Elvis Icanovic
Category: Public building
Name of University/College: TU Graz
Specialization: Architecture
Year of graduation: 2021
urban planning
From an urban planning perspective, the project is a cube on a plinth that is pushed out of the terrain. The roof level of the plinth functions as an extension of public space (park / public plaza). From the ground-level public plaza in the north, the visitor is led to the main entrance, which is located on the north side of the cube.
concept
Upon taking a closer look, the building reveals itself to be far more complex than initially expected. Boxes, well-dimensioned corresponding to the functions within, are stacked and enclosed in a hull creating the external shape of a square cuboid. Between these boxes a loosened-up space with exciting visual relationships is formed. Furthermore gaps are generated on the facade, so that the boxes appear to be floating. This also enables light to soak deep into the building.
The plinth absorbs a large part of the functions allowing the building to offer all the desired functions while keeping the cube at a reasonable size compared to the surrounding urban scale. Additionally it creates a platform on which the “cube” is displayed, and thus becomes a tool to draw attention to the architectural highlight that is the cube. A symbiotic relationship fueled by contrast.
program
Different sports and cultural functions are offered in the individual boxes. Concerning sports, a most versatile offer and concerning culture, a most flexible space was our objective.