Viewpoint: Design of specialised topics 2021

Course lecturers: Milena Stavric and Albert Wiltsche.

In the summer semester of 2021, students set their sights on the former Hasenhügel (rabbit hill) in Lackenbach Castle Park. This historic site was to be given a new lease of life through an architectural design.

The aim was to transform the hill into an attractive vantage point that would offer visitors new perspectives on the park and the projects already completed.

The global coronavirus pandemic posed particular challenges for the project. The first inspection of the palace park in March 2021 therefore had to take place virtually. But even online, the students were inspired by the atmosphere of the place and developed a variety of concepts and designs for the new viewpoint over the course of the semester.

Both aesthetic and functional aspects played an important role in this. The design was to blend harmoniously into the existing park landscape while creating a place of tranquillity and enjoyment from which to fully appreciate the beauty of the palace park.

Winning project: Hot Spot by Daniel Gradwohl

Even from a distance, coming from the northeast, the wooded Königshügel hill in Lackenbach Park catches the eye. It rises strikingly from the flat landscape and arouses visitors’ curiosity to discover this special place.

In order to exploit the hill’s existing potential and integrate it into the new, vibrant design of the park, Königsberg is to become a central attraction.

The design is an integral part of the hill, harmoniously developing from its slope and shape. The two counter-rotating spiral staircases, with handrails, flow smoothly into a comprehensive wooden structure covered in hemp rope. This adapts to the wooden posts and creates a variety of seating options as well as a structure around the hill plateau that is modelled on reeds swaying in the wind.

The result is an open space that offers a view of the surroundings, making the Königshügel a truly special experience.