SPECIAL MENTION

FERRY TALES

Project Description by Team: As designers, we pondered various ways to connect territories through large-scale infrastructural interventions, but ultimately, we hesitated to endorse any environmental violation. Instead, we firmly believe that spatial coherence can be achieved by embracing visual continuity through interventions that minimally impact new space or damage existing areas. By preserving Lochau's natural beauty and heritage, we can create a sustainable and harmonious bond between its diverse elements, fostering a future that celebrates both connection and preservation. Throughout the project, we sought to enrich experiences of sports, culture, history, and leisure while preserving and respecting the existing built and natural environment.

Jury Statement: "The conceptual idea of ‘Ferry Tales’ sees the site connected with a loop, that pins a series of pavilions. These pavilions share a design reminiscent of the old ferry and reuse its materials. The loop is experienced sensible and the lightweight structures interesting in themselves. They have some biodiversity habitat features as part of them. The romantic fairy-tale images are inspiring and have an artistic appearance, while they can be realistically implemented. Intrigued, the jury questions nevertheless, if the proposal comes through very strongly and has that powerful impact the site is asking for? [...] The proposed new building, which has an open part towards the lake, giving a kind of circular view, is considered interesting. [...] "

Team Statement: "Treating our surroundings with care and compassion is a crucial aspect of architectural practice and should constitute the starting point of any intended design. Prioritising a sensitive approach is something that we were truly excited about since it is unfortunately often forgotten in established practices. In the captivating and uniquely developed village of Lochau, a paradox unfolds. Situated between „water and rock“ Lochau's vital economic survival hinges on connecting to other cities via train and car. However, this connection comes at the expense of dividing its landscape and separating it from its precious coast. Upon reflection on the local context and ecosystem, we chose to intervene minimally by trying to soften the barrier and embrace the village's polycentricity. Five pavilions, built out of the dismantled ferry boat, are scattered throughout the project area. The nautical character gracefully brings a slice of the coast into the heart of the village, bestowing a unique identity upon the pavilions and fostering the visual coherence we sought to achieve. By adding to existing narratives we tried to preserve what we considered as important to the collective memory while envisioning a refreshed public life that nurtures community spirit and coexistence with its surroundings."