Results of the competition: Europan 7 in Croatia

RUNNER-UP

1. Team leader: Stefan Pfefferle (Germany)
Associates: Wolfgang Leitgeb (Austria)
Collaborators: Brigitte Quantschnig (Austria)
Site Sv. Katarina, RIJEKA, internal code RI-11, entry code KU 823

Project KU 823 (RI-11), «Explorer»
The prime motive of the author was the preservation of site's natural landscape to which the urban and architectural proposal are sub ordered. The idea of maximizing intact nature is evident in chosen typology - instead low individual houses on large plots, the whole programme is concentrated in multi-storey, narrow and long mega-structure on pillars that curves along the ridge of site's plateau. Besides wonderful panoramic view towards Rijeka and the sea, the quality of living is to be found in the abundance of intact nature for everyone. Terrain sloping downwards south from the structure is proclaimed to be an «excursion field» intended for the enjoyment in wild nature. Natural plateau north from the building is an «extension field» containing energy supply for mobile ephemeral units of the inhabitants. Thus the living is extended into the nature where all thinkable leisure activities are taking place, including spontaneous events, gathering, craft sessions, etc.
This is an open, provocative and intangible project, a reflection and exploration so appropriate to 21st century. Unquestionable theoretical value of this project could, however, be considered as its flaw if one expects from architecture not only to raise the questions, but also to give an answers to them.

< back to results