Vienna’s Therme Wien Project: A Blueprint for Sustainable Urban Living
By 2028, a recent district in Vienna will demonstrate how to build not just more housing, but better housing. The ambitious Kurbadstrasse project, delivering 600 apartments near the Therme Wien, isn’t simply about addressing the city’s affordable housing needs; it’s a model for integrating sustainability, circular economy principles, and community wellbeing into the exceptionally fabric of urban development.
From Parking Lot to Pioneering District
For decades, a 3.5-hectare site near the Therme Wien in Vienna’s Favoriten district lay underutilized, primarily serving as a parking area. The demolition of older structures following the Therme Wien’s reconstruction presented a unique opportunity. Now, six non-profit housing associations – GEWOG, at home Immobilien, GESIBA, WIGEBA, Gartenheim, and WBV-GPA – alongside commercial developers, are transforming this “brownfield” site into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood. More than two-thirds of the apartments will be built with subsidies, ensuring affordability, and a new municipal building will also be included.
The Power of Waste Heat: A Circular Economy in Action
A key element of the Kurbadstrasse project’s sustainability strategy is its innovative approach to heating. Approximately 80% of the district’s heating needs will be met by capturing and repurposing waste heat from the neighboring Therme Wien. The remaining energy will come from Vienna’s district heating system and heat pumps, resulting in a 100% sustainable energy supply. This exemplifies the principles of a circular economy, minimizing waste and maximizing resource utilization.
Beyond Energy: A Holistic Approach to Sustainability
The commitment to sustainability extends far beyond energy efficiency. The project incorporates the “sponge city” principle, utilizing rainwater retention areas and permeable surfaces to manage stormwater runoff. Buildings will be equipped with photovoltaics to generate renewable electricity. Even the excavation process contributes to sustainability: the material is being used by Wienerberger AG to manufacture bricks, closing the loop on waste.
Designing for People and Nature
The Kurbadstrasse development prioritizes public spaces and quality of life. The design consciously opens up to the adjacent Oberlaa spa park, enhancing recreational opportunities. Green courtyards, facades, and roofs, along with a promenade and extensive tree plantings, will contribute to a cooler microclimate and improved air quality. The project also demonstrates a commitment to biodiversity, with planning incorporating the needs of local wildlife, such as birds and butterflies.
A Car-Free Community
Recognizing the importance of sustainable transportation, the Kurbadstrasse district will be largely car-free. Parking will be exclusively underground, freeing up surface space for greenery and recreation. With 1,670 bicycle parking spaces and direct access to the U1 subway line, residents will be encouraged to embrace cycling, walking, and public transport.
Collaborative Planning and Architectural Diversity
The project’s success is rooted in a collaborative planning process involving numerous stakeholders, including citizens, experts, and authorities. Dialogue-oriented property developer competitions ensured that community feedback was incorporated into the design. To foster architectural diversity, different teams of architects – including trans_city, goya, wup, querkraft, Berger + Parkkinen, POS-architekten, nonconform, and ARGE Butter/Dill – were commissioned to design individual buildings, resulting in a varied skyline ranging from six to 25 meters in height.
The Kurbadstrasse project represents a significant step towards creating more sustainable, livable, and affordable urban environments. It demonstrates that thoughtful planning, innovative technologies, and community engagement can transform underutilized spaces into thriving neighborhoods. As cities worldwide grapple with the challenges of population growth and climate change, Vienna’s approach offers a compelling blueprint for the future of urban development. What innovative approaches will be necessary to replicate this success in other urban contexts?
