WOLKON - urban space for Paasdorf in the context of Public Art Lower Austria

PREVIOUS STATE

Paasdorf is a small "street village" in Lower Austria. The task of feld72 was to position "Kulturlandschaft Paasdorf"– an art project that is known far beyond the borders of Austria – by means of a symbol on the village square.

AIM OF THE INTERVENTION

The design attempts to bring together synergetically two formative components: everyday (local population) and attention (visitors).

According to needs that change considerably (both during the day and during the different seasons) thesquare alters its appearance depending on how it is being used.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INTERVENTION

According to needs that change considerably (both during the day and during the different seasons) the square alters its appearance depending on how it is being used. Village square and car park are not separated into mono-functional zones but blend together to create a unity that can be read and used in a variety of ways. When not occupied by a car almost every parking space is something else - whether it be a wooden terrace , a flat pool of water, a play area, seating, an urban topography...

The bus stop – the Wolkon – functions as a landmark and information compass, It is a kind of "stage" both for everyday life and for special events. The accessible roof is a lounge, DJ 's pulpit, speaker's corner, and

open-air gallery....

How public this village square actually is always remains the responsibility of its users.

EVALUATION

The people of Paasdorf have accepted the rules and possibilities imposed by the new square design, and are using the new public square not just as a parking plot anymore, but with its wide range of possibilities. During special events the Wolkon reveals all its potential and becomes an urban machine as stage, balcony for the choirs and the mayor, DJ 's pulpit for village parties etc. The young people of Paasdorf have found a new space with which they can identify. Visitors have now an easy recognisable gathering point and the Wolkon has become a landmark for the whole area.