Sport and Multifunction Hall Dornbirn
Dornbirn’s trade fair and conference complex has been arranged as a series of halls forming a ‘U’ shape opening to an outdoor fairground. The halls and their foyers share a common west-east orientation, and distinctive north-facing saw-tooth roof lights. The new building adopts the strong, clear volume of its neighbours as well as their predominant use of roof lighting. The adjoining ‘Hall 2’ defined the new building’s height. Conceived as a multifunctional hall optimised for sporting events, all functional areas can be subdivided or used in variable combinations. The generous, sky-lit foyer serves as the link between this indoor facility, its two adjoining exhibition halls and the outdoor fair grounds directly across the complex’s main street. The foyer is separated from the main hall by a row of service areas, including the sanitary and equipment rooms. The hall is entered through two general and two athlete entrances. A bespoke retractable seating system has been designed to align flush with the outer wall panelling and not encroach on the usable floor space when closed so the internal volume can remain compact. Large roof windows and light fittings have been integrated into the ceiling so that technical equipment doesn’t distract from the events below it. All changing and plant rooms are located on the first floor, suspended from the main roof structure. Locating these spaces on a single level clarifies navigation and creates a well-proportioned foyer below. The changing and sanitary facilities are enclosed in frosted glass which allows natural light in through the foyer’s rooflights. The hall is constructed in concrete, with birch-faced plywood used to improve acoustics and to finish the changing rooms. All equipment in the main hall has been recessed or concealed within the internal walls. Sliding doors and safety barriers can be retracted behind internal panels. The facade is made from cast glass profiles in reference to the area’s industrial character, their curved edges lending a horizontal rhythm to the outside and creating interesting light effects inside.
Team: Andreas Cukrowicz, Anton Nachbaur-Sturm, Stefan Abbrederis [PL], Martin Ladinger, Volha Kachan, Thomas Marte
Client: Stadt Dornbirn
Competition 2005 First Prize, Completion 2007
