Insights into a participatively planned building complex that makes an important contribution to the Nordbahnviertel, Vienna's major urban development area.

Ms. Annegret Haider from the architecture firm einszueins and Dr. Christian Peer from TU Vienna gave a guided tour of the building complex on October 08, 2024 and discussed urban transformation and the contribution of social innovation together on the panel.

The challenge of location and planning process

The approach of involving future users does not usually happen, which is where the expertise of the architecture firm, which specializes in this, helped. Ms. Haider, the responsible project manager, shared her first-hand experience with the group. The unusual mix of 50% commercial space and 50% residential space was the guiding principle. The existing site with its triangular footprint, which is considered a difficult basic condition, was used innovatively and cleverly. The joint site inspection provided real proof of this and encouraged an exchange of ideas among the real estate experts.

Macro perspective of the district

On a very literal level, the view of the Nordbahn district from the roof terrace could be enjoyed from the shared “living room” of the building on the top floor. But beyond that, the spatial planning perspective of Dr. Christian Peer, together with the accompanying research, gave an insight into how the new district is to become lively and attractive. The contribution made by “die HausWirtschaft” is to provide a place for small and individual businesses, to offer guests a place to stay through an accommodation facility and also to revitalize the district through an event and cultural business.

During a lively discussion, the participants were able to examine the innovations and hurdles and exchange visions for real estate and urban development.

Many thanks to Ms. Annegret Haider and Dr. Christian Peer for the exclusive insights and to the participants for their interest!