HOLODECK architects

The city of Sankt Pölten extends their cultural institutions with a space for children, where they can encounter with contemporary art. Next to the Festspielhaus, Landesmuseum, Klangturm and Landesbibliothek a parklike area is selected to host this function close to the government district Landhaus, but adjacent to a busy street. Taking into consideration the existing infrastructure and local changes as vital parameters, the project responds to the area’s up and coming status as an extension of the surrounding culture and landscape. It proposes a space for children to get in contact with artists working in the fields of painting, sculpture, photography, music, literature, as well as multimedia and various other interdisciplinary forms of art production. Thus, creating a building for creativity, that motivates children to experience various art techniques, to experiment with media, and to form their own works of art.

Three levels are organised horizontally alongside the street to protect outdoor areas inside Altona Park from traffic noise. Ramps guide children through the building passing different kinds of trees, which are embedded into the spatial arrangement. Children are always connected to nature while strolling from one exhibition area to the next until reaching their experimental laboratories on the 1st level for their own art productions. One of these spaces extend beyond the footprint of the structure and whilst enclosing a Metasequoia tree next by, hover above ground. The office rooms are found on the 2nd level and can be quickly accessed through a central staircase and elevator, positioned close to the entrance spot and cafe.