Siegmund´s Island

Architectural elements are combined in a playful manner to create symbols and metaphors depicting Siegmund´s life: The measurements of the watercourse correspond to Siegmund´s years of birth and death and and to his age: 1486 cm x 1566 cm x 80 cm. Red shimmering water symbolizes the pain and deprivations of Siegmund´s life, especially during his journeys, and the enormous energy of this man:

"Herberstein verily knew how to wield a pen just as he knew how to wield a sword (...) he was a man of physical prowess. Although he was plagued by the pernicious common disease of his time, he endured even the greatest strain, and lived for 80 years. He fulfilled numerous missions on land and at sea, on foot, on horseback and on chariot, through ice and snow, heat and frost, sand and bog, crossing war-zones and epidemic areas."

A square yew-hedge with a geometrical cut plant-sculpture placed on each of its corners symbolizes Siegmund´s journeys and his service unter the emperors Maximilian I., Charles V. and King Ferdinand I.

In contrast to the building, the hedges and plants are orientated towards the four points of the compass. The prism is placed farthest to the East to symbolize Siegmund´s Eastern missions.

"Compared to his significant Eastern missions, Herberstein´s journeys to the West fade in number and importance."

69 steps, orientated from West to East, lead you to Siegmund´s Island. Halfway up you reach the Multimedia Center.