|
Simmering, Vienna
Coop Himmelb(l)au
Photography © Simmering, Vienna
Vienna's history is preserved and a
new urban center begun
|
Architect
Coop Himmelb(l)au www.coop-himmelblau.at;
Prix & Swiczinsky GmbH
Client
GPA/WBV, Wohnbauvereinigung der Privatangestellten
Key
Player(s)
Voitl/Gerstl/Habau (general contractor)
|
|
When four industrial gasometers (storage
tanks for Vienna's gas supply) became obsolete, they left
huge masonry shells behind. In this project, the landmark
shells were converted into a new urban center that includes
apartments, a youth hostel, a performance hall, shopping mall,
movie center, and more. Utilizing complex technical solutions,
the architect devised an entirely separate concrete structure
within the restored masonry cylinder to support 13 stories
of apartments, shops, and offices, and a massive circular
foundation wall enclosing a 3,000-seat auditorium. All housing
units were rented by the completion of the project, and there
has been only positive feedback from tenants. In addition,
the event hall has been commended for its functionality. But
most notably, the exceptionally beautiful and unusual architecture
of this project spells success, putting this small town 10
minutes from the center of Vienna distinctly on the map.
For more images please see the November
2002 issue or Architectural Record.
The Winners: Abercrombie
& Fitch | Allsteel
| Cellular Operations
| Gateshead
Millenium Bridge | Multi-Use
Centre | Paul
Brown Stadium | Texas
Children's Hospital | Toys
"R" Us | Trumpf
Customer & Technology Center | Univ.
of Penn. Dept. of Facilities and Real Estate | Valeo
Electrical Systems
The Finalists:
Arcs
de Seine | Boeing\
Leadership Center | Gasometer
B | Hansen
Construction Office | ING
Direct | KeySpan
Park Stadium | Matha
Stewart Living
Unbuilt Projects:
BMW Event and
Delivery Center | Hollister
Headquarters
|
Video
