In response to the need for a centralized facility dedicated to protection, conservation, and enhanced public accessibility of South Tyrol’s cultural assets, the new Kulturgüterdepot (Cultural Heritage Depot) will conserve over one million objects while improving public access to a collection of the region’s artworks, provincial museum holdings, archaeological finds, and photographic and film archives.

The new design was confronted with a dual obligation: functioning as an optimized preservation facility while addressing the region’s cultural needs. Unlike the historical scattered distribution of depots across South Tyrol, the new design consolidates multiple functions, including offices, laboratories and workshops, storage spaces, and public exhibitions into a unified facility, creating an integrated space for archaeological research that prioritizes circulation, workflows, and inter-institutional relationships rather than treating these spaces as discrete storage units. Offices are situated around the central courtyard for daylight and green space access, while depot and exhibition areas are underground to maintain stable preservation conditions.

The main entrance and raised roof, inspired by South Tyrol’s alpine and valley architecture, create a welcoming foyer visible from the surrounding streets. By partially embedding the building into the ground, the project reduces its perceived scale and responds respectfully to the region’s context and typology. Ultimately, the green roof becomes an extension of the landscape, fostering continuity and a seamless dialogue between architecture and its natural setting.

Upon completion, the facility will consolidate archaeological collections previously stored under inadequate conditions, ensuring appropriate conservation standards while strengthening their role as accessible and valued cultural assets.