Designed by Driendl Galzigbahn the Galzigbahn basis terminal standouts on the snowy mountain plain. The glassy oblong form underlined by a solid concrete base gives it a strong footing look.
The concrete anchors the construction in place on the slope creating a counterweight. The choice of material according to the architects is as a result of the desire for readability and transparency, the glass reveals all the technical inner workings of the terminal; the drawing in of gondolas which are led by a giant wheel to a point where guests can enter it through ground level.
Courtesy of Driendl Galzigbahn
The concrete pedestal floats into two north and south facing walls overarched by the glass construction. The glass construction has no contact points of support with the pedestal due to a newly constructed supporting structure of round bars, which carries off the weight of the roof into the steel-concrete construction
The visible construction of the space truss according to the architects “directly evolves from the prevailing wind- and weather conditions, always standing in attention to defy wind, rain, and snow-masses.”
Further, they state that “the new glass hood above the massive concrete pedestal looks beautiful as it enters the valley with an elegant drive and neither walks a daring architectural tightrope nor is it just a plain home for the technical devices. It’s one of those rare situations when architectural developments and technological innovation work hand in hand, where architecture is an equal partner of technology, even its catalyst.”
Aside from the terminal, accompanying facilities include public spaces, storage, logistics, waste management facilities and garage in the cellar. The entrance is through the northern wall where a steel concrete triangle functions as a weather protection.
With a long tradition of skiing St. Anton will have a new architectural landmark starting Winter Season 2006/2007.
Courtesy of Driendl Galzigbahn
Project Info:
Architects: Driendl Galzigbahn
Location: Innsbruck, Austria
Project Name: Basis Terminal Galzigbahn
All Images Courtesy Of Driendl Galzigbahn
By: Hassan Mohammed Yakubu
