Kunsthaus Graz, Graz

Kunsthaus Graz, or Graz Art Museum, was built as part of the European Capital of Culture celebrations in 2003 and has since become an architectural landmark in Austria. The gigantic building has come to be affectionately known as the ‘Friendly Alien’, owing to its biomorphous form known as blob architecture and its unique facade made from steel, glass and acrylic plastic. Nevertheless, the environmental impact of the museum is extremely low, as the organic roof of the building, which is made from 1,288 semi-transparent acrylic glass panels, generates energy from integrated solar panels.

The museum’s exciting exhibition areas attract visitors from around the world who come to see displays of Austrian and international contemporary art. The adjoining outdoor area is also an important part of the experience because of the architecture of the building. When the building was to be redesigned at the start of 2018, Vestre was given the honour of providing social meeting places. What was previously an unattractive courtyard was to be upgraded to act as a public space and an integral part of the urban landscape.

And what could be more appropriate for a building known as the ‘Friendly Alien’ than furniture inspired by UFOs? Our BUZZ picnic tables have an extra-terrestrial element in their design, and it is no coincidence that the name suggests associations with Buzz Aldrin, one of the first men to land on the moon. Eleven of these picnic benches are situated in the front courtyard of the museum, in eye-catching pink with subtle variations to the frame and the seat/table surfaces to create an exciting look. Three APRIL litter bins have also been supplied, along with four BERG bicycle racks in matching colours, which combined with the seating areas give this outside space a lift and create a place where people can meet.