Grazer Burg

Reactivation of historic government building “Burg” in Graz

Competition Team: Maike Gold, Jasmin Moor, Bernhard Ogrisek with Valentin Moser (Renderings) and Andreas Lechner
Organised by: The Province of Styria (2022)

The "Grazer Burg" has been reimagined as a public civic space that brings Styria's history to life. Rather than treating the ensemble as a series of isolated monuments, the proposal weaves together three courtyards and key restored interiors to create a continuous narrative and visitor route. An "Exploration Path" leads from the old gate to the Renaissance Hall (information point), through the chapel and column halls, and into the Registry Wing, which can be used for mediation, talks and workshops. Highlights such as the double spiral staircase are integrated into the route, which extends towards the Burggarten.

All interventions are conceived as reversible insertions—platforms, ramps and interpretive elements remain autonomous and are kept at a distance from heritage surfaces in order to preserve visible historic layers. A consistent tectonic language of framed structures provides orientation and incorporates infrastructure such as shading, lighting, seating and services. The courtyards are differentiated as a City Stage, a terraced Green Middle and a Wildflower Courtyard, opening the castle up to everyday use and civic programming.