Viennese superblock – the first climate-adapted city district

The city of Vienna has opened its first large, traffic-calmed Supergrätzl Favoriten district modeled on the famous Barcelona superblocks. In the area around Herzgasse street in the 10th district of Favoriten, more than 7,000 square meters of asphalt was removed, new green areas were arranged, and in several streets the traffic flow was redirected to main roads. The space between Gudrunstraße, Leebgasse, Quellenstraße and Neilreichgasse has been transformed into a new urban oasis for the residents of the neighborhood.

At the center of the project is an increase in the quality of life through less traffic, more greenery and additional spaces for citizens to stay. 66 new trees were planted and 94 green areas were landscaped with around 60 new seating areas, water installations, water spray cooling systems and public drinking water fountains. A new pedestrian zone around Herzgasse High School has been specially designed, which now provides more safety and a better quality public space for children, families and local residents.

“Supergrätzl has become an international example of climate-adapted urban development. Instead of asphalt and traffic, citizens now have more space for greenery, socializing and safer movement on foot and by bike,” said Ulli Sima, a member of the Viennese head of urban planning, at the opening.

A key part of the project is traffic calming throughout the neighborhood. With the help of the so-called. diagonal filters redirect the flow of traffic to main roads, while access for residents, emergency services and delivery is still possible. At the same time, the entire area is suitable for cyclists, so cycling in both directions is allowed on most streets.

The project also brings new architectural and design solutions. The bright, water-permeable substrate reduces heating during the summer months, while the reddish tones recall the historical tradition of brick production in the said Viennese district. Additionally, smaller spaces for rest, play and staying in the shade have been arranged.

Supergrätzl Favoriten is part of the Viennese initiative by which the city systematically increases the proportion of green areas and reduces paved areas. As part of the program, 344 projects have been implemented in all 23 Viennese districts, more than 3,300 trees have been planted and numerous new public spaces have been adapted to the challenges of climate change.