For over a decade, Otto Wagner's 19th century elevated rail line around
the Gürtel in Vienna has been progressively redeveloped by occupying the
lower vaulted spaces. The 'Gürtelbögens' generous brick interiors, home
to trendy clubs, rock bars, and restaurants, have come to define a
central part of Vienna's night life. We were approached by a young
restaurateur to design two vaults at the far end of the line where a
recently completed business center was starting to fill with tenants.
Unlike the neighboring vaults which open to a large courtyard, the given
vaults are compressed in an alley. Furthermore, one of the vaults is
obstructed by a large stair tower used by the business complex above,
blocking light and views to the outside With these dark and narrow
conditions in mind, invisible to the intersection of several major roads
and rail lines around the site, we wanted to make the cavernous spaces
glow from within. The sparse interior, defined by the interaction of
concrete, a white steel mesh, and neon tubes that are constantly
fluctuating in brightness with programmed dimmers gives the impression
of a pulsing, breathing machine.
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