ARGOS / Zaha Hadid Architects

Architects: Zaha Hadid Architects
Residential, Business & Office Space Area: 1,786 m²
General & Secondary Areas: 531 m²
Offices on the 1st Floor: 300 m²
21 Serviced Apartments Area: Approx. 30–80 m²
Completion Year: 2018
Inauguration Year: 2020
Photography: György Palkó, Hufton+Crow, Courtesy Argos Graz
Lead Architect: Zaha Hadid
Project Developer: WeGraz Society for Urban Renewal and Refurbishment
Constructor: Metallbau Sauritschnig
Steel Provider: ALUKÖNIGSTAH
Products: Jansen Janisol Arte
City: Graz
Country: Austria

ARGOS, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, is a mixed-use development in Graz, Austria combining residential, retail, and office spaces. Completed in 2018 and inaugurated in 2020, its design draws inspiration from the Greek myth of Argos, featuring distinctive funnel-shaped windows that resemble watchful eyes. These architectural elements provide unique views and integrate seamlessly with Graz’s historical setting. Developed by WeGraz with sustainable materials, ARGOS showcases the city’s commitment to architectural innovation and is a testament to Zaha Hadid’s legacy.

ARGOS, located at Burggasse 15 in the heart of Graz, Austria, is an exemplary mixed-use project by Zaha Hadid Architects. Designed to integrate residential, retail, and office functions, the building features 21 serviced apartments on its upper floors, 150 m² retail space at street level, and approximately 300 m² of office space on the first floor. Developed by the WeGraz Society for Urban Renewal and Refurbishment, the structure is strategically positioned near significant cultural landmarks, including the Graz Opera House, Schloßberg Park, and the city’s vibrant shopping streets, enhancing the urban experience for residents and visitors alike.

Graz, recognized as a European Capital of Culture (2003) and a UNESCO City of Design (2011), has a rich history of fostering innovation and creativity. The city is a major educational hub, home to six universities and two polytechnics, contributing to a growing demand for residential and commercial spaces. ARGOS was designed to meet these needs while adding to the city’s architectural heritage.

The project was conceived after an international design competition in 2004, where Zaha Hadid Architects was selected for their innovative and visionary approach. Following extensive planning and consultation with the Graz Aldstadt Commission, construction commenced in 2015 and was completed in 2018. The building was officially inaugurated in February 2020, marking a new architectural chapter for Graz.

The name ARGOS draws from the Greek mythological giant Argos, known for its hundred eyes, symbolizing vigilance and insight. This inspiration is evident in the building’s facade, where 43 prefabricated, insulated units extend outward like “eyes,” observing the city. These funnel-shaped windows, crafted with a glulam substructure and clad in glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GRP), are supported by double insulation glass. Each unit offers a unique vantage point, allowing residents to connect visually with the bustling urban landscape. The use of the Jansen AG Janisol Arte 2.0 steel system in the windows, produced by Metallbau Sauritschnig and ALUKÖNIGSTAH, showcases precision engineering and innovative craftsmanship.

The architectural design of ARGOS merges contemporary elements with references to Graz’s historical architecture. The five-story residential section appears to float above a transparent, two-story glazed base that houses the retail and office areas. The interplay of opaque and transparent elements ensures the building stands out while drawing inspiration from the nearby Graz Opera House. This combination of modern and traditional design principles gives ARGOS a distinctive, sculptural presence, solidifying its status as a landmark in the city.

Sustainability was a fundamental aspect of the development. The building integrates 90 cubic meters of sustainably sourced timber and 80 cubic meters of mineral wool insulation to enhance energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact. These materials not only contribute to the building’s durability but also reflect modern sustainable practices, ensuring ARGOS aligns with contemporary environmental standards.

During its inauguration, Graz’s Mayor, Siegfried Nagl, highlighted the building’s significance: “Graz is a creative city that pushes boundaries to create surprising and fascinating innovations. This striking project offers another facet to enrich our city.” His statement underscores ARGOS as a symbol of the city’s architectural vision, celebrating both innovation and historical continuity.

The exterior design, characterized by dynamic lines and fluid forms, reflects Zaha Hadid’s iconic style. Her ability to merge functionality with avant-garde aesthetics is evident throughout the project, ensuring that ARGOS is not only visually striking but also practically efficient. The funnel-shaped windows, also referred to as “bubbles,” add depth and motion to the facade, allowing residents to step into the curvature and observe the city from a new perspective. This design element aligns with the mythological inspiration of Argos, symbolizing constant vigilance and engagement with the surrounding environment.

Zaha Hadid’s contributions to Austrian architecture include landmark projects such as the Bergisel Ski Jump, the Hungerburgbahn funicular in Innsbruck, and the Learning Centre of the Vienna University of Economics. Her influence in Austria is profound, and ARGOS stands as one of her final projects, completed after her passing in 2016. It embodies her philosophy of expressing the possible through architecture, creating “an order of things, a different view of the world,” as she described. ARGOS is a lasting tribute to her architectural vision, enriching the heart of Graz with a blend of innovation, sustainability, and design excellence.

Ultimately, ARGOS serves as more than just a building; it is a fusion of modern design, sustainable materials, and cultural heritage. The project reaffirms Graz’s commitment to architectural excellence, embodying the city’s spirit of creativity while paying homage to Zaha Hadid’s pioneering approach. This harmonious integration of historical inspiration and contemporary style ensures that ARGOS remains a pivotal part of the city’s evolving urban landscape.