smart city graz

urban design concept

a density of 2.4 on the building site south of the smart city can only be achieved under the conditions described in the brief:
"Creation of a compact settlement structure with high architectural and recreational quality, taking into account the heterogeneous surroundings (noise from the railway line and busy streets, heterogeneous environment, etc.)"

the structure develops from these evident parameters and leverages them for its own purpose. the 22.5 m high transparent noise barrier is used for hanging gardens and green oases. conditional noise protection along Waagner Biro Straße is provided via winter gardens.
the positioning of the volumes within the quarter maximizes open space while fostering a strong sense of identity. at the interface with public space lies the piazza, which enjoys high pedestrian traffic thanks to attractions such as a café, weekly market, grocery stores, and diverse commercial uses.
the gently sloping arena with 6% ramps leads to the generations’ park at +5.6 m—a park and green space of a special kind, a meeting place for children, seniors, and youth, as well as for residents of the quarter and users of social facilities and services. elevated relative to the park with accessible ramps, specialized facilities for senior, youth, and disability care or services are established. in the residential (and potential work) areas hovering above the quarter’s park, defined outdoor and indoor spaces form neighborhood areas for washing, chatting, having coffee, celebrating birthdays, or short-term guest stays. an endless loop leads children and residents past all the “front gardens,” green oases, and spacious arcades—a neighborhood meeting space without crossing the threshold into private areas. the quarter is diverse, free of dead-ends, and well connected to its surroundings. public zones are discreetly arranged in vertical sequences and graduated toward private areas. the shaping and positioning of the volumes ensure permeability for circulation and encounters, offering all apartments views both into the quarter and across the city.

quarter and housing concept
"A mixed structure in residential areas means developing typologies according to need. In addition to family apartments, there should be apartments for singles and students, as well as units designed for the needs of older people and people with disabilities. Self-organization is emphasized."

smart housing type 1
a domino–shelf system is offered. the structural frame and shaft positions provide the necessary flexibility for demand-based housing. residents decide on the size and location of their apartment within the basic module, which determines the position of the loggias. conversion to a winter garden is individualized.

smart housing type 2
a corridor-based system with switchable, breathable zones is offered. structural frames and shaft positions provide flexibility for expansion or reduction. residents decide on the number of rooms. the basic structure allows the combination of multiple modules for intergenerational living or live-work units. along the more traffic-exposed zones (Waagner Biro Straße), winter gardens act as residential extensions and buffer zones.

generations hotel
kindergarten, youth facilities, and senior apartments are spatially close and fully accessible, fostering connectivity. all-day facilities are slightly elevated above the generations park to integrate with the quarter community and allow visitor access via the communal park. facilities for people with disabilities are interlinked to optimize care synergies.

flexibility of use
self-organized housing, services, and live-work units can be established on the residential floors thanks to the open structural system.

generations quarter park
centrally located at +5.6 m, the park provides generous green, fresh, and activating open spaces. it also serves as a communication zone, distribution area, playground, and sledding slope. through intensive, variably elevated soil structures, the planting of large trees is possible.