The team of architects for the revitalization of the Styrian seat of government has been chosen. 30 million euros will be invested, construction will start in autumn 2024.
Built in, hidden and used as a storage room – some of the historically most important parts of the Graz Castle are not accessible to the public. In order to change that, the Styrian state government decided on revitalization in 2021 and announced an EU-wide architectural competition for this (we reported): “An important part of the history of our federal state is located here, and this must be accessible to Styrians and visitors “Reveal historical substance” 20 teams of architects have submitted their designs, now it’s clear: the contract goes to Valentin Spiegel-Scheiost, Tobias Brown, Bernhard König and Lisa Enzenhofer. The plan of the quartet from Vienna and Graz is as simple as it is effective: “We want to uncover the historical substance of the interior on the ground floor and thus make it tangible again. Graz Castle is more than just the double spiral staircase,” the architects explain. For example, the intermediate ceiling that was installed in the castle chapel in the 19th century is to be removed again and the room with the adjoining three-column hall and the one-column hall turned into an exhibition space (see large picture) can be connected. “Here we want to convey the history of the castle and of Graz as a residential city,” explains Governor Christopher Drexler of the castle from 1918 wants to explain. Experts from all over the country, above all from the Universalmuseum Joanneum, are on board as partners for the historical processing and design of the permanent exhibitions. The inner courtyards are also part of the plan: access to the first courtyard should be made more inviting, and small open-air events should also be possible here become. The second courtyard is to develop into the green heart of the castle: “We want to plant native trees and shrubs and also invite visitors to linger here,” the architects explain. The rear courtyard is intended to serve as a farmyard and parking lot. Speaking of parking spaces: the long-discussed construction of an underground car park under the Graz courtyard is not part of the current draft: “These plans are finally off the table,” explains Drexler. Incidentally, the costs of the revitalization are estimated at 30 million euros, half of which is borne by the federal government already promised, the rest will come from the state itself. Detailed planning is now starting, and construction work is scheduled to begin in autumn 2024. Completion is expected in 2028.
source site-12