Wasserapotheke

During the Nazi era, the two bridgehead buildings in Linz were constructed in 1940 according to the plans of the architect Roderich Fick, as part of the monumental design of the banks of the Danube that was planned for a later date. Due to the historic context of the bridgehead buildings in Linz, and since they are protected buildings, the renovation of the Wasserapotheke pharmacy proved to be a very challenging task. Not only because the bridgehead buildings are the sole representative buildings of Adolf Hitler that were actually built in Linz, but also because they take such a prominent position in the cityscape. They are the gate to the Hauptplatz (city square) and define the start of the most important north-south axis in Linz, the Landstraße. The development of the project was characterised by the intense dialogue with the historical past of the bridgehead buildings, and it is also characterized by detailed and intensive discussions with the magistrate of the city of Linz and the Austrian office for protected buildings. The Wasserapotheke is situated directly on the interface between the Hauptplatz and the Nibelungen bridge in the western building of the gate, and is surrounded on three sides with arcaded walks. The original chemist was an enclosed unit without reference to its external environment, as the arched openings on three sides were partially bricked up. It is for this very reason that the existing tympanum, built with stone blocks, was converted to a glazed entrance gate and its early appearance-related shortcomings removed. The symbolic conversion of old buildings from the Nazi era was part of the concept and was realised in this step. The interior room was made open-plan around the existing central stone column. A goods dispenser was installed in the basement area, which sends required products directly to the corresponding counter. An additional theme surrounding the creation of a flexible spatial and utilisation concept is the fact that all the counters are in a mobile design which means interior room sequences can be moved around in connection with the moving furnishings. The interior design theme is one that symbolises 'purity' and the full interior is equipped with white materials.