Location | Lucerne |
Client | Private |
Planning | 2015-2018 |
Construction | 2019-2021 |
Architects | GRABER & STEIGER ARCHITEKTEN, PROJECT ARCHITECT: Rebekka Baumann |
Consultants | Örtliche Bauleitung: Müller Architekten, Kriens |
By adding three more storeys to an existing commercial building from the early 20th century, it was possible to achieve a vertical densification of the quarter in the historical context of Lucerne not far from the famous Lion Monument. In addition to commercial uses in the renovated and converted existing building, loft-like town apartments are located in the additional storey. Access to the apartments is via a suspended, open steel staircase, from which the view sweeps across the courtyard. The project on Denkmalstrasse is a densification in the core in two senses: not only is there an inner densification in terms of the site, but the housing concept also shows a typology that is densified in the core: bedrooms, bath and kitchen are moved to the center of the floor plan. Living and circulation zones extend in a ring along the building envelope and provide a buffer layer to the nearby neighboring buildings.
'PoroCity - Enabling Structures by Graber & Steiger Architects' is a site-specific spatial installation that developed for the exhibition in Dhaka. At the venue of Kalakendra and the adjacent urban space, the installation explores the concept of "enabling structures" in different architectural and urban scales.
Porous structures can be a solid basis for welcoming places and unfold a permeable framework for lively social interactions and future-oriented transformations. Through a balanced character, built structures can be enablers for a resource-optimised, sustainable design of living spaces.
The ephemerally conceived exhibition provides a small insight into our works, which strive for permeable spatial structures that invite free appropriation by the users. The opportunity to present buildings and projects far away from their context of origin can stimulate a dialogue about specifically local, but also universal aspects of architectural structures. We can thus expect a critical examination of hitherto familiar design approaches, which can show us broader perspectives.
The scenographic setting of the installation is embedded in a circular concept of reusing the modular exhibition structure in the everyday life of Dhaka's micro-urbanism. Besides the visitors of the exhibition, every city dweller is invited to participate in the concept of "Enabling Structures" in the long run by reusing the micro-structures designed for the exhibition.
The exhibition is support by Swiss Cultural Council ProHelvetia.
8 - 29 May 2023
8 May 2023, 6:30 pm
Kalakendra Art Space, Lalmatia Dhaka