Special Mention

Open cube-like elements with different functions are installed within an orthogonal grid that provides a flexible, ordered system for the site.

The Team
Student: Bettina Schnedl
Professor: Prof. Christa Illera
School: Technische Universität Wien (Austria)

The Idea
This project distributes the required functions across a three-dimensional, orthogonal grid that simultaneously provides the site with an ordering system and a spatial grammar. The system allows flexible and disperse allocation of functions. The public space, a product of the system, is conceived to spread out over the entire site, sometimes even “spilling over” into the neighboring quarters.

The Project
Open cubelike spaces are the ubiquitous elements of this project: the public space, conceived as a flowing spatial continuum, is articulated with orthogonal, richly functional niches; the community house in the central grid of the site is open to all sides; the river Wien is generously integrated into the grid; the housing units are in the southern part of the grid, while the fast food restaurant and the gas station are located in the north.

The Jury Assessment
“Urban Flex” attempts to create an ordering principle that can react easily to the varying needs of the disabled. This project was awarded special mention due to the convincing approach of the author to universal design. The three-dimensional grid enables good spatial distribution of functions and reliable improvement of mobility and infrastructure for all.