From May 20 to May 23, 2024, the second semester IUDD students embarked on a study trip to Vienna, aimed at exploring urban development, innovative city planning, and sustainable living practices. The goal of the study trip was to learn about important qualities of public spaces and for the students working on an area called Rothneusiedl in Vienna to get to know their project area. Furthermore, this excursion provided invaluable insights into the city's historical landmarks, modern urban projects, and future-oriented sustainability initiatives.
Day 1: Monday, May 20, 2024
The study trip commenced with a tour of Vienna's city center, where students were introduced to the architectural and cultural richness of the city. Visiting St. Stephen’s Cathedral, students marveled at the Gothic masterpiece that stands as a symbol of Vienna's historical and religious heritage. The contrast with Haas-Haus, a postmodernist building with its striking glass and stone facade, highlighted Vienna's blend of old and new architectural styles. At Peek & Cloppenburg, students observed modern commercial architecture, while the Albertina showed a well done combination of old architecture with modern design elements. The tour continued to the Vienna State Opera, renowned for its opulent architecture and cultural significance. This was followed by an exploration of the Karlsplatz Metro Station, showcasing Vienna's commitment to functional yet aesthetically pleasing public infrastructure. In Stadtpark, a green oasis in the city, students appreciated the harmonious integration of nature within urban spaces. The visit to the Hundertwasser House, with its unique organic forms and vibrant colours, emphasised the potential of creative and environmentally conscious design in residential architecture. On the way, the students surveyed multiple public spaces of different characters to later analyse them.
Day 2: Tuesday, May 21, 2024
The second day began with a visit to Zukunftshof, a visionary project aimed at transforming urban consumers into urban producers through sustainable farming practices. Students learned about the project's goals and the importance of sustainable agriculture in urban settings. This was followed by a tour of Rothneusiedl, a pioneering district focused on climate protection, urban agriculture, and extensive green spaces, set to accommodate 21,000 residents. Here, students engaged with city planners and housing experts, gaining insights into the complexities of developing environmentally sustainable urban areas. The group of students working on this area in the study project got the chance to ask specific question and engage with the stakeholders of the project.
In the afternoon, the group toured Helmut Zilk Park, the largest park developed in Vienna in recent decades. The park's diverse recreational facilities and green spaces illustrated the benefits of incorporating ample public parks in urban planning. The subsequent visit to Sonnwendviertel, a mixed-use urban district near Vienna Central Station, highlighted the advantages of integrating residential, commercial, and educational facilities to create vibrant communities. The day concluded at Parkanlage Nordbahnhof, a park that combines nature conservation with public amenities, offering a blend of wilderness within an urban environment. The students could learn about the high quality of subsidised housing in Vienna and experience and survey different public spaces for the later analysis.
Day 3: Wednesday, May 22, 2024
On the third day, students visited Seestadt Aspern, one of Europe's largest urban development projects. This district, under construction, aims to create a sustainable living environment with innovative infrastructure. The tour of the aspern.mobil LAB, a research and development hub dedicated to future mobility solutions, provided students with a comprehensive understanding of how urban mobility can be enhanced through technological advancements and strategic planning.
The day continued with a visit to the City Intelligence Labs at the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT). Here, students explored novel forms and techniques for urban development, emphasising the role of data and technology in shaping the cities of tomorrow. The students could experiment with the newest form of participation, which consists of placing colourful paper snippets, which then get photographed and translated into three-dimensional renderings. This visit was particularly enlightening, offering a forward-looking perspective on urban planning.
Day 4: Thursday, May 23, 2024
The final day of the trip included a visit to Mariahilfer Straße (MaHü), one of Europe's longest shopping streets. Since its transformation into a pedestrian zone, MaHü has become a model for successful urban redesign and traffic calming measures. Students learned about the challenges and successes of converting a major thoroughfare into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly space, highlighting the importance of public engagement and careful planning in urban development projects.
The study trip to Vienna was a profound educational experience, offering students a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the integration of historical preservation with modern urban planning and sustainable development. Each site visited provided distinct insights into Vienna's commitment to creating livable, environmentally friendly, and aesthetically pleasing urban spaces. The excursion not only enriched the students' academic knowledge but also inspired innovative thinking for future urban projects. The hands-on experiences and interactions with experts in the field underscored the importance of sustainable practices and forward-thinking in urban development, preparing students to contribute effectively to the future of city planning.