The 1970’s lecture hall building of the Montan university Leoben has been extensively refurbished to meet current standards. In addition to an energy refit, the upgrading of the whole building technology and adaption to suit the needs of the physically disadvantaged the building’s range of functions was extended.

Montan University Leoben Building, image courtesy Gangoly & Kristiner Architekten | Photo by Paul Ott

Montan University Leoben Building, image courtesy Gangoly & Kristiner Architekten | Photo by Paul Ott

An elevated structure was placed in front of the existing building to both clear the urban situation and to enlarge the existing foyer. The foyer now ensures that lectures can be held at the same time as conferences, that parties –both official and student – can take place at the campus and that students find an informal meeting and working place. The capacity of the lecture halls has been expanded and additional seminar rooms have been placed in the structure.

Montan University Leoben Building, image courtesy Gangoly & Kristiner Architekten | Photo by Paul Ott

Montan University Leoben Building, image courtesy Gangoly & Kristiner Architekten | Photo by Paul Ott

The design is equally concerned with preserving the historic core of the building and with giving it a contemporary apperance. The existing orthogonal arrangement has been elaborated and transformed into the new-built structure. The destinct color scheme strenghtens the impression of a funcitionalist design.

Montan University Leoben Building - Site plan, drawing courtesy Gangoly & Kristiner Architekten

Montan University Leoben Building - Ground floor plan, drawing courtesy Gangoly & Kristiner Architekten

Montan University Leoben Building - 1st floor plan, drawing courtesy Gangoly & Kristiner Architekten

+ Project credits / data

Project: Lecture Hall Building for the Montan University Leoben
Location: Leoben, Austria
Competition: 2007
Start of construction: July 2008
Completion: September 2009
Floor area: 3.070m²
Built-up area: 5.871m²
Cubage: 27.931m³
Capacity: 3 lecture halls for 180-280 students, 2 seminar rooms, main auditorium for 500 students, canteen
Typology: Education | Refurbishment / Extension

Architect: Gangoly & Kristiner Architekten | http://www.gangoly.at/
Project manager: DI Irene Kristiner
Collaborators: DI Kerstin Wissounig, DI Ulrike Wallnöfer, DI Hans Schaffer, DI Julia Lainer, DI Markus Kutschach
Client: BIG Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft mbH
Structural consultant: Wendl ZT-GmbH, Graz
Construction physics/acoustics: Dr. Gerhard Tomberger, Graz
Mechanical services/electrical concept: dieHaustechniker, Jennersdorf
Fire protection consultant: Norbert Rabl Ziviltechniker GmbH
Photographer: Paul Ott