The new Construction Innovation Lab (CIL(A)) forms the urban capstone of the upper Türkenschanze Campus of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). Short, pedestrian-friendly connections to the existing university buildings, together with the precise positioning of the building on the sloping terrain, create a clear and legible arrival experience. By locating pedestrian entrances and delivery access points on two different levels, circulation routes are effectively separated. The research building comprises three storeys arranged around two large volumes: the Robotics Hall and the Testing Hall. In terms of both appearance and function, the compact, elongated building is divided into two sections: the Robotics Hall to the north and the Testing Hall, with its workshops and workspaces, to the south. The vertical circulation and building services infrastructure are centrally located between these two sections. With its expressive roof, the tall volume of the Robotics Hall stands out distinctly from the surrounding buildings. Its transparent, double-height base serves as a showcase, while the striking roof articulates the building’s structural system on the exterior.

 

The key objectives of the landscape design for CIL(A) include unsealing the former Borkowskigasse, preserving view corridors, avoiding secluded spaces that may cause a sense of insecurity, and creating a naturally interconnected park with a diverse range of spaces for relaxation and social interaction. Conceptually, the new green space consists of two pedestrian paths running alongside a cycle path. Their curving alignments alternate between landscaped green areas and spaces for gathering and relaxation. The green space connects directly to the central forecourt of CIL(A) (“Urban Green”). Amphitheatre-style seating steps lead up to the level of the Robotics Hall, whose eastern side is shaded by a landscaped, sloping roof that gives the building a distinctive identity. Here, a naturalistic pond, together with a variety of shaded and sunlit areas, creates valuable spaces for relaxation and social interaction (“Hilly Green”). From the central park between CIL(A) and the Ilse Wallentin House, pedestrian and cycle paths lead into the quieter northern section of the green space (“Quiet Green”).