Maria Rast Wiese reimagines a historically burdened site as a vibrant, sustainable mixed-use neighborhood for the municipality of Eppan. The project is rooted in the careful reinterpretation of former uses while preserving both the existing green landscape and the robust concrete structures of the former military garages. Rather than demolishing and rebuilding, the design minimizes gray energy consumption by retaining columns, slabs, and foundations as a spatial framework into which new, lightweight wooden residential volumes are inserted.

At ground level, the former meadow is “returned” to the public through a diverse mix of uses: open spaces, sports facilities, community gardens, workshops, studios, services such as a kindergarten or retirement home, small businesses, and gastronomy. This horizontal and vertical mixed-use concept responds to the community’s vision of creating a place to live, work, and gather. Flexible structural modules allow spaces to adapt over time to changing needs.

Ecological sustainability is central to the proposal. Existing mature trees are preserved, sealed surfaces are reduced, and rooftops are greened and equipped with photovoltaic systems. By avoiding underground parking and converting parts of the existing halls into a neighborhood parking facility, further resources are saved.

Once introverted and perceived as a brownfield, the site becomes an ecological and social connector—linking St. Michael, the Maria Rast Church, and surrounding green spaces. Maria Rast Wiese transforms a former barrier into an open, resilient bridge between past and future.

Society – from island to bridge

mobility – from barrier to hub

Circularity,
Flexibility,
Biodiversity

Plan of intended uses

Section plans & rendering