Architecture
“The scope of the project was unique. On the one hand, we inherently had to think from a child’s perspective throughout the design phase, and on the other, we had to create a befitting space for a resolute concept of art.”
Michael Salvi, partner at Schenker Salvi Weber
The KinderKunstLabor is a four-storey triangular building made of timber and concrete located in St. Pölten’s Altoonapark. This new institution between the historic city centre and the culture district / government quarter was designed by the Viennese architecture office Schenker Salvi Weber.
The artistic directors and a Children’s Advisory Board were closely involved in the architects’ planning process from the very outset. The spatial structure of the building is designed to enable open and participatory processes, an architecture in which the diverse personalities of the young audience can unfold.
From the renewable building material wood and the preservation of existing trees to the insect and bird-friendly design of the lighting, the architects have taken great care to minimise the ecological footprint and to protect nature. The entire building is designed to ensure that children can move and play freely both indoors and outdoors. Construction began at the end of 2022.