space. In addition to the concentration of the city, we have dealt above all with spaces for encounter, culture and, in particular, with spaces for exhibitions and performances. These research results form the basis for the next step, the gateway to the floodplain forest.

In working steps, the design describes the development of spatial elements in solid construction from the wall to the room and addresses spaces of viewing and spaces of contemplation. While the exhibition space is oriented inwards, the viewing space establishes a relationship with its surroundings.

Based on an intensive spatial analysis of the location as well as research on selected examples of portal and exhibition spaces, you will develop a concept for a house that, as a gateway, is a place of exchange and mediation. Individual pavilions in the surrounding communities constitute identity features and are also gateways to the floodplain.

As a team you will develop an urban planning concept that creates a spatial connection between the city and the natural environment.

In groups, you will define an exhibition parcours that develops from the natural spaces.

In individual work you will define an exhibition and reception building that defines the gateway to the floodplain forest as a threshold space.

You will work out a selected area or section of the space down to the last detail using analogue models and drawings.

The design work is divided into sections and covers several scales.

The project is developed using physical models.

In addition, you will be supported with representations and layouts in the Graphic Design course. In PR for Architects you will learn how to publicly present your concept.

The design is integrative, with constructive deepening.

259.572 Structural design - 5 ECTS, 4h Kamyar Tavoussi

Development of the statically relevant supporting structure for one’s own design is the focus of this event. Structural variants are to be designed and examined, with the focus on questions of reinforcing, dimensioning and assembly etc.

7.10.2020          9.30h    Introduction

11.11.2020         9.30h    Presentation

9.12.2020          9.30h    Presentation

27.1.2021          9.30h    Final Presentation 

Comprehensive presentation of the project in plans, models and documentation of the project in RG dropbox, publications and exhibitions.