Design 2 - anLENDen

Sabine Bauer
Mario Stefan

The term “Anlenden” refers to arriving at a shore and is the source of the name of the Lend district in Graz. The theme of arrival is still particularly prominent in the area around Graz Central Station. The course focuses on this area as a central urban transformation zone. The railway tracks have always divided the district of Lend into two parts, acting as both a physical and mental barrier. Existing crossings and connections therefore play a key role: both their functional performance and their design quality are crucial for the future development of the urban space.

With the completion of the Koralm Tunnel, the main station will become even more important. Increasing traffic at the station and connections to the city center are putting pressure on the infrastructure, but also opening up new urban development opportunities—both in front of and behind the station. Today, the area is a heterogeneous mix of industrial and commercial uses, residential buildings from the 1950s, the Smart City, allotment gardens, and traffic-dominated spaces.

In Design 2, we want to connect both sides of the station area spatially, functionally, and in terms of perception, improve connections to the city center, and explore potential for redensification, conversion, and extension. The goal is a climate-conscious and socially equitable design that combines buildings, green spaces, infrastructure, and quality of life. First, a joint strategy will be developed, then small groups of three people will develop architectural and urban planning qualities for the area based on this strategy.

Site visit: March 11, 2026

Presentation: February 26, 2026, 9:00 a.m., HS G, Kopernikusgasse 24/3rd floor

Photo: Institute for Urbanism