Location | Luzern LU |
Client | Verein Naturarena Rotsee |
Commission | Competition on invitation 2011–2012 |
Architects | Graber & Steiger Architekten |
Consultants | Structural engineer: Dr. Schwartz Consulting, Landscape architect: koepflipartner, Cost consultant: Büro für Bauökonomie |
The provision of an ideal infrastructure for sports events and especially the gentle treatment of the sensitive natural environment form the starting point for this design. The functional structure and spatially staged pathways make the rowing centre appear to be a diversely usable, inviting «walkable sculpture» that is linked in many ways to its surroundings. The finish tower also unfolds its sculptural effect in combination with its ideal use arrangement. The hillside and adjoining urban development free up the rowing centre and place it gently onto the meadow by Rotsee, thereby highlighting the reference to the lakeside landscape. The finish tower, which is carefully positioned in the water, consciously acts like a «pond skater» in releasing itself from the topography and the shore, giving it a reserved landmark character. The hybrid constructions of steel and wood, together with the material efficiency, structurally relate the buildings to ship construction, while going beyond a blunt, symbolic adaptation due to its functionally designed tectonics.
The current issue 13/2022 of TEC21 introduces the mixed-use conversion on Denkmalstrasse in Lucerne. Among others, the report highlights how the specific concept of the building achieves a lofty spatial openness despite a highly dense urban context and how the simple and raw spaces invite to a playful appropriation for living and working. Minimalism as an offer!