September 2017

8 BUILD / September 2017 , Creating a Better Future Atelier Thomas Pucher is an Austrian based architectural company of architects, designers, visionaries and futurists operating within the fields of architecture, urbanism, research and development and interior and landscape design. Following their success in the 2017 Architectural Innovation Awards, we spoke to Thomas Pucher to discover more. Atelier Thomas Pucher’s impressive portfolio includes urban planning, high rise buildings, hospitals, concert halls, office buildings, hotels, schools, libraries, stadiums and housing. With offices in Canada, Hong Kong and Switzerland, they are involved in projects throughout the world. In 2015, they became partner of the Urban Future Global conference, which is the world’s largest meeting point for City Changers who are committed to making cities more sustainable. The next Urban Future Global conference will take place in Vienna from 28th February - 02 March 2018 (see www.urban- future.org for more details). Thomas Pucher is keen to start the interview by revealing what sets Atelier Thomas Pucher ZT GmbH apart from other companies in this industry and how new projects are approached, to ensure the best possible outcome for the client. “We design to make our projects fit for the future. The emphasis is not on what the firm does, but more about the way we do it. The firm’s strength lies in our work processes; indeed, our aim is not to be the most popular practice, but to be both mindful and effective. By learning through trial and error, we have developed an in-house work-flow system that simply works for us. Using 3D-modelling software like BIM, V-RAY quality control and 3D-printing, we show our clients concepts via virtual walk- throughs and visualisations to avoid any misinterpretations in design. “It also helps us to anticipate challenges that may come up on construction and act on it accordingly. Being a partner to the Urban Future Global Conference allows us access to a worldwide network of specialists in innovative technologies and urbanism, it bridges gaps and keeps us ahead of the times. The firm’s clients feel assured in knowing that they too are connected to a much larger team of experts throughout the world, working on finding the most up-to-date solutions and that we all share a common vision in creating a better future. “Due to the complex nature of architectural projects, communication is a fundamental aspect in our client relationships. It cultivates trust. With every new project, we begin by analysing the client’s requirements, through grasping the site. We begin searching for the most innovative solutions, by imaging what the world will look like in the future and how our design can enhance the daily lives of the people that live and work there. Based on that research, we design a resilient solution which we present in meetings/ workshops that take place on a regular basis, allowing problem areas to be detected earlier. It also shows our clients that we are fully committed to the project at hand.” Thomas then delves into the overall aims of Atelier Thomas Pucher ZT GmbH, as well as the details around their most successful project to date. “We not only design the best solution for our clients, but place emphasis in in creating a better world through architecture, since we believe that what the firm designs has the potential to impact on the daily lives of others if designed mindfully. The firm achieves this through impeccable research, high standards to provide good quality, accuracy and in setting smart goals which are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timed. We remind one another that we are always a team with one common vision. “The firm’s most successful project to date is the Sinfonia Varsovia Concert Hall, Warsaw, Poland. An open international competition won in 2011, consisting of 1850 seats, world-class acoustics, large rehearsal areas, hospitality and merchandise facilities, also the campus of the Sinfonia Varsovia 1705BU10