CRAB Studio designs new buildings for Vienna University of Economics & Business

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CRAB studio has recently completed the Departments of Law and Central Administration, at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, as part of the new campus masterplanned by BUSarchitektur ZT Gmbh. Using their experience as university teachers, Cook and Robotham gave the university vibrant colours, and ensured that internal and external spaces are seen as an opportunity for students and teachers to engage within class hours, as well as ‘hang out’ after classes.

Departments of Law and Central Administration, at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, by CRAB studio

Image © Ronald Kreimel

The 200 meter long pair of buildings rise colourfully in Vienna’s Prater district. The buildings fold out to form a seres of roof desks, they zig in and out to create ‘sunshine corners’ and are occasionally eaten out to create balconies for smokers or others who are needing a break. A central courtyard connects the campus, with routes that connect it to the Prater Park on the south, diving through the red base of building.

Image © Ronald Kreimel

CRAB studio‘s belief is that a successful university building should have generous and engaging internal spaces that are simply seminar rooms or offices, but places that encourage you to stay around after class. The architects carved out spaces of the interior and slither around in a similar way to the building as a whole.

Image © Ronald Kreimel

The colourful exterior facade was cladded in natural timber louvres that offer shading from the sun, as well as respond to the woodlands that surround the campus.

Image © Ronald Kreimel

The entire profile of the building was inspired by the landscape formation. Over time, the structure will be covered in vegetation, allowing the building to become part of the surrounding.

Image © Ronald Kreimel

CRAB studio has also incorporated ‘capsules of quiet’ in the library, ‘sound clouds’ in the seminar rooms with their own undulating mannerisms for chairs and key items of furniture.

Image © Ronald Kreimel

*The new campus of the WU was masterplanned by BUSarchitektur ZT Gmbh and includes buildings by Zaha Hadid Architecture, studio of Hitoshe Abe, Estudio Carme Pinos S.L, NO.MAD Architects and BUSarchitektur ZT Gmbh.

Image © Ronald Kreimel

Departments of Law and Central Administration, at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, by CRAB studio - Floor Plan lvl 1

Image © CRAB studio

Departments of Law and Central Administration, at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, by CRAB studio - Floor Plan lvl 2

Image © CRAB studio

Departments of Law and Central Administration, at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, by CRAB studio - Floor Plan lvl 0

Image © CRAB studio

Departments of Law and Central Administration, at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, by CRAB studio - Section B

Image © CRAB studio

Departments of Law and Central Administration, at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, by CRAB studio - Section A

Image © CRAB studio

Departments of Law and Central Administration, at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, by CRAB studio - Elevation 1

Image © CRAB studio

Departments of Law and Central Administration, at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, by CRAB studio - Elevation 2

Departments of Law and Central Administration, at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, by CRAB studio - Elevation 3

Departments of Law and Central Administration, at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, by CRAB studio - Elevation 4

Facts:
Project: Departments Of Law And Central Administration, Vienna University of Economics and Business
Architecture: CRAB Studio
Type: Education
Location: Vienna, Austria
Budget: €29,000,000
Primary team: Prof. Sir Peter Cook, Gavin Robotham, Mark Bagguley, Stefan Lengen, Theresa Heinen
Status: Completed
Photography: Ronald Kreimel
Awards: 2014 RIBA European Award, Shortlisted WAN Education Award 2014, Shortlisted WAF Higher Education and Research Award 2014