Basis Terminal Galzigbahn, Designed by Driendl Galzigbahn the Galzigbahn basis terminal standouts on the snowy mountain plain. The glassy oblong form underlined by a solid concrete base gives it a strong footing look.
Courtesy of Driendl Galzigbahn
The concrete anchors the construction in place on the slope creating a counterweight. The choice of material according to the architects is as a result of the desire for readability and transparency, the glass reveals all the technical inner workings of the terminal; the drawing in of gondolas which are led by a giant wheel to a point where guests can enter it through ground level.
Courtesy of Driendl Galzigbahn
The concrete pedestal floats into two north and south facing walls overarched by the glass construction. The glass construction has no contact points of support with the pedestal due to a newly constructed supporting structure of round bars, which carries off the weight of the roof into the steel-concrete construction
Courtesy of Driendl Galzigbahn
The visible construction of the space truss according to the architects “directly evolves from the prevailing wind- and weather conditions, always standing in attention to defy wind, rain, and snow-masses. ”Further, they state that “the new glass hood above the massive concrete pedestal looks beautiful as it enters the valley with an elegant drive and neither walks a daring architectural tightrope nor is it just a plain home for the technical devices. It’s one of those rare situations when architectural developments and technological innovation work hand in hand, where architecture is an equal partner of technology, even its catalyst.”
Courtesy of Driendl Galzigbahn
Aside from the terminal, accompanying facilities include public spaces, storage, logistics, waste management facilities and garage in the cellar. The entrance is through the northern wall where a steel concrete triangle functions as a weather protection. With a long tradition of skiing St. Anton will have a new architectural landmark starting Winter Season 2006/2007.
Project info:
Architects: Driendl Galzigbahn
Country: Austria, Innsbruck
Year: 2006 – 2007
Photographs: Courtesy of Driendl Galzigbahn
Hassan Yakubu is an editor at Arch2O with a deep academic and professional background in architecture, planning, and urban infrastructure. Currently pursuing his Ph.D. at Cornell University, his editorial focus spans climate urbanism, sustainability transitions, and the intersection of infrastructure and STS. Hassan brings a sharp critical lens shaped by fieldwork in Accra and policy research across Africa. With prior experience leading pedagogical initiatives and contributing to architectural practices in Rabat and Accra, his writing brings clarity, academic depth, and a global perspective to contemporary urban issues and design thinking.