August 23, 2024
4 min read
What is your background?
I am Christine Lechner, and I co-founded Lechner & Lechner Architects with my husband, Horst Josef Lechner, in 1987. After his passing in 2015, I re-established the firm with my sons Paul and Horst Michael Lechner . I studied architecture and interior design at Kunstuniversität Linz. Our firm is strongly influenced by sustainability debates, including the ideas of Ulrich von Weizsäcker in Faktor Vier and Faktor Fünf. These works, among others, shape our focus on using wood as a central material and our commitment to reducing energy consumption and environmental impact in our projects.
What are the qualities/weaknesses necessary for success in your profession as an architect?
In architecture, persistence is paramount. The journey from concept to construction is often long and filled with challenges, requiring unwavering dedication and resilience. A potential weakness lies in the need to balance creativity with practicality; however, maintaining a steadfast commitment to one's vision can transform this challenge into a strength.
What makes Lechner & Lechner Architects unique in the way it carries out its projects?
Our guiding principle is inspired by Karl Friedrich Schinkel's quote: "It is the duty of architecture to turn the useful, practical, and functional into something beautiful." We strive to meet the diverse demands of architecture by harmonizing utility with aesthetics, creating spaces that are both functional and visually captivating.
What's the Austrian touch in your projects?
Our projects often reflect the Austrian architectural tradition, especially in our construction methods and sensitivity to existing structures and topography. This is evident in projects like the Youthhostel Gerlos and adobe the trees, where the integration with the natural landscape and choice of materials, such as various wood constructions, are prioritized. The Jugendgästehaus features a shed roof that follows the terrain, inspired by Alpine huts, while the Hochsitz showcases typical Austrian wooden shingle facades. In urban contexts, we pay close attention to historical continuity, as seen in our residential and studio house that combines living and working spaces, reminiscent of the traditional European city.
Can you give us 3 projects that illustrate your know-how and specificity?
- In Amorph Livingsculpture, we explore the interplay of wood construction with natural surroundings, emphasizing sustainability and innovative low-energy design. The project seamlessly integrates visual connections with the landscape, making it a quintessential example of our commitment to ecological architecture.
- The Youthhostel Gerlos project embodies our philosophy of blending functionality with aesthetic beauty. Its wooden structure and shed roof, inspired by Alpine huts, harmonize with the mountainous terrain, creating a welcoming and practical space for guests.
- Lastly, Bierbrunnen exemplifies our dedication to urban regeneration. This mixed-use development combines modern and traditional elements, featuring environmentally friendly mobility options like car-sharing and bike-friendly infrastructure. The inclusion of a green facade and efficient land use reflects our focus on sustainable urban living. Each of these projects not only highlights our technical skills but also our deep respect for the environment and cultural context.
Generally speaking, what sources of inspiration fuel your creativity?
Our creativity is fueled by traveling, observing, perceiving, discussing, and questioning. These activities allow us to explore new ideas and challenge conventional perspectives, continuously enriching our architectural vision.
What are your ambitions for the future? A dream project?
We aspire to design a city where "density becomes sexy" again. Our dream project involves creating a neighborhood that merges the qualities of historic European cities with contemporary demands, fostering a vibrant, sustainable, and integrated urban community. This vision encompasses high-density, mixed-use developments that prioritize community, environmental sustainability, and aesthetic harmony.