Tip of the Iceberg Hotel/Pool Challenge This small Bavarian town is known for the very large Passion Play that has taken place there every ten years since 1634. For half a year around the time of the play, the population doubles to 10,000 when the town fills with tourists. The challenge is to allow the town host at least some of those tourists in good conditions, without creating structures that would stand vacant and require maintenance and protection for nine and a half years out of ten. Proposal The proposal is for a large hotel that would be built into the ground, with three large interior courtyards. Only one floor, of retail, is above ground as it is used all the time. During the nine and a half years when the play doesn’t take place, the hotel openings are tightly sealed and the courtyards are flooded. This creates a usable waterfront recreation area that the residents can enjoy. The complex is also used to create a permanent pedestrian bridge on the way between the railway station and the Passion Theater.
2009