2019 IOC IAKS AWARD
KI INNSBRUCK CLIMBING CENTRE IN INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA The KI climbing centre in Innsbruck is the first project in the regeneration of a former industrial area close to the city centre. Local architect Schnizer has designed an ensemble of structures, including open areas and freestanding climbing towers, as well as a new lead-climbing hall and bouldering rocks that have been integrated into an already existing complex. The climbing centre is situated in the area between a railway viaduct and the River Sill. The urban area is of great value for leisure. The open nature of the spatial concept creates a lively relationship between the various areas and the river. The building structures include an open space for major events like the Climbing World Championship that took place in 2018. Connected by open spaces The interior areas form a large L-shaped hall. The long side adjoins the already existing halls and culminates in the competition arena for bouldering. This extends tower-like into the nearly 18-metre-high lead-climbing hall. The entrance area and the bistro lounge Location in the new hall, which are generously Innsbruck, Austria glazed, connect the indoor with the outdoor areas. Client/Operator Innsbrucker Immobilien GmbH & Co KG (IIG) Architects Architekt DI Thomas Schnizer Innsbruck, Austria www.arch-schnizer.com Photos Thomas Schnizer Official opening April 2017 Construction costs EUR 12 million
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The single volumes are made of reinforced concrete, covered with trapezoidal sheet metal and climbing panels. The light-coloured and completely prefabricated climbing walls are made of sand-covered plywood boards and characterise the interior space. Activities for everyone Designed to accommodate both elite climbers and the general public,
the project aims to deliver international sporting success and community wellbeing. It embodies a key opportunity to reconnect the city with the pedestrianised river front through the creation of generous public space and facilities. Benefiting from natural systems Environmental strategies were a key design driver, shaping the compact volume of the air-conditioned indoor fa cilities. The size and height of window openings in the tall tower were kept to a minimum yet shaped to allow natural daylight to penetrate deep into the floor plate. Fresh air is supplied at low level by a displacement ventilation system, while exhaust air is removed at roof level by a naturally occurring vertical stack effect. For the majority of the year the building is thus ventilated by natural means, which means that the use of mechanical extraction systems can be limited to the cold periods only. State-of-the-art heat recovery systems are provided. The exposed thermal mass of the concrete walls and soffits absorbs heat during the day and is cooled by natural ventilation at night, making it possible to dispense entirely with mechanical air conditioning systems. Recommendations for accessible sports facilities have been followed, including single-level entrance areas and grounds, elevators, accessible toilets and a tactile guidance system to the building. sb 5/2019