In the 1980s, the then-voestalpine in Linz planned to build a bridge across the Traun River from the steel mill to the Weikerlseen lakes in order to dispose of the slag from steel production there. Construction had already begun when massive protests by environmental organizations prevented it at the last minute, and the project was halted. Today, voestalpine’s philosophy is entirely different, so a different form of “Bridge Technology” could emerge here. We’ve been thinking about this with Coop Himmelb(l)au.
The Weikerl Lakes are now a nature reserve. However, the stumps of the bridge piers still rise up like prosthetics and serve as a symbol to the local population of a misguided and self-serving industrial policy. Ultimately, green steel will grow over the concrete piers. The columns carry the vision of a sustainably oriented voestalpine across the river.
Thinking One Step Ahead
voestalpine is one of the greenest and most modern steel mills in the world and is strengthening its commitment to sustainable development. This site can now become a symbol of sustainable business practices and resource-efficient production through technology: With a forward-looking structure designed by star architect Wolf D. Prix and constructed from CO2-neutral steel, a Bridge Technologies Lab—unique in the world in this form—is being built in southern Linz.
The popular walking and biking trail will thus gain an attraction that invites visitors and residents of the “Steel City” on a journey through the interplay of steel production and environmental protection—and at the same time offers the company a hub for innovation that perfectly complements the voestalpine Steel World.
From Stumpf to Trumpf
The Bridge Technologies Lab is multifunctional. On the one hand, the voestalpine hub is available for internal workshops, events, and guided tours; on the other hand, it is ideal for tourism and showcases voestalpine as a brand experience. As a creative space outside the corporate group, the location fosters an atmosphere conducive to disruptive innovation.
The building’s architecture is inspired by the waves of the Traun River. The bridge pier on the riverbank is designed to serve as a foyer and terrace. A narrow bridge connects it to the pier, which is anchored in the water and on which the main building stands. There, visitors will find a spacious exhibition area as well as office and living spaces with a unique atmosphere.
