22 BUILD Q3 2022 May22002 Sports architecture and infrastructure is a niche market in many parts of the world. From projects as large as internationally renowned stadiums to as humble as a school gymnasium, there remains a gap where many projects are waiting for experts to come in and assist. Experts like the Austria-based Raumkunst ZT GMBH, whose expertise in sports architecture is not the practice’s only claim to fame. aumkunst has been practising architecture with a noted passion and expertise since day one. It hosts an interdisciplinary team of architects, sports scientists, and technologists, all working closely, so the collective expertise flows into each project. It mainly works on housing, education, and sports architecture and focuses on high-level detailing and high-end performance. Still, its sports architecture know-how makes it unique in the Austrian and German markets. Many local firms do not share its focus on sports and movement services; as such (despite the highly competitive nature of the market), it has differentiated itself within its niche through its expertise. Raumkunst has over 25 years of experience in designing and implementing sports venues and leisure facilities. It works with large organisations like the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities and the International Union of Architects’ sports and leisure work programme, providing inspiration, knowledge and unique perspectives on designs and implementations. Currently, the need for schools is very high in Austria. Additionally, minimal investment in the last few decades -exacerbated by the high growth of the population- means there is a high market demand for sports infrastructure. Raumkunst is working alongside the Ministry of Education on renovating the gymnasiums for its university for sports and advising academic staff on how to develop new sustainable and up-to-date sports programming. Alongside that, its more immediate projects include designing and constructing a small stadium and a new high performance sports centre. However, Raumkunst’s most prominent challenge is managing the significant demand for its services with the effects of the economic crisis on the other side. Despite inflation and increasing building prices, infrastructure still needs to be built, and Raumkunst has repeatedly risen to the challenge throughout this tumultuous period. In addition, Covid-19 led to situations where sourcing the materials it used to work with. Still, the practice weathered the storm by implementing R alternative methods and materials to its projects. Some of these alternatives have remained temporary, but many were seen as exciting and viable alternatives that the practice continues to use in its designs and consultations. Raumkunst is proud to call itself a sports architecture practice, but it has also built seven schools within the last few years. Most of its projects deal with education and sports now, on the planning and consulting side, making its practice unique and each project it works on. It has differentiated itself masterfully in the German and Austrian markets as the go-to for sports infrastructure. It has adapted itself to the market’s needs by employing a team of experts from all corners of the industry to provide the highest possible service to its clients. Viewing all of this, it’s no surprise that Raumkunst is the award-winning company that it is. Contact: DI Christine Diethör & DI Harald Fux Company: RAUMKUNST ZT GmbH Web Address: http://www.raumkunst.at Best Sports Facility Planning & Design Specialists 2022 - Austria Credits: HERTHA HURNAUS
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