educational academy salzburg

architectural concept
the requirement was to convert the former indoor swimming pool of the federal academy of education in salzburg into a centre for teaching, ikt, music and media, as well as a library.
the old building was hardly changed at all, with structural alterations to the supporting structure and façades limited to the connection points between the old and new sections. the spatial quality of the former swimming pool with its high, bright rooms was retained. the new building functions are designed as an open spatial structure over four levels. two-storey, walk-in bookcases grow out of the unchanged swimming pool and are accessible from the upper area via glass walkways from the edge of the pool. the library is connected to the deep storage area below via a book lift.

above the bookshelves, a platform for the information area was suspended from the existing reinforced concrete skeleton as a lightweight steel construction. this level communicates with the entire room via a gallery with sliding reading desks integrated into its balustrade.

daylight
the only new, transparent space is the connecting corridor between the main building and the sports wing, which is designed as a steel and glass structure. in collaboration with Thomas Hamann, a lighting concept was implemented as part of the art in construction project. coloured light tubes and reflective, light-directing blinds create subtle colour and light moods in the individual areas.