Welcome Tower

Graz, Áustria
Photo © Jasmin Schuller
Photo © Jasmin Schuller
Arquitectos
Atelier Thomas Pucher
Ano
2009
“Welcome Tower”

 8.600 m² GFA Office Building

Status
Built 2007-2009

Designed
Atelier Thomas Pucher in collaboration with Bramberger Architects

Photographer
Jasmin Schuller

Welcome Tower Graz: a bold and sophisticated update for an office block

A typical 1950s office block of Minimalist yet sensitive design, the Welcome Tower is legally protected as a fine example of the architecture of this period. The brief, therefore, was to update the structure within strict limits: on the outside, only a change of colour and extra glazing were permitted.

While the Welcome Tower itself had remained the same over the years, its surroundings had transformed dramatically. The once open and subtle vista around the main railway station is now filled with the brasher structures of later periods and traffic congestion has grown, so that the finer details of the Welcome Tower had been swamped by its changed context.

A fascinating, subtle exterior coating was chosen: a dark plasterwork mix containing black slate crystals. Its colour shifts between shades of brown and purple as the day progresses, while the sunlight catches the refined glitter. Additional glazing for sound insulation and sunshade glass improve work conditions inside, while the stainless steel frame fittings lend the windows a slightly industrial, raw look. Open plan offices and mixed zones provide a pleasant modern working environment.

The Welcome Tower’s update is a subtle minimalist intervention, yet creates a sense of sophisticated calm in this busy inner city area.

Projetos relacionados

  • Promenade Favorita, Lugano TI
    mavo gmbh
  • Garten Höhenweg St.Gallen
    mavo gmbh
  • Sagiareal, Greppen LU
    mavo gmbh
  • Progressiver Reinraumausbau
    Lindner Group
  • Büro Allmendstrasse
    BFB Architekten AG

Revista

Outros projetos por Atelier Thomas Pucher

Viertel Zwei Plus
Vienna, Áustria
Wimmer Medien Business Centre and Urban Development
Linz, Áustria
Salzburg Regional Hospital extension - SALK
Salzburg, Áustria
Villa SK
Graz, Áustria
Amstetten School Campus
Amstetten, Áustria