architek[tour] tirol – guide to architecture in tyrol

Der Eduard-Wallnöfer-Platz, der lange ein "Hinterhofdasein" führte, wurde von LAAC Architekten/stiefel kramer zu einer begehbaren, urbanen Bodenplastik umgestaltet. Der Platz, seine Denkmäler und vorhandene Infrastruktureinrichtungen wurden in eine homogene Oberfläche aus hellem Beton eingebunden – eine Topographie aus sanften Hügeln, die neue Blickbeziehungen schafft und den InnsbruckerInnen eine vielfältig bespielbare Freifläche bietet.

The Wiltener Platzl, which had previously deteriorated into a pure traffic (rest) area, was transformed with few interventions into a lively and attractive neighborhood square. A uniform ground level and a continuous surface made of bright granite lets the square appear spacious. A bench with a drinking fountain, two trees and granite block seating possibilities structure the square space and invite people to linger without having to consume anything.

With the objective of doing Innsbruck’s important boulevard justice in terms of design, a project, won by AllesWirdGut, was put up for tender in 2006. With a carpet-like design for the road surface made up of four different types of granite, furnishing made of brass and a differentiated lighting concept, the architects created a location full of atmosphere, which at the same time is a street and a square.

The goal of the redevelopment was to transform the town center, strongly impacted by traffic in the past, into a publically usable space with amenity qualities. By reducing the road width, space for wider sidewalks and plaza-like extensions were created, which were designed with granite plates of different sizes. Information points, fountains, benches, rows of trees and plant and flower beds structure the street space; a lighting concept ensures that the various areas are more or less brightly illuminated according to their significance.

At the same time the Central Station was re-built, the station square was re-designed. Separate lanes for car traffic and public transport, and an underground parking lot directly accessible from the station hall make sure that different modes of transport do not interfere with one another. The asphalt’s artificial red color nicely relates to the station building.