ING.-JOSEF-RIEHL SQUARE

For centuries, the mountain village of Oberbozen has been considered a popular getaway destination due to the stunning views and the milder temperatures in summer. The village is connected to the city of Bolzano by a modern cable car that transports hundreds of tourists, excursionists and commuters every day. The central point of Oberbozen is the Ing.-Josef-Riehl Square from where both the cable car and the local railway to the neighboring village of Klobenstein depart. The constricted and confusing public space was to be redesigned through a design competition.

The project transforms the square from a place of transit to a place to stay, stroll and relax. Following the traditional alpine building tradition, a spacious and colourful square was created from local porphyry in a wide variety of shades. The specially developed paving continues in the vertical retaining wall and broadens the perspective of the square. The wall also houses the tourist information office, thus further enhancing the openness of the square. This makes it ideal for events such as village festivals, the Christmas market and processions. Above the information office, a viewing terrace offers views of the mountain scenery and the convivial happenings in the square.

The train station functions as the project’s only fixed point. The Corten steel allows the station to harmonize with the cable car station made of copper and yet stand on its own. The urban furniture is also made of Corten steel.