SITE DEFINITION

The site is located above an important new railway tunnel which will run underground in order to improve the east west connection of the national trainlines. In the closer surroundings one can find a historical suburban structure, characterized by low-rise developments (mostly housing of good quality) with a lot of green spaces. The tunnel works have blocked the connection between Lainzerstraße and Speisingerstraße which is an important N-S pedestrian crossing for the neighbourhood. Along the northern and southern border of the site two public transport-stops integrate the area in the transport network of the city. Not far from the site the Castle of Schoenbrunn can be found. Its park constitutes an important leisure destination for tourists and locals alike. Although important institutions such as the orthopedic-hospital and an adult educational centre have seӿÞled down in Hietzing, housing strongly dominates the use of the area. Due to the railway‘s noise and vibrations the city hesitates if housing can be developed on the site. In any case efficient measurements of protec- tion against these contaminations have to be done. On the other hand, a base for the city-ambulance and a health-centre for women introduce social facilities raising the question for collective services which could be of use for the residents of the neighbourhood. Public playgrounds, public spaces and infrastructural facilities for a public transport hub will make the site a potential centre for the whole area.

NEW URBAN MOBILITY

The site‘s location between two public transport lines has to be exploited programmatically: intermodal services and a good pedestrian connection to the surrounding local traffic network could trigger new dynamics, making the site an im- portant urban interface.

NEW SOCIAL LIFE

Social facilities and public spaces have to be developed a meeting point where senior citizens and youngsters coexist.

NEW ECOLOGY

To solve the conflicts between the contaminating infrastructure and the demand of new uses, as well as the provision of new green spaces for the contemporary public life will characterize the main issues of an urba- nism which has to be devoted to social sustainability and the solution of conflicts between the „good“ (the green quality of the suburb) and the „bad&ugly“ (the infrastructure with its implications).