Gangoly & Kristiner Architekten

Description

The project is a reactivation of three Renaissance houses in the historic core of the Styrian town of Bad Radkersburg. The existing structure has been expanded into an event and seminar centre. The important questions in inserting a new volume into the delicate surroundings were the scale, the texture, and the functional context: The distinctly-shaped silhouette of the new building reflects the town’s grown roofscape and is clad all over in Corten – a material suitable for a historic site since its patina harmonises with the brickwork of the old roofs making the new building blend into the existing fabric. The existing inner courtyard was transformed into the central lobby – an atmospheric distributor which sustains the diversity of the venue: Each room can be booked individually and various activities can proceed at the same time, or the entire venue can host one big event. The main halls’ design reflects their different configurations: the ground-floor hall “Black Box” is an introverted space, well equipped for electronic music and theatre whereas the second floor based “White Hall” is suited for chamber music and opens towards selected views of the town.