Stadthalle F, Vienna (AT)
New building, Further construction, Historic preservation

Client: Wiener Stadthalle Betriebs- und Veranstaltungs GmbH
Location: A-1150 Vienna, Vogelweidplatz 14
Architecture: Dietrich Untertrifaller
Competition: 2002, 1. prize
Construction: 2003 – 2006
Area: 13,660 m²
Programme: Event hall with 2,000 seats, entrance hall, backstage area, foyers

Photos: Bruno Klomfar

Team
Ralph Broger, Tobias Dieng, Eva Dorn, Dietmar Geiselmann, Johannes Hugo, Ena Lloret Kristensen, Peter Nußbaumer, Michael Porath (Project management), Jana Sack, Thomas Spiegel, Doris Tahedl, Christian Wolff

Text: Gerlinde Jüttner

Partners
Construction management, building services, building physics: Vasko+Partner, Vienna
Statics concrete: Kollitsch Stanek, Vienna
Statics steel: Zemler Raunicher, Vienna
Electrics: Fleck, Vienna
Stage: Kottke, Bayreuth
Acoustics: Müller BBM, Planegg
Master builder: Arge Voitl-Sedlak, Vienna

Awards

  • Otto Wagner Städtebaupreis, Award
  • ZV Bauherrenpreis, Award

A congenial addition

The new, multifunctional Hall F for 2,000 visitors is a congenial addition to Roland Rainer's imposing Wiener Stadthalle. Built in a key urban location, the hall sends a clear signal to the outside world with its cantilevered body. Below the cantilever is the modern foyer, which provides access to the various halls (banqueting hall, rehearsal stage, large hall). The outer shell consists of aluminium panels that extend into the interior of the building.

The crystalline, polygonal building fills the empty space between Hütteldorfer Strasse and the Stadthalle, whose struts are reflected in the glass north façade of the new building. This precise positioning optimises the previously rather unsatisfactory urban situation and defines the adjacent square and street space.

We won the international competition held in 2002 with a project that was convincing in terms of form, function and urban planning.

Reception gesture in red

The eastern end of the building, which faces the Gürtel, protrudes about twelve metres as a welcoming gesture and shields the entrance. On the north side, there is an exciting dialogue between the angled edges and lines running through the space. During the day, the sloping grandstand supports of the large hall are reflected in the glass wall of the new building. At night, the foyer opens up to the city, glowing red. Calculated convergence of the volumes and respectful distance in the details lead to an optimal result.

Structured complexity

Hall F offers 2,000 visitors space for concerts, events, congresses and conferences. Despite its spatial complexity, the interior is clearly structured with short routes and direct access. We have chosen not to separate the audience by tiers; only a wide crossway, known as a "catwalk", interrupts the rows of seats. Above the backstage area is a floor with offices for administration and production.

Expressive design

The longitudinal wedge-shaped hall is entirely red, while the walls of the backstage areas are painted light green. Stage technology and lighting are reduced to metal surfaces and non-colours.

Spacious Foyers

With its sloping ceiling, the entrance hall under the widely projecting volume blends in with the rising grandstands of the large hall above and its dynamism literally draws visitors into the hall. Two wide staircases on either side of the reception hall lead up to the interval foyers, whose rising floor corresponds with the rows of seats in the hall, so that there are no steps

The intermission foyers are also dominated by the strong, atmospheric red colour. Complemented by lacquered acacia wood on the ceiling and floor, an elegant ambience is created that sends a striking signal to the outside world.

Floor plan L1
Section

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