The Ötztal Tourist Center, designed by Obermoser + partner architekten, stands as a testament to thoughtful integration with its surroundings. Situated at a respectful distance from existing buildings, the center’s design prioritizes light exposure, visual relationships to the landscape, and the creation of generous voids between existing structures and the new volume.
Architectural Response to Surroundings
The building’s height and volume respond sensitively to its immediate surroundings, sinking and rising to correspond with given alignments. This approach shapes the center’s appearance and orientation, establishing an ideal relationship with the location. Notably, the volume leans forward, enclosing the forecourt and symbolically welcoming guests to the town square.
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Integration
A homogeneous paving material blurs the boundaries between outdoor and indoor spaces, inviting guests to explore freely. The glazed front on the ground floor further enhances this open atmosphere, extending a welcoming gesture towards the square and the nearby river. This intentional design fosters a sense of connectivity with the natural environment.
Flexible and Functional Interiors
Indoor spaces are organized around a central distribution core, facilitating ease of movement within the building. Flexible distribution arrangements, floor-to-ceiling furniture, and glass partitions on upper floors allow for versatile configurations, catering to various working groups and thematic areas. The top floor features a sloping roof and oversized glass frame, creating a unique interplay between the surroundings and users.
Sustainable Construction and Materiality
The use of structural wooden elements reflects a commitment to nature and enables short construction times. Regional materials are chosen with careful consideration of the surrounding landscape, imbuing the building with a modern yet honest character. The ground floor, characterized by high-tech information points and a linear design, reflects Ötztal Tourism’s forward-looking strategy.
The Ötztal Tourist Center exemplifies a harmonious blend of architectural design and environmental sensitivity, serving as a welcoming gateway to the region while honoring its natural and cultural heritage.
