Klagenfurt:interchange

With the introduction of the new high speed rail connection, Klagenfurt will stand at the intersection of two networks of international relevance: The streamlined ‘Baltic-Adriatic Rail Axis’ and the meandering ‘European Green Belt’, both providing a route of mobility, yet for different species and speeds.

Inspired by this intersecting moment of European networks, Klagenfurt:Interchange proposes a city quarter that entwines new shortcut connections for ‘active mobility’ in the city with a continuous urban green network. This finer grain of pathways offers new walking and cycling possibilities within Klagenfurt, while initiating ‘green mobility’ for flora and fauna by opening up the urban realm as a livable habitat for all. This network also outlines the projects’ strategy of learning on all levels where unexpected encounters between people, flora and fauna are encouraged.

Grouped around the central element of the flourishing green Raumpark structure, each building plot of the new city quarter of Klagenfurt:Interchange combines different forms of living and learning. Specific dwelling types are combined with five programmatic foci: culture, creation, production, recreation and business. Circulation and green infrastructure are interconnected in horizontal and vertical direction. Each plot and building offers paths for different speeds and species.

Eager to learn from the existing condition of Klagenfurt, the project acts in a sense of mutual curiosity. The design proposal therefore makes use of the material, social and ecological resources that are already there by reusing existing structures, minimizing the new sealing of surfaces and the integration of current programs. This also happens on an urban scale by answering the surrounding building morphology with a similarity in form and grain.