TASK

Wels University of Applied Sciences was looking for a new solution for an information desk in the campus building. The aim was to create a well-positioned intervention to create a contact point that is located on the central visual and movement axes in the building and provides both information and representation of the educational institution.

CONCEPT

After precisely analysing the existing building, these requirements led us to a positioning in the foyer, in the area of the main staircase. The Infopoint is thus located both in the axis of the main entrance and directly opposite the second entrance in the inner courtyard. Where the multi-storey auditorium provides a view across all floors, the new Infopoint acts as an orientation and meeting point for daily users and visitors. In addition to serving as an info point and mail collection point, the furniture installation is also a cloakroom and bar for graduation ceremonies and events. It connects horizontal axes and directions of movement and creates a vertical reference by extending into the upper floors with lush planting.

IMPLEMENTATION

Formally, the Infopoint represents a polarity to the orthogonal architecture of the university building. The organically curved design, which extends across all floors, represents the expanding flow of ideas and information. Lush planting reinforces this gesture as a growing element. The idea of bands, which contain and dynamically connect different functions and spaces, was the basis for the design of the reversible built-in furniture.

These bands are designed as curved wooden panels, which are covered with solid ash mouldings. Varying the distances between the slats creates a layering that plays with perception and creates spatial depth. Plexiglas panes close off the reception desk. These can be moved and opened or closed individually using cable pulls and counterweights. The upper area of the furniture is intensively planted, the Infopoint grows into the next storeys. In addition to this vertical connection, the planting also references the green inner courtyard: the green space is brought into the building.