Church Square Kefermarkt
Urban Revitalisation, Austria, 2008, Invited Competition, Winner

The intention is to gain useful public areas of different qualities by creating horizontal and sloping platforms in this Upper Austrian village located on a steep hillside. Kefermarkt is an important sightseeing destination for cultural tourists. This potential should be used more successfully by providing the lacking infrastructure in the centre in form of a coffee shop.  For the local people this square should become a meeting point and attractive village centre with an urban character as a contrast to the historical and traditional buildings surrounding it.  By pulling together the currently divided areas of square, street and public garden a more generous public space can be provided. A unifying surface of natural stone in an approximate rectangular shape is being overlaid ignoring the varying functions and levels. South of the main street running diagonally across the rectangle there will be a more quiet area with seating and a fountain.

North of it the strong level drop between lower platform and a new disabled access to the church is being bridged by implementing a small building used as a coffee shop. The area in front of it can be used as seating area and as a dwelling place for local traditional events. Alongside this new walkway the roof of the coffee shop can be accessed as a viewing platform and break out space. North of the walkway a heavily planted garden offers people a natural and quiet public area as a contrast to the urban square.

Site Area: 2380m²
Net Floor Area: 60m²