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ASA-SPACEGATE

Conversion of the entrance lobby of the Austrian Space Agency (ASA)

Collaborators: Birgit Trenkwalder and Friedel Winkler
Mechanical engineering: Thomas Koch

This project was carried out in two phases: first a design proposal which included structural work for implementation and then the actual conversion - phase 2, which reinforced the main conceptional architectural elements but intervened without structural engineering changes.

Phase 1

The design of this phase essentially consists of three space frames: the reception, the staircase with the middle level of the “moving horizon”, and the library element, which unite the two main floors of the agency’s offices. These frames create through their architectural intervention a vertical and horizontal flow of spaces. These space coining and identity shaping elements offer various infrastructure.

SPACE FRAME 1

the reception “serves” the visitor the first information about ASA. The landing of the staircase creates a light increased level, from which the body of the staircase seems to float upwards. Further elements here are an internet lounge, a virtual library and an ISS-Tracking Screen.

SPACE FRAME 2

the steel frame wing with the earth horizon pulling slowly behind the displayed satellite is suspended from the wall and created the middle level for the staircase. This mechanical and light installation is called the ‘mobile horizon’. The ‘mobile horizon’ is visible from all three axis from below (first level) from above (2.level) and from all sides and thus dissolves the conventional space axes, such as down above, right, left. It develops a situation, as one finds in weightlessness. The movement refers poetically to the turn and travel of spaceship earth.

SPACE FRAME 3

the library with it’s display element for hardware and models connects the reception area with the large meeting room.

Blick vom unteren Bereich in Richtung beweglicher Horizont ( Stiegenpodest)

Blick vom oberen Bereich in Richtung beweglicher Horizont ( Stiegenpodest)

Phase 2

Through new possible developments on ASA’ s side a new configuration was developed. As a machine of illusion the ‘mobile horizon’ was implemented as a stand alone part in the entrance lobby, not as an into the staircase integrated middle level. Right at the entrance a big "floating" aluminum wing with complex geometry with all necessary infrastructure was built. In addition to the receptionist’s desk it houses the electricity plant and offers an atmospheric lighting and a projection wall.