Rudolf Schütz is the mayor of Prinzersdorf, Austria. In this interview, he tells us why the municipality decided on a restorative approach and what role sponge and washing-up liquid played in the process.
Mr. Schütz, was it clear from the outset that the ceramic facade was not to be replaced but preserved?
Initially, there were different opinions in the municipal council. We had therefore commissioned a study on this, and the architects did a good job of preparing and comparing the different scenarios with their respective advantages and disadvantages: a new building in a different location, demolition and a new building in the same location, complete gutting, gentle refurbishment and comprehensive refurbishment with insulation of the outer facade.
Why did you then opt for gentle refurbishment?
All those responsible quickly agreed that this was the best solution: firstly, because of the short refurbishment and conversion time of half a year and the cost-effective implementation. At 1.35 million euros, the municipality even stayed below the agreed construction costs of 1.4 million euros. Even a complete gutting would have cost three times our estimated budget. Another argument in favor of renovation was that the town hall is simply well designed in terms of functionality: thanks to its exterior concrete columns and straight axes, room sizes can be easily changed and plenty of daylight enters all areas. Another special feature is the spacious foyer, which we use, for example, for vernissages with up to 150 people or a Christmas market. With today's construction costs, we could never have afforded this generosity in a new building.
What image did the town hall have among the population?
Before the renovation, the opinion of the building was not the best, especially among younger people. Buildings from the 1970s are generally not held in very high esteem and are often torn down.
And today?
After the renovation, things have changed completely. Many young people now find the city hall retro, they identify with it. The coolness factor has increased enormously. And there is also a greater awareness that preserving the existing building and reusing and recycling building materials is much better for the climate and resource conservation than demolition and new construction. We have also communicated this aspect a lot, for example in connection with the nomination for the Austrian Building Owner Award 2022.
