A new spirit for a local village
Basic information
Project Title
A new spirit for a local village
Full project title
Market place, elementary school, "Rauchhaus" - How to bring new life into a local community
Category
Prioritising the places and people that need it the most
Project Description
The elementary school, the market square and "Rauchhaus" in Semriach were renovated and extended as part of the municipality's development. All the projects were planned and executed with great commitment from purely local firms. The market square creates a social meeting point for Semriach's residents and invites people to linger, relax and enjoy the constant vibrancy of the heterogeneous and multifunctional meeting zones.
Geographical Scope
National
Project Region
Austria
Urban or rural issues
Mainly rural
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
The project consists of three parts - the elementary school, the Rauchhaus and the market square in the center of Semriach. During the planning and implementation of these three projects, particular attention was paid to creating valuable public communal areas in order to revitalize the town center as a meeting place and relaxation zone.
The renovation and conversion of the elementary school primarily included barrier-free access, a redesign of the basement and the conversion of the attic. Today's cluster school with its open learning areas invites children to learn, relax and socialize. The quality of the building was significantly improved not only within the elementary school, but also in the Rauchhaus through sensible spatial redesign. The renovation of the vacant building created space for surgeries, apartments, offices, common rooms and a café. An outdoor terrace creates a link between the market square and the Rauchhaus. The redesign concept for the market square provides for barrier-free access to the entire area, the renovation of the municipal road, a change in traffic routing, the redesign of the parking spaces and the creation of a new, attractive market square center for Semriach, so that user-friendliness is improved and the local community is strengthened. Semriach now offers a well-functioning educational structure with a lively club life and has turend into an extremely liveable and lovable town.
The renovation and conversion of the elementary school primarily included barrier-free access, a redesign of the basement and the conversion of the attic. Today's cluster school with its open learning areas invites children to learn, relax and socialize. The quality of the building was significantly improved not only within the elementary school, but also in the Rauchhaus through sensible spatial redesign. The renovation of the vacant building created space for surgeries, apartments, offices, common rooms and a café. An outdoor terrace creates a link between the market square and the Rauchhaus. The redesign concept for the market square provides for barrier-free access to the entire area, the renovation of the municipal road, a change in traffic routing, the redesign of the parking spaces and the creation of a new, attractive market square center for Semriach, so that user-friendliness is improved and the local community is strengthened. Semriach now offers a well-functioning educational structure with a lively club life and has turend into an extremely liveable and lovable town.
Key objectives for sustainability
The main aim of these projects was to revive the existing buildings and create recreational areas. Both the elementary school and the “Rauchhaus” were renovated and significantly improved in terms of user friendlyness. In contrast to demolition and reconstruction, all environmental impacts were minimized when dealing with the existing building.
The overall renovation of the elementary school included comprehensive thermal renovation, the installation of a ventilation system with heat recovery, external shading, the optimization of the lighting system and the installation of a photovoltaic system. Furthermore, insulation materials with the Austrian eco-label and natureplus award were used so that the entire building complies with the klimaaktiv Gold Standard.
Given the great potential of the city center, the main focus was put on the revitalisation of the market square. On top of that, generous green areas ensured that the market square can continue to benefit from a colorful variety of vegetation in the future.
The overall renovation of the elementary school included comprehensive thermal renovation, the installation of a ventilation system with heat recovery, external shading, the optimization of the lighting system and the installation of a photovoltaic system. Furthermore, insulation materials with the Austrian eco-label and natureplus award were used so that the entire building complies with the klimaaktiv Gold Standard.
Given the great potential of the city center, the main focus was put on the revitalisation of the market square. On top of that, generous green areas ensured that the market square can continue to benefit from a colorful variety of vegetation in the future.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Throughout the entire project area, care was taken to ensure a high quality of stay. This is achieved through the interaction of the three individual project sections in interaction with each other. The classrooms were equipped with modern LED lighting, the public library, which can be used as an event room, was staged with local wood, as was the rest of the elementary school. The quality of stay is noticeable both inside and outside: on the market square, terraces and green spaces invite you to linger. Five concrete “lenses” create a mediation between the different height levels. The stairs and ramps in between give the whole thing a certain lightness. In addition, a new fountain with floor nozzles was built, which attracts attention. In the dark, this can be illuminated with light effects. The individual zones of the new traffic concept are clearly separated by different floor coverings. The flair of the historic buildings around the market gives the community something unique. The "Rauchhaus" impresses with its combination of modern and historical.
Key objectives for inclusion
The market town of Semriach called for an ideas competition to design the “Rauchhaus” in which all citizens, from old to young, could take part. Due to the high level of participation in the competition, a new concept and life for the vacant property could be developed. Collaboration with the residents of Semriach was a major request, because the “Rauchhaus” is the oldest building on the market square, which is why the interaction and revival are important.
When designing the elementary school, consideration was of course given to ensuring that it was implemented in a pedagogically valuable manner. The demands of the students and teachers were met, and parents and clubs were involved in the development process. An important part was the design of valuable lounge areas, not only for students and teachers, but also partly for the public, because now the library is available to everyone and can also be used as an event room.
Of course, the needs of the residents were also taken into account when designing the space, as they were also included in the process. Everyone was able to submit their wishes and requests for the redesign of the town center. Since the focus was on everyone's inclusion, the traffic rules were also changed and developed into a ring traffic system. This means that every road user has equal rights, and the entire area is barrier-free.
When designing the elementary school, consideration was of course given to ensuring that it was implemented in a pedagogically valuable manner. The demands of the students and teachers were met, and parents and clubs were involved in the development process. An important part was the design of valuable lounge areas, not only for students and teachers, but also partly for the public, because now the library is available to everyone and can also be used as an event room.
Of course, the needs of the residents were also taken into account when designing the space, as they were also included in the process. Everyone was able to submit their wishes and requests for the redesign of the town center. Since the focus was on everyone's inclusion, the traffic rules were also changed and developed into a ring traffic system. This means that every road user has equal rights, and the entire area is barrier-free.
Results in relation to category
The market community Semriach can be seen as role model for other municipalties across Austria. Especially in the Alpine region, a lot of small towns could benefit from revitalizing parts of the community in order to make city centers and local businesses more attactive for the general public. This way, small communities can enrich themselves sustainably and represent flourishing areas for tourists and locals.
How Citizens benefit
The integration of citizens and civil society into the project was crucial to its design and implementation. The market town of Semriach opened a platform with an ideas competition for the “Rauchhaus” where citizens of all ages could submit suggestions to revitalize the vacant historic building.
Furthermore, the collaboration with residents of Semriach played an important role in the design of the elementary school and the town center. Incorporating citizens' needs and desires resulted in a wide variety of ideas and solutions that met the real needs and interests of the community. This not only created functional and aesthetic improvements, but also promoted a strong identification among citizens with the developments in their community.
Citizen participation helped ensure that the projects not only met practical needs but also had some meaning and value for the community. It led to increased acceptance of the changes as citizens were actively involved in shaping their immediate surroundings. Direct participation created a connection and identification of the community with the projects that went beyond the purely functional implementation.
Furthermore, the collaboration with residents of Semriach played an important role in the design of the elementary school and the town center. Incorporating citizens' needs and desires resulted in a wide variety of ideas and solutions that met the real needs and interests of the community. This not only created functional and aesthetic improvements, but also promoted a strong identification among citizens with the developments in their community.
Citizen participation helped ensure that the projects not only met practical needs but also had some meaning and value for the community. It led to increased acceptance of the changes as citizens were actively involved in shaping their immediate surroundings. Direct participation created a connection and identification of the community with the projects that went beyond the purely functional implementation.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
On the one hand, the renovation and redesign of the elementary school, the "Rauchhaus" and the market square brought life back to the extinct town center. Work was carried out with the inventory, which became very important. The "Rauchhaus" in particular, which had been a desolate empty building for years, flourished again and many different parties found their place in this building. From individuals who have found their new home at the center to doctors who have been able to open their new practice. Through the café, which is connected to the market square via a terrace, the public can also enjoy the new arrangement and linger there. The new elementary school impresses with its new educational concept as a cluster school and creates valuable meeting areas. The playground, which was co-designed, is also available to the public.
The three projects not only achieved social benefits. Through the renovation, the elementary school achieved a climate-active gold standard and therefore has an all-round ecological building concept.
The three projects not only achieved social benefits. Through the renovation, the elementary school achieved a climate-active gold standard and therefore has an all-round ecological building concept.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
Interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial in project design and implementation, involving fields such as technology, environmental sciences, social sciences, economics, policy, communication, and project management. Representatives from these disciplines interact through regular meetings, collaborative platforms, and interdisciplinary teams. The added value includes a holistic approach to problem-solving, innovation, risk mitigation, and enhanced problem-solving capabilities, resulting in more comprehensive and sustainable project outcomes.
Methodology used
In the three sub-areas of the projects, the three dimensions reinforce and support each other. The decision to work with the existing buildings was implemented taking into account the wishes and needs of the residents. Through engagement, concerns and ideas were addressed, thereby taking into account the needs of the community. In this way, citizens are actively involved in the process, which strengthens the lasting feeling of connection to the changes.
The renovation and design are not only functional, but also help to increase the visual appeal of the place. The integration of modern and ecological elements into historical structures gives the place a special, sustainable aesthetic.
Aesthetic design takes into account the diversity of citizens' needs and expectations by creating functionally appealing solutions. The planning aims to create places that are not only beautiful, but also accessible and usable for everyone.
Involving the community in the planning process not only promotes engagement but also leads to sustainable, needs-based solutions. It acts as an exemplary implementation and inspires other cities and communities to pursue similar integrative approaches to a livable environment.
The renovation and design are not only functional, but also help to increase the visual appeal of the place. The integration of modern and ecological elements into historical structures gives the place a special, sustainable aesthetic.
Aesthetic design takes into account the diversity of citizens' needs and expectations by creating functionally appealing solutions. The planning aims to create places that are not only beautiful, but also accessible and usable for everyone.
Involving the community in the planning process not only promotes engagement but also leads to sustainable, needs-based solutions. It acts as an exemplary implementation and inspires other cities and communities to pursue similar integrative approaches to a livable environment.
How stakeholders are engaged
The involvement of various stakeholders at local, regional, national, and European levels is crucial for the successful design and implementation of a project. At the local level, communities, businesses, and local government officials are engaged to understand needs and ensure support. On the regional level, development agencies and planning bodies provide regional perspectives and coordination. Involving these stakeholders ensures a comprehensive, sustainable project design and contributes to acceptance and support at different levels.
Global challenges
It is often the case that the town center is not strengthened, but rather the surrounding areas are developed. This is of course causing the town center to die out, vacancies are becoming more and more common and there are no meeting areas or valuable lounge areas to be seen anywhere. Simply through the design and renovation of the market square in Semriach and its oldest building, the “Rauchhaus”, all of these missing but extremely valued zones were implemented. This means that the town center has really blossomed again, significant meeting areas are clearly visible, invite you to linger and create a stunning atmosphere.
This unification in public space can also be felt in shared use, such as the primary school library, its playground or the mixed use in the “Rauchhaus”.
Above all, however, the focus is on dealing with the inventory. Aside from the fact that the “Rauchhaus” is the oldest building on the market square and has great character, the redesign of the elementary school is also extremely positive.
This unification in public space can also be felt in shared use, such as the primary school library, its playground or the mixed use in the “Rauchhaus”.
Above all, however, the focus is on dealing with the inventory. Aside from the fact that the “Rauchhaus” is the oldest building on the market square and has great character, the redesign of the elementary school is also extremely positive.
Learning transferred to other parties
The market community Semriach can be seen as role model for other municipalties across Austria. Especially in the Alpine region, a lot of small towns could benefit from revitalizing parts of the community in order to make city centers and local businesses more attactive for the general public. This way, small communities can enrich themselves sustainably and represent flourishing areas for tourists and locals.
Keywords
Dealing with existing buildings
Meeting zones/common areas
Cooperation with citizens
Revitalization of the existing building
Consideration of everyone
