4.1 WieNeu / Block rehabilitation zones Gudrunstrasse I & II
Partners: wohnfonds_wien, architect DI Leopold Augusta (formerly Timo Huber + Partner ZT GmbH), Trimmel Wall Architekten ZTGmbH
Project period: 2017-2021
wohnfonds_wien defined two WieNeu zones (formerly “block rehabilitation zones“) in the WieNeu+ programme area to serve as a planning and working basis: Gudrunstrasse I and Gudrunstrasse II.
In co-ordination with the Municipal District Office and the City Administration, wohnfonds_wien employed a multi-tier procedure to develop sustainable concepts for the upgrading of two block rehabilitation zones in Favoriten. Preliminary surveys conducted by GB*East showed an urgent need for building refurbishment, above all in the section between Quellenstrasse, Landgutgasse, Neilreichgasse and Laxenburger Strasse, with an above-average share of sub-standard flats (15% in category D – the lowest category – as per 2001).
When defining the block rehabilitation zones, this very big area was divided into a western part (Gudrunstrasse II) and an eastern part (Gudrunstrasse I).
A total of 32 urban blocks comprising 226 properties with very dense, heterogeneous architectural and ownership structures, including residential and commercial buildings of varying sizes, offers opportunities but also calls for solutions that, encompassing several buildings and blocks, can prove pioneering for climate-resilient and resource-conserving urban renewal.
Block rehabilitation zone Gudrunstrasse I & redesign of Quellenplatz square
This zone extends across 15 urban blocks encompassing 91 properties with a very heterogeneous architectural structure that consists of Gründerzeit apartment blocks with perimeter development, densely built-up courtyards as well as residential and office buildings dating from various post-war periods (after 1945). Moreover, several blocks classified as suitable for the construction of commercial buildings and the Favoriten tram depot are located in this zone.
The block rehabilitation concept comprises measures that aim at renovating the old building stock and transforming as many sub-standard flats as possible into dwellings with modern amenities. To improve lighting and ventilation, these rehabilitation projects are to be combined with improvements of the overall urban structure, e.g. by tearing down shed roofs.
Another conceptual focus is on proposals to re-organise the tram depot and identify new ways of blending housing and sustainable commercial use.
Redesign measures to improve the situation along Laxenburger Strasse and in Quellenplatz square were suggested as a means to upgrade public space.
Block rehabilitation zone Gudrunstrasse II
This zone extends across 18 urban blocks comprising 135 properties. The project led to the development of a comprehensive model concept for the block rehabilitation zone Gudrunstrasse II to safeguard energy-efficient, socially just and environmentally friendly block rehabilitation. Moreover, it was planned to realise a demonstration building as a flagship refurbishment project with resource-conserving urban redensification.
In addition, a participatory planning process was held together with residents and relevant stakeholders to formulate an intervention master plan for this block rehabilitation zone. This was accompanied by measures for the greening of buildings and of the urban environment.
Outcomes
WieNeu block rehabilitation is an instrument that has proven its suitability for the targeted strategic and systematic launching of architectural and urban design developments in a neighbourhood or block rehabilitation zone as well as for activating local property owners and supporting them in concrete implementation measures. Often, such initiatives only become effective after some time and after expiry of the project period. The interaction of different municipal institutions, too, is strengthened by WieNeu (WieNeu+, Hauskunft, various municipal departments, planners and GB*).