Competition for the upgrading of the village center Salquenen

The center is being redefined and developed sustainably as the center of the village. The partial redevelopment of the historical substance shows that an appreciation of the existing with a link to the new strengthens the identity of the village. The concept is based on interventions along existing historical structures and lines that are being re-staged, amplified or created. New spatial structures emerge, which are linked with service structures, so that Salgesch’s modern life is introduced.

The new schoolhouse integrates itself into the existing structure and is incorporated between the village square and the hillside schoolyard, as a transition between the terrain levels. The structure of public use is faces the village square. The functional use is on the upper floor with direct access to the schoolyard.

The creation of a new school building allows the transformation of the old schoolhouse into a community center. The streets are created as an expansion of the square. The traffic concept is based on traffic calming measures. The footpath network will be expanded and designed coherently. A level for pedestrians is created which offers space for encounters.

A large parking area is deliberately omitted. According to the scale of the village, adequate parking is provided along the green areas.

The old stream bed is revealed and serves as a structural connection between the village and nature. KUSS KUSS relies on the creation of a village square as a local stage that consciously creates interactions and synergies between the villagers and the infrastructure.