CHRISTIAN TONKO


KINDER KUNST LABOR ST PÖLTEN
St Pölten, Austria
Competition
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A pavillion in the park. The "art laboratory for children" is a long stretched, low lying structure between the trees. To preserve and accommodate existing trees semi-courtyards are cut out from the basic geometry.

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The cut-outs and the trees subdivide the concrete structure into smaller parts creating a scale more appropriate for children. Moreover an intense relationship between the interior and the exterior is created as nature is literally pushed inside.
Arriving in the south the visitor is greeted by two large existing Linden trees framing the way to the main entrance and the vestibule including the outdoor area of the restaurant. From here trees on the other side of the building are already visible as well as the large skylight which gives a playful distinction to the whole complex.

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The site of the new building is located halfway between the historic city centre and the cultural district. In part the purpose of the project consists in creating an attractive piece of urban infrastructure which aids the creation of a fresh identity and a new vibrancy for the whole city quarter and thus connecting the old and the new centre.

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The main users of the building are groups of children. The studios and galleries are thus organized in a mostly horizontal manner as to facilitate connectivity, easy movement and a clear arrangement of different functions. Only a single staircase and elevator are positioned in a central location and provide access to the green roof including the outdoor art laboratory overlooking the park.

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