If Innsbruck represents an important tourist destination
for the architectural beauties of the old town, it
is as well impossible to leave the city without throwing
a quick look at the Olympic Diving platform. The construction
is situated at a certain distance from the city, but
it is visible from the Marie-Theresien-Strasse, which
is the street leading to the historic city centre.
The diving platform cannot escape the eye with its towering height, the majestic
bulk and the slender design.
On this place has passed history.
The history of the diving platform is much more complex
and fascinating that one could think of. Back in time,
we find out that the place where the Bergisel Ski Jump
lies is not just an anonymous place. Here, in 1809,
the Tyrol War of Independence was fought, which saw
the Tyrol army led by Andreas Hofer and the civil population
on one side, and the French-Bavarian army on the other
side. Despite its valiant defence, the Tyrol army was
defeated by the French troops. Hofen fled on the mountains,
but he was betrayed and imprisoned, and after the process
ordered by Napoleon, he was shot dead in 1810. This
place, which witnessed in the past the opposed destinies
of the French and Tyrolean populations, was chosen
in 1925 as the construction site for the first diving
platform. This diving platform hosted the Olympic Games
of 1964 and 1976.
The need to renew such a majestic construction led
to the examination of a high number of projects.
The
final choice fell on Zaha Hadid’s design. The architect,
born in Iraq and resident in London, submitted some
drawings for this innovative projects, which construction
terminated in September 2002 after one year work.
The diving platform, originally meant as a spectacular agonistic stage, turned
into one of the main tourist attractions of the city. It can be admired from
the ground all year round, but to climb the steps that lead to the spectacular
view on top of its 47 metres is certainly worth it. Beside the panoramic restaurant,
the stadium (holding a capacity of 28.000 spectators), the gondola, the lift,
the panoramic café and the athletes platform are also open to public.
Some numbers of the new diving platform
Architectural Design: Zaha Hadid
Year of the competition for the design of the new diving platform: 1999.
Works began in: 2001.
Works terminated in: September 2002
Total base area: 1470 mq
Construction Area: 355 mq
Height: 47 m.
Architectural
details
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