..News ..Portfolio ..Exhibitions ..Publications ..Firm ..Contact	Courthouse Complex, Leoben / Austria, 2000 The site: The sloped site is situated at the eastern arrival to the town. The buildings cuddle themselves into the slope using its natural fall (incline). The scale and structure of the surrounding housings are continued in the complex. The wall: The ‘wall’ is a dominating element for every prison. In the design the ‘wall’ is raised to the theme. Autonomous walls articulate (divide) the sloped site and define the structure of the inside and outside spaces. Enclosing walls, supporting walls or dividing walls change their function in their run. Every wall is a definition and a possibility at the same time. The way the buildings are positioned in front or between the vertical wall-elements define the difference of the open or closed character. The law-courts are developed on and around the vertical elements. They are open for the public and the communication. The vertical walls have the task to organize and support the buildings. It is a spine that ties the free organized volumes to the slope. The open character is dominating The prison is dominated of high security demands. The buildings (functions) are organized between pairs of vertical wall elements. The concrete walls are enclosing the volumes. The closed character is dominating. The slope - the access: The main access to the complex lies at the foot of the slope near to the town center All courtrooms, the auction-hall and the additional rooms are organized in two levels under the natural terrain. A system of cuts and skylights gives the area natural light. The independent office units disconnected to the terrain are organized according to the different functional units: county court - superior court - public prosecutor’s office. The prison follows the slope as a stepped building. The courtyards and the sports field are situated between the buildings and the enclosing walls. Back to Portfolio