In the 1980s, the former voestalpine in Linz planned a bridge over the Traun from the steelworks to the Weikerlseen lakes in order to get rid of the slag from steel production. Construction had already started when massive protests by environmental organizations prevented this at the last minute and the project was stopped.
The Weikerl lakes are now a nature reserve. However, the stumps of the bridge pillars still stick up like prostheses and are a symbol of misguided and self-serving industrial policy for the local population. Finally, green steel will grow over the concrete pillars. The pillars carry the vision of a sustainable voestalpine across the river.
Thinking one step ahead
voestalpine is one of the greenest and most modern steelworks in the world and is further strengthening its ambitions in terms of sustainable development. This site can now become a symbol of sustainable management and resource-saving production through technology: With a pioneering building by star architect Wolf P. Prix, made of CO2-neutral steel, a Bridge Technologies Lab is being created in the south of Linz that is unique in this form worldwide.
The popular walking and cycling path has thus been given an attraction that invites visitors and residents of the steel city on a journey through the topics and areas of tension of steel production and environmental protection and at the same time offers the Group a place of innovation that is an ideal complement to voestalpine Stahlwelt.
Brand experience and disruptive innovation
The Bridge Technologies Lab can be used multifunctionally. On the one hand, the voestalpine hub is available for internal workshops, events and guided tours; on the other hand, it can be ideally used for tourism and presents voestalpine as a brand experience. As a creative space outside the Group, the location creates an atmosphere for disruptive innovation.
Room program
The architecture of the building is modeled on the waves of the Traun. The bridge pier on the bank is intended to serve as a foyer and terrace. A narrow bridge connects it to the stump, which is anchored in the water and on which the main building is enthroned. There is a spacious exhibition area as well as office and living space with a special ambience.
