Revitalizing the Industrial: Gasometer Town Renovation
Gasometer Town, located on the outskirts of Vienna, has been a site of industrial heritage turned architectural fascination. The transformation of a gas power station into functional modern spaces has created a juxtaposition of the old and the new, where the preservation of the past meets innovative design.
Propeller Z and the Office of the Future
Austrian architects Propeller Z undertook the challenge of reimagining a former gasometer into a vibrant office environment for Hutchison 3G, known colloquially as "3". The necessity to adapt to a circular structure paved the way for a unique office layout comprising a central corridor ribboning through three expansive floors, symbolic of unity and continuity within the corporate framework.
A Triad of Vision: Collaborative Visual Narratives
To inject creativity into the heart of the structure, 3 designer teams were selected to cast a visual spell upon the walls of the corridor. Each brought their distinct flair, but it was the collaboration with Marius Watz that became a focal point of the design narrative. His task entailed encapsulating the essence of movement and energy that synchronizes with the dynamic pulse of a telecommunication giant.
Innovative Design: Algorithmic Artistry by Marius Watz
The corner-stone of Watz's creative process was the clever use of algorithms to conceive an evolving pattern that could course through the circumference of the office space. The result was an ethereal wave composed of superimposed sine waves, an allegory to the waves of communication that would ebb and flow within the company.
Visual "Events": A Journey Along the Corridor
The trajectory of this sinuous creation was anything but monotonous. Watz masterfully introduced variations in scale and color—a cornucopia of visual "events" that maintained a lively engagement with the observer. Employees and visitors alike would experience the static energy, a vibrant backdrop that altered perceptions as they navigated the complex.
Directional Navigation: An Integral System
Propeller Z's unique navigation system was designed in degrees, a nod towards precision and the office’s circular form. Enhancing this with cardinal directions and distances to elevators, Watz not only added a functional dimension but also an intrinsic element of discovery to the space's geography, guiding inhabitants through a blend of art and utility.
Combining Travel with Algorithmic Art
The experience at Gasometer Town goes beyond mere administration. It is an exploration, much like travel, where one moves through space and time, encountering new stimuli that provoke thought and evoke emotion. Marius Watz's installation is not just a visual treat but a journey that parallels the fluidity of travel—an odyssey within walls, marked by the footprint of enlightened digital craftsmanship.