Spittelau Viaducts Housing Project

Related people

Zaha Hadid (was created by)
Otto Wagner (was created by)

Date

housing 1994-2005 (creation);viaduct completed 1901 (creation)

Location

Europe->Austria->Wien->Vienna

Description

The project is part of a revitalization initiative undertaken by the City of Vienna for the Wiener Grtel area. A series of (government subsidized) apartments, offices and artist studios weave like a ribbon through, around and over the arched bays of the historic brick viaduct (an unused railway viaduct but a protected structure), designed by Otto Wagner (part of his urban transport project completed 1901). The three-part structure playfully interacts with the viaduct, generating a multitude of different outdoor and indoor spatial relationships. The perception of these is intensified by the response of the architectural language to the different speeds of the infrastructural elements. Public outdoor spaces are enlivened via the infill of bars and restaurants under some of the arches of the viaduct. The related service zone flows through the remaining openings of the viaduct and melts into the banks of the canal, creating a lively platform for public life. The complex sits on the bank of the Danube Canal and takes advantage of the waterside with pedestrian and public areas. An additional challenge is posed to the project, as the program consists mainly of social housing, through studios and offices are mixed in. Later, the project should be connected to the University of Business and Northern Train Station via a pedestrian and cycle bridge.

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