Bank for Tyrol and Vorarlberg

A freestanding block with sharply cut edges lies perpendicular to Vorarlbergstraße. In doing so, it seeks to relate to the traditional typology of simple volumes while simultaneously criticizing the scale-less nature of the neighboring buildings from the most recent period. The building can be traversed, and thus a parking area is located behind it, avoiding a situation with a stagnant backyard.
The building and the outdoor square merge into a single artistic whole, which, despite its simple cubical form, offers diverse spatial experiences (views, outlooks, perspectives).
The irregular arrangement of window openings supports the monolithic character of the building. Deeply set windows with oak frames hidden behind the reveal (tilting in the upper floors and sliding on the ground floor) enhance the object’s plasticity while creating a varied play of shadows on the façade.
The playful randomness of the shadows contrasts with the massive and calm appearance of the exterior façade. Large, yellow-painted concrete elements with a sandblasted surface appear solid, as if assembled by an enormous Cyclopean hand.
The bank faces the street with its narrower side. However, through the generously designed two-story display window, it invites entry. The magnificent spatial experience is facilitated by the simple arrangement of all three upper floors. All service areas (entrance, restrooms, archive, etc.) are placed in a single narrow zone with an eastern orientation. This way, the main space remained unobstructed. The technical equipment is located on the roof. Access to the service areas is through doors hidden in the longitudinal cabinet wall.