The architectural competition for the new Gols Clinic in northern Burgenland has concluded with the selection of Graz-based EdererHaghirian Architekten ZT-GmbH and Wendl ZT GmbH as the winning design team. The Austrian firm emerged victorious from a field of twenty-one submissions, impressing the jury with their three-story concept that adheres to the competition's maximum height requirement of twenty meters. This project marks another significant healthcare commission for EdererHaghirian, who previously designed the new clinic in Oberwart, establishing their expertise in medical facility architecture within the region.
The competition commission, led by German architect Rainer Post, conducted a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process to ensure the selected design would meet both functional and aesthetic requirements. The jury comprised distinguished professionals including Swiss architect Fawad Kazi, Bettina Ziniel, director of nursing at Kittsee Clinic, Dieter Feitek, commercial manager at Kittsee Clinic, and Jutta Benedek, managing director of Landesimmobilien Burgenland. This diverse panel brought together architectural expertise and practical healthcare operational knowledge to assess the submissions comprehensively. Their collaborative evaluation framework ensured that the winning design would balance innovative architecture with the practical needs of patients and medical staff.
During the summer, the commission narrowed the field to seven finalist projects for detailed development and refinement. This intermediate stage allowed selected firms to elaborate on their concepts, addressing specific technical and programmatic requirements outlined in the competition brief. The finalists presented their evolved designs in early December during final negotiations, where the EdererHaghirian proposal ultimately secured the commission. The extended evaluation process reflects the complexity of designing modern healthcare facilities that must accommodate evolving medical technologies, patient comfort standards, and sustainable building practices.
The winning design for the Gols Clinic features a three-story structure that maximizes functionality within the prescribed twenty-meter height limitation. While specific details of the architectural concept have not been fully disclosed, the firm's previous work on the Oberwart Clinic suggests a contemporary approach emphasizing natural light, efficient circulation, and integration with the surrounding landscape. The new facility will serve the northern Burgenland region, addressing growing healthcare demands and replacing or supplementing existing medical infrastructure. The project's location in Gols positions it strategically to serve communities along the border with Hungary.
The decision represents a significant investment in regional healthcare infrastructure for Burgenland, Austria's easternmost state. The commissioning process through Landesimmobilien Burgenland, the state's real estate management company, demonstrates a commitment to quality public architecture through competitive selection. The involvement of international jury members from Germany and Switzerland indicates a desire to bring world-class design standards to local healthcare facilities. Construction timelines and budget details have not yet been announced, but the project is expected to move into detailed planning phases following the competition decision.
Healthcare architecture in Austria has increasingly focused on creating healing environments that prioritize patient wellbeing while maintaining operational efficiency. The Gols Clinic project will likely incorporate these contemporary principles, drawing from EdererHaghirian's experience with the Oberwart facility. The new clinic is anticipated to become a vital healthcare resource for the region, potentially serving as a model for future medical projects in rural Austrian communities. Local officials and healthcare administrators have expressed optimism that the new facility will enhance medical service delivery and attract healthcare professionals to the area.
