a9 portal design gleinalm tunnel

jury statement

the authors of this project developed a proposal with the side-raised monopitch roofs decreasing in height toward the tunnel entrance and exit, creating a design that, if realized, would produce a very memorable image, evoking associations such as a “butterfly” or “sunglasses” as visual language. the resulting effect could function as a “funnel… slowing drivers in their heads,” achieving the desired change in driving behavior before and after passing through the tunnel. this functional advantage is further reinforced by extending the existing interior walls toward the ends of the galleries and continuing them in the form of the required ventilation partitions.

the design thoroughly addresses the structural possibilities for realization; the texts explain that “… the roof folds triangularly upwards …” and “… triangles as folded-down wall elements form a linear support for the gallery roof …” and “… the tips of the triangular walls rest on parapet-like wall elements, which transfer the loads of the structure to strip foundations …”. parts of the jury raised criticism regarding these structural proposals, noting that additional measures for impact protection are necessary, openings for snow-clearing and maintenance vehicles need to be defined more precisely, and potential ventilation issues arising at the pointed edges between roof and side walls should be resolved. overall, however, the project is highly valued both in terms of architectural quality and functional performance. based on the submitted project version, higher construction costs can be expected compared to a purely utilitarian building.