The 2025 Client Award from Austria's Central Association of Architects has recognized outstanding collaborations between clients and architects that have resulted in exceptional architectural achievements across the country. From 112 submissions, 24 projects were nominated, with several innovative buildings receiving awards, including the Domcenter in Linz and the House of Schools, demonstrating how partnership-based dialogue leads to extraordinary architectural solutions and innovations.
Good client leadership is essential for creating exceptional projects in collaboration with architects, as planners consistently emphasize. The Client Award, established in 1967 by Austria's Central Association of Architects, explores this dynamic relationship, accompanies the development of Austria's architectural landscape, and documents the forces that shape the built environment. The award honors individuals who have distinguished themselves as clients, commissioners, or mentors for building culture in Austria, recognizing exemplary projects where intensive collaboration between client and architect has led to extraordinary solutions.
The Domcenter in Linz faced the seemingly impossible challenge of building alongside a century-old cathedral. Commissioned by the Bishop Rudigier Foundation and designed by Peter Haimerl Architecture and Studio Clemens Bauder, the project required adding an entrance with an information center to the cathedral's eastern side. The foundation wanted to open the cathedral on the east side to better utilize the cathedral square. The solution involved creating three canopies behind a recessed glass facade that house a café, information stand, and access point, successfully integrating modern functionality with historic architecture.
The House of Schools (HOS) at Johannes Kepler University's campus represents a modern learning and working environment. Built by BIG according to plans by querkraft Architects, the reinforced concrete frame structure houses offices and seminar rooms. An atrium connects the five levels, while the facade features a post-and-beam steel construction system with integrated sun protection and green elements, creating an environmentally conscious educational facility.
In Vienna's second district, the Loftflügel residential building at the corner of Bruno-Marek-Allee and Taborstraße stands as an architectural exception among the apartment buildings at Nordbahnhof. Developed for Wiener Städtische Insurance AG and designed by StudioVlayStreeruwitz ZT, the building features a distinctive gallery system facing the inner courtyard that serves both as access and private outdoor spaces for the loft apartments, some separated by curtains.
The Waldarena in Velden, Carinthia, underwent complete reconceptualization when the sports facility leased by football club ATUS from the municipality became technically outdated. Designed by Hohengasser Wirnsberger Architects, the renovation focused primarily on creating a new forecourt and grandstand, transforming an aging facility into a modern sports venue that serves the community's needs.
The Museum Bezau project in Vorarlberg breathed new life into a century-old heritage museum. Commissioned by the Vorarlberg Museum Association and planned by Innauer Matt Architects ZT, the project replaced an old barn with a modern building that provides space for various exhibitions while respecting the historical context of the original structure.
In Salzburg, the former Hotel Hirschenwirt was transformed into a mixed-use quarter featuring hotel, residential, commercial, and courtyard spaces. Developed by Katharina and Nikolaus Richter-Wallmann and designed by LP Architecture ZT and Dietrich Untertrifaller Architects, the project reinterpreted the historic perforated facade while creating a vibrant urban environment.
The Simonsfeld wind power facility expansion in Lower Austria, designed by juri troy architects, completed the company's headquarters into a traditional four-sided courtyard. This expansion created a new inner courtyard for employee use, featuring a timber frame construction complemented by two rammed earth cores, demonstrating sustainable building practices in industrial architecture. These diverse projects showcase how collaborative partnerships between innovative clients and skilled architects can create landmarks that enhance Austria's architectural heritage while addressing contemporary needs.
