Island in the Mur

Cafe - Shop - Spectacular Architecture / Graz as "Cultural Capital of Europe 2003" - an impetus to a fresh start. Graz-born Robert Punkenhofer inspired the New York artist Vito Acconci to design an accessible artificial island. The project was realized as a 47m-long reticular steel construction. The curved and twisted shape can be associated with a half-opened shell. In its open part, wave-like blue benches form an amphitheatre for events of all kinds. Under the domed glass roof, a cafe in blue and white offers the opportunity to enjoy being close to Mur - a new feeling even for locals. What is called an island, is a ship in fact. She is held by an anchor and is stabilized additionally by the two footbridges connecting her to the river banks.