Architects: Zaha Hadid Architects
Location: Vienna, Austria
Partners in Charge: Zaha Hadid, Patrik Schumacher
Project Architect: Cornelius Schlotthauer
Construction Project Team: Enrico Kleinke, Markus Planteu, Vincenco Cocomero, Peter Irmscher, Katharina Jacobi, Constanze Stinnes, Peter Hornung, Fre?de?ric Beaupe?re, Mirjam Matthiessen, Marc-Philipp Nieberg, Tom Finke,Kristoph Nowak, Susanne Lettau, Jahann Shah Beyzavi, Florian Goscheff, Daniela Nenadic, Judith Wahle, Rassul Wassa, Julian Breinersdorfer, Nastasja Schlaf, Muhammed Patat, Elisabeth Dirnbacher
Structural Engineering: Vasko und Partner Ingenieure
M&E Engineering: Vasko und Partner Ingenieure
Fac?ade Engineers: ARUP Deutschland GMBH
Lighting Engineers: Arup Berlin
Fire protection: HHP West, Bielefeld
Site Supervision: Ingenos Gobiet ZT GmbH, IC Consulenten, Ziviltechniker GmbH
Client: University of Economics Vienna
Area: 28.000 m²
Project Year: 2013
Photographs: Edwin Seda
Manufacturers: Zumtobel, HAVER & BOECKER, Rieder Smart Elements
The new Library and Learning Center rises as a polygonal block from the heart of the new University campus. The interior of the LLC is informed by the external circulation of the master plan which maps out the different levels of the building. The straight lines of the building’s exterior separate as they move inward, becoming curvilinear and fluid to generate a free-formed interior canyon that serves as the principal public plaza of the center, as well as generating corridors and bridges ensuring smooth transitions between different levels.
Functional Plan
The aim of the functional plan is to clearly define the different areas of the building. The plan is translated into a three dimensional object which outlines the space around the central atrium, the corridors and the canyons. The main block of the building houses the Service Area, the Learning Center and the Economics Library, with Student Services and Library Management located in the smaller block. While the interior edges of the site join together in a flowing free-form, the exterior edges of the building are cut sharply and their alignment contrasts with the site edges specified on the master plan and with the position of the adjacent buildings.
Internal Circulation
From the main entrance of the LLC, visitors can walk directly to the central auditorium which also functions as a large atrium flooded by natural light. A system of ramps leads from the auditorium to the library entrance and the central services on the first floor. The security and locker areas are located on the mezzanine below. Visitors can access the library and the student management offices via ramps and stairways spiralling upwards from the ground floor. The different areas on the upper levels are connected via platforms, bridges, terraces and galleries.
Façade
The external appearance of the LLC is characterized by two elements of contrasting colors separated by a glass joint: shell and shadow. These different colors facilitate the orientation and understanding of the two primary areas of the building from the exterior.
No Comments