British Council Austria

Vienna, Austria

Photo © Gerald Zugmann

Learning Centers

Architects: Berger+Parkkinen Architekten

Location: Siebensterngasse 21, 1070 Vienna, Austria
Year: 2004
Client: British Council Austria

The architectural concept for the conversion of a former branch bank into the new info centre of the British Council in Vienna is based on the creation of open, translucent space and a flexible ground plan. Depth is apparent even from the street outside, where one can view the entire space as far as the garden on the other side of the building. An impressive, generous and varied atmosphere was achieved by lining up different zones.

As a continuous element, a main path leads through the four zones of the info centre. Right at the beginning, the Virtual Zone offers Internet access via six terminals. Here the visitors can get quick information without having to contact the crew of the info centre. The reception serves as a passage to the next zone. In the Lifestyle Zone - the heart of the info centre - the space expands. One finds the library with its comfortable seats inviting to linger. For larger scale events, a multi-purpose-room is at disposal. Adjacent is the Learning Zone - with the possibility to study while overlooking the garden.