Sabine Bitter :
Königstetten Elementary School

The point of departure for the artistic reworking of the grounds in front of Königstetten elementary school was provided by the local dividing line along Alleegasse between the now enlarged market centre and the new zone. Since it is desirable to have a link between the forecourt of the school (Schulplatz) and the market centre, the path from Kirchplatz through the local government offices, past the Musikhaus and the kindergarten, along the remains of the wall into Alleegasse is to be continued by the artwork. A glass wall leads the remaining wall further into the open ground of Schulplatz, in this way emphasising and extending the axis leading from Kirchplatz. Scribbles, drawings and slogans from children attending the Königstetten elementary school will be sand-blasted onto the glass. There is a communicative aspect in the production of the object: children and teachers have been invited to work on drawings. The sense of identification lies in the use of personal memories. The projecting, red-stained fair-faced concrete provides Schulplatz with a landmark that is a new and flexible site for Christmas stalls, outdoor concerts, funfairs and various other events. Upon stepping up the stairs, the visitor leaves the axial orientation. The podium offers a panorama which makes it possible to get an overall view of the square and its location. The design of the square is based on the most functional arrangement of the necessary facilities possible. The sense of the stairs and the glass wall lies in capturing a personal snapshot of a moment, which is seen as such yet requires one to look beyond. Recommended by the jury as worthy of implementation, but not realised.
(Sabine Bitter)