Kronaus Mitterer Architekten

Flowing Learning Landscape
The university campus of the new IT:U Linz is conceived as an architecturally distinctive ensemble that integrates coherently into its surrounding context while confidently advancing it. Identity is created through a flowing building form connected to the landscape and a networked structure that refers to its content as a “built network” or “built data streams.” The design approach responds to the topography of the site by conceiving the buildings as topographic layers. The characteristic landscape of the beginning Mühlviertel region serves as a reference for the design, with the building structure interpreted as an artificial flowing landscape. The building volumes form constructed contour lines in their primary orientations, allowing them to integrate naturally into the site.

The Campus as a Network
Architecturally, a network of linear building volumes with up to four above-ground floors is established. The volumes remain clearly legible and are horizontally articulated by projecting façade elements that provide shading during the summer months. Main entrances between the building parts are covered by pergola-like lamella structures that connect the volumes in a light and permeable manner. Due to its organic geometry, the building structure enables efficient circulation flows, both in the exterior spaces and within the buildings themselves.

A Green Campus
The open space surrounding the campus is largely preserved as an ecologically valuable natural landscape, which develops between the buildings as organically shaped green islands. The buildings are generously connected by ground-based, planted pergolas. The roofs are extensively greened and equipped with photovoltaic systems, and are partly designed for terrace use. The orientation of the building volumes ensures favorable wind circulation across the site.