Future proofing the public realm: A process-oriented approach to a sustainable transformation in Vienna
(2025) ASBM01 20251Department of Architecture and Built Environment
- Abstract
- This project seeks to contribute to the ongoing shift in how we respond to climate change—approaching it with the urgency it demands. It is located in Vienna’s 15th district and builds on spatial analysis, mapping of underused areas, and a contextual reading of socio-climatic conditions to highlight both spatial restrictions and hidden potentials. The selected site serves as a test field for a visionary transformation of the public realm - one that promotes fair distribution and qualitative public spaces and shows how these sites can be transformed into connective elements that encourage social interaction and climate resilience. Rather than only proposing a fixed masterplan, the project focuses on process: exploring how short- and... (More)
- This project seeks to contribute to the ongoing shift in how we respond to climate change—approaching it with the urgency it demands. It is located in Vienna’s 15th district and builds on spatial analysis, mapping of underused areas, and a contextual reading of socio-climatic conditions to highlight both spatial restrictions and hidden potentials. The selected site serves as a test field for a visionary transformation of the public realm - one that promotes fair distribution and qualitative public spaces and shows how these sites can be transformed into connective elements that encourage social interaction and climate resilience. Rather than only proposing a fixed masterplan, the project focuses on process: exploring how short- and long-term approaches can work together to shape an inclusive and sustainable urban environment. The design proposal is not only an image of what the public realm could be in the future, but also an invitation to reflect, experiment, and engage in dialogue about the role of shared space in a changing city. The central question is: How can a shared vision of a human-oriented, adaptive city be translated into phased interventions that reshape the public realm and promote social and environmental resilience? By addressing real tensions—between development and ecology, between density and openness—it positions itself as a catalyst for rethinking the public realm in times of transformation.
The neighborhood today is marked by heavy traffic along Linke Wienzeile, predominance of parked cars, and subway entrances on a large infrastructure island. Green infrastructure is scarce, and the potential of the Wien river as a public blue space remains untapped. Yet, the area holds high public value for residents, businesses, and schools. The vision transforms it into a vibrant community-oriented place: streets for people, minimal car traffic, safe cycling networks, new public assets such as a community sports and arts center, and above all, a revitalized, accessible Wien river with barrier-free, high-quality public spaces for encounters, recreation, and urban nature. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9215707
- author
- Marquart, Chiara Cheyenne LU
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- ASBM01 20251
- year
- 2025
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- public space design, climate adaptation, social sustainability, vienna, dynamic masterplan
- language
- English
- id
- 9215707
- date added to LUP
- 2025-11-25 09:10:26
- date last changed
- 2025-11-25 09:10:26
@misc{9215707,
abstract = {{This project seeks to contribute to the ongoing shift in how we respond to climate change—approaching it with the urgency it demands. It is located in Vienna’s 15th district and builds on spatial analysis, mapping of underused areas, and a contextual reading of socio-climatic conditions to highlight both spatial restrictions and hidden potentials. The selected site serves as a test field for a visionary transformation of the public realm - one that promotes fair distribution and qualitative public spaces and shows how these sites can be transformed into connective elements that encourage social interaction and climate resilience. Rather than only proposing a fixed masterplan, the project focuses on process: exploring how short- and long-term approaches can work together to shape an inclusive and sustainable urban environment. The design proposal is not only an image of what the public realm could be in the future, but also an invitation to reflect, experiment, and engage in dialogue about the role of shared space in a changing city. The central question is: How can a shared vision of a human-oriented, adaptive city be translated into phased interventions that reshape the public realm and promote social and environmental resilience? By addressing real tensions—between development and ecology, between density and openness—it positions itself as a catalyst for rethinking the public realm in times of transformation.
The neighborhood today is marked by heavy traffic along Linke Wienzeile, predominance of parked cars, and subway entrances on a large infrastructure island. Green infrastructure is scarce, and the potential of the Wien river as a public blue space remains untapped. Yet, the area holds high public value for residents, businesses, and schools. The vision transforms it into a vibrant community-oriented place: streets for people, minimal car traffic, safe cycling networks, new public assets such as a community sports and arts center, and above all, a revitalized, accessible Wien river with barrier-free, high-quality public spaces for encounters, recreation, and urban nature.}},
author = {{Marquart, Chiara Cheyenne}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Future proofing the public realm: A process-oriented approach to a sustainable transformation in Vienna}},
year = {{2025}},
}