Projekt 2 - Räumliche Entwicklungsplanung - Simmering
Simmering, Vienna's eleventh district in the southeast of the city, is often described as a typical working-class and industrial district. Consisting of the municipalities of Simmering and Kaiserebersdorf, which were independent until 1892, and Albern, which was incorporated in 1956, it is the eighth largest district in Vienna in terms of area. Simmering not only consists of large industrial sites, but also houses the Vienna Central Cemetery, the Albern Harbor, the sewage treatment plant, and countless greenhouses on large cultivated areas.
In the course of this P2, the aim is to identify Simmering's potential, recognize it, and develop it further. How should we deal with the ambivalence of existing potential and obvious challenges? What do attributions such as “working-class district,” “suburb,” and “urban dumping ground” mean? Our task is to learn to read part of this district, taking into account the current local situation and historical development, and to map out a common future for it.
In order to present a long-term perspective that brings together as many different interests, trends, sub-regional aspects, and sectoral requirements as possible, images must be generated that are capable of renegotiating these relationships—ultimately, an understanding of the big picture is needed.
In order to present a long-term perspective that brings together as many different interests, trends, sub-regional aspects, and sectoral requirements as possible, images must be generated that are capable of renegotiating these relationships—ultimately, an understanding of the big picture is needed. All of this boils down to the creation of a spatial development concept in order to find a holistic approach for the Simmering district that understands it as part of Vienna and at the same time creates the basis for neighborhood-related developments.
The aim of this project is to design the work on a spatial development strategy as a creative and iterative process. The project is expected to result in strategies, positions, and qualities in the development of the planning area that point to a long-term, reliable perspective for this area. A series of expeditions, workshops, and guest lectures will create a laboratory-like atmosphere for exploring the specific space as well as the methods and instruments of spatial perception and development. Contributions from local and external experts as well as open working formats will support the teams in developing independent positions and creating meaningful development concepts. Interim assignments and presentations divide the work process into different units. In between, regular meetings with the support team provide opportunities for critical reflection on the chosen working approaches and results.