NARTURE - An Ecolopes Sculpture Museum for Wienerberg

The construction and building industries emit almost 40% of global CO2 emissions. This fact not only incorporates great new challenges for architects worldwide but also implies taking serious responsibilities for our future. The ecolope’s2 research approach tries to counteract the increasing densification of cities thus preventing negative effects on the environment. The main focus is on the building envelope, which, in addition to the many tasks in architectural terms, should also provide a habitat for different species and thereby address the needs of humans, animals, plants and beneficial microbes.

The thesis deals with a fictional project situated in the nature reserve Wienerberg. The design of the project specifically addresses deficits in the area and provides architectural solutions. It is important to minimize interventions in the existing structures and to take local conditions and requirements into account. Based on an in-depth analysis of the site’s conditions, the elevated building develops along the perimeters of the bank in all geographic directions, integrating harmoniously into the diverse surrounding terrain. In addition to the architectural task, the walls, green roof as well as large-scale platforms provide a habitat for animals, plants and microorganisms.

The architectural design is a sculpture museum for contemporary art and art of the 20th century, to close a gap in Vienna’s museum landscape. The flowing transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, create a unique exhibition experience, in which the works of national and international artists are presented and can be experienced in a close context with nature. The all-encompassing connection of the building with nature is intended to sustainably strengthen people’s awareness for the environment.