In Supergrätzl Favoriten, Austria's first superblock project, temporary, adaptive measures - planned and executed by LAUT - have been in place since June 2022 to prevent through-traffic, improve conditions for walking and cycling, and prepare for the permanent implementation of a new public space concept. In early 2023, LAUT was commissioned to further improve the existing design and carry-out additional measures in the Herzgasse pedestrian zone, as well as curate and manage a summer activation program.
In line with an iterative tactical urbanism approach, findings from the first year of the Supergrätzl pilot phase were incorporated into a series of supplementary measures. Large-scale pavement painting quickly and cost-effectively transformed the former street space into an attractive and usable forecourt for the school located at the center of the street.
Different uses are suggested by an interlocking design approach that incorporates the placement of open space elements into the graphic layout of the pavement painting. Materials for activities and events are stored in a container that doubles as an informational kiosk about the Supergrätzl project. With its wooden façade, seating opportunities, and green roof, the structure has become a major identifying element.
From July to September 2023, a curated program of placemaking interventions was held during the "Sommer im Supergrätzl" (Summer in the Supergrätzl). A multilingual team was on site for two afternoons per week to activate the space with additional open space elements, provide play opportunities, and coordinate neighborhood and sports activities. Younger residents in particular were invited to experiment with the new possibilities of the former thoroughfare turned into a pedestrian zone.
Acceptance of newly transformed urban spaces often takes time, and conflicts of use can arise. The activation of the pedestrian zone helped demonstrate how these new spaces can be used while promoting communication between users.
Location: Vienna
Client: Vienna Mobility Agency
Year: 2023
Project type: Mobility Design, Adaptive Urbanism, Tactical Urbanism, Placemaking
Scale: neighborhood
Status: Implemented
Team: Georg Wieser, Florian Lorenz, Carla Schwaderer, Elvan Görgülü, Marianna Kiner, Lena Dorner, Earan O’Malley, Francesco Remonato
Collaborators: Pulmetall Oberflächenbearbeitung und Metallbau GmbH,
