trade fair hotel vienna

concept
the trade fair hotel positions itself prominently within the view of both fairground and prater visitors. the entire northwest edge of the site along messestraße is used in the upper floors to develop a maximum-length row of equally valued unit types, offering open views towards the prater and exhibition grounds. existing vegetation and newly planted tree rows integrate the hotel into the green belt of the prater. the hotel lobby, with restaurant and bar, is raised half a level above terrain to establish a representative yet subtly detached zone along the street edge. sheltered by the cantilevered unit structure, the vehicle drop-off ramp and pedestrian access lead to the covered entrance of the hotel — a gesture that naturally delineates traffic areas from the adjacent park setting. the shared functions on levels 0 and -1 form the expansive plinth of the complex. above this base, the more private and quiet unit volume is clearly articulated, sheltering the western entrance area and allowing daylight to reach the lobby via a transparent joint along the eastern façade. reducing public floor space to just two levels enables a maximization of unit floors. partial embedding of level 0 into the terrain is a strategic response to the relatively high groundwater level in the prater area, avoiding expensive deep-level construction. the circulation and experiential “spine” of the building is formed by a fluid sequence of light, air, and green elements — two vertical water and planting shafts extend through all levels, providing cooling and tranquility. the open vertical connection gives a comprehensive sense of the hotel's spatial organisation from every point within the building. all circulation leads to the central lobby, which acts as a functional distribution hub — vertically connected upwards to the unit floors and downwards to the library and fitness area on level -1. restaurant and bar are located along perspektivstraße and include a covered terrace that also invites guests from the prater area. the optional rooftop swimming pool above cuts into the restaurant ceiling, creating a distinct spatial quality with light reflections and varying ceiling height — bringing the presence of water into the restaurant interior. by raising the ground floor and opening the terrain along the west edge, level 0 is naturally lit. reading room, library, salon, and fitness areas open toward a sunken green courtyard exclusive to the hotel.

approach to the parking area south of perspektivstraße
for the southern site, a long building structure is proposed, consisting of two main floors and partial upper volumes. the ground floor, aside from vertical circulation elements, remains entirely undeveloped and serves as a parking level. to maintain adequate daylight in this area, light courts are cut into the building mass.

fire protection concept
the f90-rated construction ensures proper fire escape routes and protection against flame spread. the internal airspace can be kept smoke-free via an rwa system in the glazed roof or via mechanical smoke extraction units at each level. a sprinkler system mitigates full fire risk. fire compartmentation of stairwells and technical rooms complies with the vienna building code and workplace safety regulations. two escape stairs at each end of the building lead directly to street level. the central main staircase within the unit body also serves as an escape stair, leading to the level 1 terrace, from which another exterior stair connects to ground level. on levels -1 and 0, end-positioned escape stairs lead directly outdoors or into the open courtyard at the building's west side.

preliminary structural concept
the eight-story hotel is designed as a solid construction system with slab-wall elements. the ground floor cantilever requires a system that balances primary loads (dead and live loads). this is achieved using shear wall structures provided by the partition walls between rooms, and floor slabs that form structural continuity at the ends and across the connecting bridge. in the ground floor, these shear walls are supported by interior columns, making the cantilever structurally and economically viable. lateral load transfer in the upper floors is achieved via frame action at the longitudinal ends; in the ground floor, bracing elements are introduced. the main building’s point foundations are supported on piles. the basement is constructed as a waterproof white tank.