River and Rocks

Bachelor-Studio” Besucherzentrum Nationalpark Gesäuse“ SS2014 – Vienna University of Technology

CONCEPT
Based on the research of old myths and legends of the Gesäuse National Park, the building should refer to the spirit and atmosphere of the surrounding (Genius Loci). The building communicates with the surrounding and learns from the existing nature. The design concept is inspired by the creative power of the river that forms the valley and seeks a path through the mountains. The river and mountains are transferred to the building, creating new concepts for spaces, access, functions and forms.

SITE SELECTION
The location is chosen so that the building is located directly at the entrance  to the  Gesäuse National Park (above the river). As both the river and the mountains meet on a narrow place, the perception is especially concentrated.

SPACE PROGRAMM AND ACCESS CONCEPT
The river-complex (middle building) serves as the main access system, inspired by the fact, that the infrastructure in the valley is also located along the river. Additionally the river-complex also contains the main functions of the visitor center, such as shop, information, exhibition and library. Further a water curtain serves as a room-separating element.
Attached to the river-complex are individual buildings, the mountain-complexes, through which the river complex seeks its way, like it happens in the breakthrough valley of the Enns. These mountain-complexes have functions on the ground floor, which serve the river complex and the functions above it. The mountain-complexes are mainly accessed from outside, through the rooftop water landscape of the river-complex and also from the inside of the river-complex via stairs (serves as a symbol of climbing the mountain).

VIEW RELATIONSHIP CONCEPT
The sidewalls of the mountain-complexes are tilted, so that selected striking points (like mountain peaks) or deep points (river) are targeted and so the perception of these from the inside is possible and additionally strengthened. The window openings themselves are based on gorgeous cave openings.

ENERGY CONCEPT
The rainwater which is stored in the reservoir of the water landscape, is processed by filters and used for the supply of service water. The faecal water then passes through a bioreactor, which prepares the water for infiltration. The electric power is generated by small hydropower stations, to which an emergency generator powered by rapeseed oil is connected. Heating is via biomass and air-water heat pump, to which a buffer tank is connected.