Arata Isozaki, that is. This year. Born in 1931, the architect, urban planner and theorist was awarded the 2019 Pritzker Prize. And reactions are mixed.

Arata Isozaki, that is. This year. Born in 1931, the architect, urban planner and theorist has been awarded the Pritzker Prize 2019. And reactions are mixed. Once again. Some are surprised that the man, whose well-known buildings (such as the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles or the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona) have all been standing for a while, had not received the major prize long ago. Others find the choice sensible; but some also find it rather unnecessary – why honor someone whose work is nearing its end, why not rather choose someone for whose (or whose) work the award can be a driving force? My colleagues in the editorial team reacted rather bored.

I think the Pritzker jury needs to make up its mind when it comes to award policy. At the moment, too many different motives seem to exist in parallel. Is this an award for a significant life’s work? For interesting offices that may be the future? For relevant political approaches? Each direction on its own is possible. All together is probably not.

And incidentally, I stand by the opinion I expressed two years ago: the Pritzker Prize is awarded too often. Every three, or even better, every four years would be a more sensible frequency.

Nevertheless, this should not go under: Congratulations, Arata Isozaki.

Oberwart is getting a green promenade designed by 3:0 Landschaftsarchitektur. The Vienna-based firm won the architectural competition for the redesign of Oberwart’s town center.

More greenery for Oberwart town center

The redesign of Oberwart town center began back in summer 2021. At that time, the city launched a citizen participation project. The aim was to find out the needs of the population. The guiding principle behind the project was the intention to transform Oberwart into a more liveable place. In addition, the city was to become more forward-looking and climate-friendly. The participation process in March 2022 was therefore followed by an open architectural competition. Eight projects were submitted in the process. The winning office has now been chosen. 3:0 Landscape Architecture from Vienna won over the nine-member jury. Their vision for the new Oberwart town center meets the wishes of the citizens. For example, they had called for more greenery and less traffic in the town center. They also wanted cozy squares with more places to spend time. In addition to the feedback from the participation process, there were also other aspects to consider.

Challenges of the planning task

For example, the design quality of the landscape architecture was a key aspect. However, the designs also had to respond to the traffic conditions. The primary aim was to reduce traffic in the city center. At the same time, the needs of the local businesses had to be taken into account. 3:0 Landscape Architecture succeeded in taking all these aspects into account in their planning – by developing the Oberwart city promenade. This extends as a green ribbon for everyone from Rathausplatz to the Südtiroler Siedlung. The planting of new trees, water elements and plenty of seating provide an ecological and aesthetic upgrade. Furthermore, different spatial characters are created.

One ribbon – three characters

A front garden promenade is being created in front of the South Tyrolean settlement. It will serve as a haven of peace in the development. In addition to play and sports equipment that appeals to young and old alike, magnificent shrub beds and flowering meadows are also being created here. The so-called “twin gardens” are planted with fruit trees and create impressive flowering aspects throughout the year thanks to their biodiversity. Opposite the entrance to the town in front of the South Tyrolean settlement is the town hall square. Here, a more representative character is created, which pays tribute to the buildings of the town hall and district court. The spacious center of the square is designed to be flexible. It offers space for small and large events. The space is structured by two stringent tree grids. In addition to the shade cast by the trees, the new fog fountain also helps to cool the urban space. It also serves as a design accent that invites people to play in the swathes. The market promenade stretches between the two squares. In future, residents will be able to take a relaxed stroll under the planned avenue of trees. Seating areas invite people to linger.

Oberwart becomes climate-ready

Mayor Georg Rosner is highly satisfied with the jury’s decision. He is also certain that this will initiate a forward-looking process: “With the plans presented today, we are taking an important step towards redesigning the town center.“ In 3:0 Landscape Architecture, the city has found an experienced partner in the climate-sensitive transformation of squares and cities. In Oberwart, for example, 3:0 Landscape Architecture is now planning to plant 200 trees according to the sponge city principle. The aim is to ensure that the city center is also prepared for prolonged periods of heat. Furthermore, surfaces open to evaporation will be laid in light shades of color. These are used for rainwater management. They also counteract heat storage. The climate-friendly promenade will thus become a green backbone for Oberwart, which will have a lasting positive impact on the city.

Steps towards realization

Until the project can be realized in 2024, the negotiation process is still pending. Among other things, it will be important to determine which preparatory and accompanying measures are necessary. By communicating with all parties involved in advance, the construction work should not interfere with business activities. Once all agreements have been made, the municipal council will decide to commission the work. And thus the green light for the realization of the new Oberwart city promenade.

The cooling of the square is directly considered by 3:0 Landscape Architecture. A retrofit that was necessary for Turbinenplatz in Zurich. A fog cloud is currently installed there as an immediate measure to cool the square in the medium term. Read here how this pilot project works: Alto Zürrus