vienna university’s law + admin buildings by CRAB studio

vienna university’s law + admin buildings by CRAB studio
photo by ronald kreimel
all images courtesy of CRAB studio

CRAB studio has completed the ‘departments of law and central administration’ at vienna university, part of the ongoing development at the campus, masterplanned by BUSarchitektur. using their experience of working in colleges, sir peter cook and gavin robotham ensured that a vibrant and dynamic building was constructed, comprising an engaging collection of spaces which cater for the needs of students and professors during classes and outside of teaching hours.

the vibrant and dynamic building comprises an engaging collection of interior and exterior spaces
photo by ronald kreimel

the scheme is made up of two long buildings which frame a central plaza, connecting the site within the urban landscape. bright and bold façades add color to the design, while elevations are clad in locally sourced timber louvers, protecting the internal volumes from the sun, and reflecting the university’s woodland setting. over time the structure will be covered in natural vegetation, allowing the design to become part of the surrounding environment.

the scheme forms part of an overall masterplan for the university campus
photo by ronald kreimel

the scheme’s various levels protrude from one another, forming external balconies and roof terraces where students and teachers can meet, converse and debate. the campus also hosts zaha hadid’s ‘library and learning center’, alongside a number of other works by renowned practices.

a central courtyard connects the campus
photo by ronald kreimel

locally sourced timber louvers ensure a connection with the scheme’s woodland setting
photo by ronald kreimel

a bright color scheme has been applied to the building’s façades
photo by ronald kreimel

the vibrant use of colors is continued to interior spaces
photo by ronald kreimel

overhead view of a workspace
photo by ronald kreimel

circulation spaces within the design
photo by ronald kreimel

the ‘departments of law and central administration’ illuminated at night
photo by ronald kreimel

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project info:

full title: departments of law and central administration, vienna university
type: education
client: wirtschafts university
location: vienna, austria
budget: €29 million
primary team: prof. sir peter cook, gavin robotham, mark bagguley, stefan lengen, theresa heinen
status: completed
photography: ronald kreimel