SALZBURG.- In 2021, the architectural firm Berger Parkkinen + was commissioned to construct a new building for the Mozarteum University at the Kurgarten (UMAK) in Salzburg. The building opens in October 2025.

The Mozarteum University at the Kurgarten is located directly next to the Paracelsus Bad & Kurhaus, which was also designed by Berger Parkkinen + and completed in 2019. Both buildings now characterise the historic city centre of Salzburg with their clear and distinctive architectural language.

For the design of the new building, the architects took their cue from the morphology of the adjacent spa gardens and the former fortifications. The aim was to make the transition from the Baroque grounds of Mirabell Palace to the Wilhelminian-style Markus-Sittikus- Straße tangible.

The Location

The plans for the Mozarteum University at the Kurgarten did not only relate to the building site itself, but to the entire surroundings of the inner-city parks – Kurgarten, Zwergerlgarten and Mirabellgarten. The main building of the Mozarteum University is located at the south-western end of this area.

The new building is part of an urban development concept that combines different structures – from Baroque to Wilhelminian to 20th century – while also forming a bridge between the parks and the city streets.

To this end, the UMAK was divided into two structures, which are staggered in height and size to match the surrounding buildings: the closed structure of Auerspergstraße on one side and the more open Schwarzstraße on the other. As with the neighbouring Paracelsus Bad & Kurhaus, the main entrance is located on a newly created square at the corner of Schwarzstraße and Auerspergstraße.

The Interior

In keeping with its use as a university building, the ground floor of the building is open to the public. The heart of the building is the hall with natural skylights, which extends to the top floor. The division of the building into two structures allows for the accommodation of large halls and practice rooms with special ceiling heights. The powerful overhang of the upper floors above the entrance area emphasises the importance of the square in front and provides a view of the neighbouring Paracelsus Baths & Spa.

The Façade

Like the neighbouring Paracelsus Bad & Kurhaus, the façade of the UMAK is designed with ceramic panels. While open slats were used there, the UMAK has a closed, rear-ventilated ceramic façade.

This design takes into account the special requirements of an art university with a focus on music: individual rooms need daylight and ventilation, concert halls need large glazing, while studios need darkness and quiet. The materials, colours and proportions are based on the bathhouse, but at the UMAK the slats are closed. Only in the large rehearsal rooms do fixed slats provide sun protection. A uniform window format with integrated sun and glare protection was developed for the classrooms. The entrance area and the connection between the two buildings are generously glazed.

Despite the high technical requirements, the building was designed to remain flexible in its use. In addition, the compact construction contributes to a good energy balance and long- term sustainability.