Königareal to become “rose garden”
Dietlikon, 30 June 2008 – The winner of the private project competition run by Implenia Development Ltd. for the redevelopment of the Königareal site in Arbon has been decided, with the assessment board recommending that the owner of the land – Implenia – further develop the “Rosengarten” (rose garden) project submitted by the architect Max Dudler.
The future redevelopment and use of the Königareal is of great public interest due to its central location in the town (see also the declaration of the town of Arbon). To find a solution, Implenia, the owner, Migros, the possible tenant, and the town of Arbon agreed to hold a competition between several architectural teams. The assessment board for the now closed project competition has recommended to further develop the “Rosengarten” project submitted by the team of Max Dudler, an architect from Altenrhein on Lake Constance. The task was to propose an attractive, fitting and impressive urban mixed-use complex (retail, service, office and residential space) for this site at the interface between the old town, the railway station and the Saurer WerkZwei area.
Impressive urban planning and architectural design
The jury was impressed with the urban planning concept and the architectural design of the “Rosengarten” project, proposing a redevelopment for the Königareal which will make a strong statement and be in keeping with the site’s central urban location. The complex includes a base construction (with Migros and other retailers) and six residential buildings housing a total of 56 urban apartments. In keeping with the surrounding area, the project draws a clear distinction between the public space and the private space above the retail areas. The head construction in the South extends to the height of the neighbouring UBS building. The jury recognised that the “Rosengarten” project, which integrates the connection to St. Gallerstrasse, the planned roundabout and the existing grouping of trees and offers a line of vision in the direction of the railway station, best interpreted the new urban space.
The striking visual impression of the “Rosengarten” urban complex takes inspiration from buildings from Arbon’s industrial history (the Saurer site) and later notable constructions (e.g. the Saurer high rise). The exterior facade which is arranged all around the complex lends the “Rosengarten” a tranquil architectural feel and a strong sense of location in equal measure. With drystone infill, the architects want to make a connection not only with the magnitude of the urban complex but also, through design elements, with the urban and architectural history of Arbon still in evidence today. The visible remains of Roman drystone walls and half-timbered buildings are used as historic markers.
Urban apartments with a rose garden
From Rebhaldenstrasse and the new cantonal road, two stairways lead to the roof level of the base construction which is largely intended for private use. For future residents, the six apartment buildings, with a style departing somewhat from the right-angled norm, offer an interplay of perspectives on and of the surrounding area and a view in the direction of the old town, the lake and the mountains. The architects envisage an interconnecting rose garden between the residential buildings. The entrances to the apartments are to be on the ground floor via six generously-proportioned stairwells. This residential complex with 56 apartments is something new to Arbon and is based on modern examples of urban living. The main and secondary rooms are arranged so that each apartment gets the greatest benefit from the all-round view while at the same time being shielded from noise pollution.
Energy and environmental aspects
In addition to urban planning and architectural considerations, environmental factors are equally important when creating a sustainable building. The “Rosengarten” project also makes a contribution in terms of the consumption of energy and resources. The entire building complex – residential space as well as service / office and retail space – meets the Minergie quality standard for low energy consumption. The feasibility of the use of water from the lake for heating and cooling systems is being examined.
Technical and operational aspects need further consideration
In total, Implenia invited seven architectural teams to take part in the project competition. By April of this year, six teams had submitted a project. After the first round of adjudication, Bauart Architekten und Planer AG (Bern, Neuchâtel, Zurich) and Max Dudler Architekten AG (Berlin, Frankfurt on the Main, Zurich) were invited to revise their submissions. In its report, the assessment board expressly states that none of the projects submitted completely meets the requirements. Thus the winning “Rosengarten” project has technical and operational deficiencies regarding the ground floor and basement areas. Implenia is, however, convinced that these deficiencies can be remedied without affecting the quality of the project either in urban development or architectural terms.
Layout plan by the end of 2008
In parallel with the continued work on the project by Max Dudler Architekten AG in close collaboration with Implenia, the next step is to prepare the layout plan stipulated for the Königareal site.
Contact:
Christian Wick
Branch manager, St Gall branch office
Implenia General Contractor Ltd., St Gall
Phone: 071 / 282 50 60
E-mail: christian.wick@implenia.com
Exhibition
Project competition for the redevelopment of the Königareal site, Arbon
Saurerhalle – Stickereistrasse 6 – 9320 Arbon – first floor
Thursday, 3 July 2008: 4 pm – 8 pm
Friday, 4 July 2008: 4 pm – 8 pm
Saturday, 5 July 2008: 2 pm – 5 pm
Monday, 7 July 2008: 4 pm – 8 pm
Tuesday, 8 July 2008: 4 pm – 8 pm