“The Icon” among the finalists at The Plan Award

Three projects by BEHF Architects have been selected finalists for The Plan Awards 2020: Office Complex THE ICON VIENNA in the ‘Office & Business‘ category, ARTSPACE in the ‘Special Projects’ category and Hotel DAS TRIEST, PORTO Bar in the ‘Hospitality’ category and are competing in the race to become winners as declared by the International Jury. Additionally, THE ICON VIENNA, ARTSPACE, PORTO Bar and the shortlisted KOLLER + KOLLER AM WAAGPLATZ Restaurant in the category ‘Hospitality’ are also running for the Community Wish List Special Prize.

The Plan Awards were established to promote debate on global design and planning themes.

Office Complex THE ICON VIENNA has been completed by BEHF Architects and JSWD Architekten. The complex comprises three high-rise office towers joined by a common plinth. The three buildings appear individual but complement one another and communicate with the neighbouring facilities. The project plays a trailblazing role in the urban fabric and impresses with clarity and accuracy in the orientation of the three high-rise buildings as well as with the articulation of the facades. With its soft shapes, the trio enables an easy flow of visitors between the towers and through the district. Rather than functioning as an individual structure, THE ICON VIENNA opens up to the city and carefully unites the existing buildings in the Belvedere district.

An age-old alliance between arts and the inherent beauty that exists in nature has been a source of inspiration for BEHF Architects when designing the ARTSPACE. The starting point for the design has been to convert the conventionally built existing space into an arts depot and amplify its connection with the surroundings through the use of materials. At the ARTSPACE, one can experience the nature and coexist with it: with the birds, plants and flowers.

Vienna’s boutique design hotel DAS TRIEST, a popular accommodation choice among international artists and celebrities, has expended its offerings with the acquisition of the neighbouring property, which has now been renovated. BEHF Architects has been commissioned for the interior design of the bar and restaurant area. Guests coming from Rilkeplatz, enter the main room of PORTO Bar through a cubic copper-covered door. The walls of the room are clad in simple and quiet, yet high-quality continuous travertine stone, which extends up to the ceiling. PORTO Bar is designed in such a way that it allows views into the entire space, as well as out into the bustling streetscape. A focal point of the space is a bar counter featuring a simple travertine stone base with copper finish.

The listed restaurant KOLLER + KOLLER AM WAAGPLATZ is one of the city’s most historic buildings and restaurants, while also representing an important social and cultural facility for the city of Salzburg. After undergoing a significant six-month-renovation, KOLLER + KOLLER AM WAAGPLATZ has opened its doors with a brand new look. BEHF Architects has envisioned a design strategy which brings in the 21st-century to the interior’s aesthetic, giving it a refreshing and contemporary update, and at the same time highlights the historic characteristics of the city’s iconic building from the 12th century.

The Plan’s platform is opened for readers to vote for the ‘Community Special Prize’ until the 13 September 2020.