Mercedes Pappas | kadawittfeldarchitektur

Driving me Crazy -
Drive-in car showroom

Typology commerce Location Salzburg Construction Volume GFA 41.550m², GV 170.550 m³ Client RKS Autozubehör Handels GmbH Realisation 2004-2006 Competition 1st prize 2001 Awards europe 40 under 40 2008, AR Emerging Architecture Awards 2009 – honorable mention, International Prize for Architecture 2009 ‘Barbara Cappochin’ – honorable mention, ’best architects 11’ Gold

PDF-Download

#Corporate headquarters, car dealer with garage and showroom

In order to arrange the spatial program on this limited lot, all the functions are piled on top of one another, linked by navigable ramps and united under one roof. The vertical reorganization of a car dealership typology provides many advantages over conventional horizontally-organized car dealerships: via the ramps, the client can drive directly to either the garage or the salesroom where the cars are presented to the outside without reflective glass.

Photo Angelo Kaunat

The building is located along a prominent urban road leading into Salzburg and can only be viewed when driving by. The dynamics and motion of cars has yielded to a conceptual approach which draws one into the building. The user can move within the building as if on a public road: it is possible to drive through, park, get out of the car and experience the world of automobiles. The garage facilities and the sales offices are layered on top of each other and can be reached directly by car. The navigable levels, the over-arching roof and side wings define the space and appearance of the sales divisions which are arranged around the glass-covered roof foyer. Additionally, the two foyer levels of service and sales are connected by a convenient escalator.

Photo Andreas Körner

Photo Gerhard Hagen

Photo Angelo Kaunat

The central foyer is the linking element which interconnects the functional areas repair and sales. The customer parks under a roof in front of the service foyer and is served in a lobby with a sophisticated atmosphere. The service and repair shops are arranged in a U-shape around the foyer and ensure short distances, fast processing service and a visual connection between customer and car.

Photo Andreas Körner

Photo Gerhard Hagen