Maria Dietrich
Media groundbreaking for ATMOS
f.l.t.r.: Adi Hirschal, OA Dr. Franz Eitelberger, Elisabeth Jodlbauer-Riegler (Mukoviszidose Hilfe OÖ), Dr. Sabine Renner (AKH Wien Kinderklinik), Gerhard Kürner (LUNIK2 Marketing Services), Kerstin und Chris Müller (CMb.industries, Tabakfabrik Linz), Konrad Scheibl (DELTA green line), Wolf D. Prix (Coop Himmenb(l)au), Maria Dietrich (CMb.industries), Michael Kosch (Kick for Kids)
Photo: Ines Thomsen Photography
Media groundbreaking on the day of love
It’s no accident that the presentation and start of the ATMOS “groundfunding” campaign are held on St. Valentine’s Day, the day of love. And there is good reason to present ATMOS in the spaces of the renowned architecture firm Coop Himmelb(l)au. Chris Müller and Wolf D. Prix are initiators of ATMOS. Chris Müller is the director of development, design and artistic agendas at Tabakfabrik Linz and affected by mucoviscidosis in his own family: He is the father of a child with CF. Wolf D. Prix is a founding member of the internationally renowned architecture firm Coop Himmelb(l)au and considered a mastermind of visionary architecture.
ATMOS – a city of air
Even for those who often lack air to breathe. This affects guests, mucoviscidosis patients and their relatives. The beautiful resort is simultaneously a place to draw breath and conduct research. From the beach to the mountain top, the reception to the suite – ATMOS offers a fresh wind that carries a touch of healing salt.
ATMOS wants to make an important contribution to reaching an ambitious goal: To find a cure for the previously irremediable hereditary disease mucoviscidosis or cystic fibrosis (CF) in ten years. People with CF suffer from the chronic formation of mucous in the lungs and pancreas. With good medical support and favorable living conditions, their average life expectancy is about 40 years. Around 25 children with CF are born in Austria per year and about ten times that many in Germany. CF is the most frequent hereditary disease in the European population.
Gathering of the daring
Chris Müller and Wolf D. Prix were introduced to each other by the entrepreneur Erwin F. Soravia. Together with many companions, they are creating a social exhibit along the lines of Joseph Beuys. They are convinced that they can improve our society a bit further by developing places and ecologies. They are aware of the power of positive visions. The task is to establish places with social and political constellations as well as spatial conditions that contribute to a stimulation of pioneering spirit, creative power, a drive for research and companionship. Together they have embarked on the greatest possible task: They are building ATMOS, as a sparkling emblem of the good life, as an incubator for innovation and a symbol of hope. Because ATMOS is also a place to breathe deeply, especially for those who otherwise have great problems doing so.
Together they deliberated extensively on this topic, shared their thoughts, developed ideas, created visions, drafted possibilities and then set their groundbreaking concept down on paper: A biomechanical temple of the muses that suggests a breathing lung. A resort where soothing salt flows through every pore. ATMOS – room for creativity, space for experimental production, site of muses and market of ideas. And: A great vision that is becoming reality.
Chris Müller: “My method for dealing with fear”
Chris Müller started the ATMOS Facebook page on January 17, 2017. The response was surprisingly huge. Numerous messages from affected families expressing thanks that the disease is being moved into the media focus; companies that want to contribute materials or services, patients to whom this is giving hope. The media groundbreaking on February 14 amplifies the spotlight on the breath-giving silver lining on the horizon even more.