Vienna’s Unused Spaces Revived by Culture
- Across Vienna, construction sites and temporarily unused properties are being repurposed into vibrant cultural spaces and film production locations, offering a creative solution to vacancy during planning and...
- Since 2018,the Kempelenpark,a former Siemens property undergoing brownfield redevelopment,has exemplified this trend.
- Matthias Waibel, Managing Director of STC Development, the project leader for the district development, noted the unique opportunity presented by the space. "The multi-year usage for the production...
Vacant Spaces Find new Life as Cultural hubs, Film Sets in Vienna
Table of Contents
- Vacant Spaces Find new Life as Cultural hubs, Film Sets in Vienna
- Vacant Spaces Transformed: Vienna’s Innovative Approach to Revitalization
- What’s Happening in Vienna with Vacant Spaces?
- Why are Vacant spaces Being Repurposed in Vienna?
- How is the Kempelenpark Casino Being Used?
- What are the Benefits of Using Vacant Buildings for Film Production?
- What Other Examples of Repurposing are Taking Place?
- How Does Creative Rooms Vienna Help?
- What are the Key Benefits of Intermediate Use?
- What are the Challenges of interim Use?
- What’s the Key to Making This Work,According to Experts?
- What Areas Can Benefit From These Initiatives?
Across Vienna, construction sites and temporarily unused properties are being repurposed into vibrant cultural spaces and film production locations, offering a creative solution to vacancy during planning and development phases.
Kempelenpark Casino Transforms into TV Series Set
Since 2018,the Kempelenpark,a former Siemens property undergoing brownfield redevelopment,has exemplified this trend. The project aims for climate-efficient densification, creating a mixed-use neighborhood.A 1,000-square-meter hall within the former casino on the site demonstrates how these spaces can be activated before construction even begins.
Matthias Waibel, Managing Director of STC Development, the project leader for the district development, noted the unique opportunity presented by the space. “The multi-year usage for the production of an Austrian TV series was particularly exciting. The casino was converted into a central motif for the series by elaborate scene-picture conversion work,” Waibel said.
The film production extended beyond the casino, utilizing rooftops and the porter house as filming locations. The production office was also housed within STC’s office space on-site. Waibel emphasized the benefits of these interim uses, stating, “Intermediate uses offer us the opportunity to positively shape the image of a location before construction begins and to draw attention beyond the immediate surroundings—especially if it is indeed not a classic 1A location.”
Daniel Steinbach, a set designer who worked on the casino film shoot, highlighted the growing demand for studio space in Austria. ”The film industry is currently rapidly growing in Austria,” Steinbach said. “There is a lack of youngsters and there is a lack of studios on conditions that can afford productions that are budgeted for the German-speaking area.”
Former Barrel Factory Becomes a Creative Hub
in Vienna Liesing,a former barrel factory showcases another approach to repurposing commercial spaces. The 1.5-hectare site on Lastenstrasse, featuring two brick halls totaling 3,200 square meters, is being transformed into a ”real laboratory” focused on research for sustainable building and urban production.
The Sheddachhalle and the former locksmith’s workshop within the Fassfabrik are being rented affordably and temporarily to innovative craft businesses, artists, and creatives. The spaces accommodate studios,workshops,rehearsal areas,performance venues,exhibition spaces,and event locations.
“Intermediate use will run for at least three years; individual uses can also be at short notice,” said project consultants from Creative Rooms Vienna.
Creative Rooms Vienna: Facilitating Temporary Use
Since 2016, Creative Rooms Vienna, acting on behalf of the City of Vienna, has been connecting owners of vacant spaces wiht potential users. Katharina Egg, a team member, explained, “We advise both owners of unused rooms, buildings, and areas as well as those seeking space from the areas of art, culture, creative industries, education, and district work.”
Operating on a “help for self-help” principle, the institution assists in finding suitable spaces or users, provides advice on planning concepts, and facilitates networking.
Benefits of Interim Use
Egg emphasized the positive impact of these projects. “Successful projects are experimental spaces in which new forms of living and working have an integrative effect and radiate into the environment,” Egg said. “They contribute to the revitalization of the neighborhood or resident properties.” furthermore, these initiatives combat the deterioration that often occurs in vacant properties.
Projects range from small-scale events to medium- and long-term uses like studios, co-working spaces, and workshops. Egg noted that challenges can arise from poor structural conditions or excessively high rental costs. “The framework conditions—duration, costs, legal—must be clarified and agreed in advance. We generally recommend intermediate use on the basis of operating costs.”
Importance of a Speedy Transition
Waibel stressed the importance of a swift transition to interim use after regular operations cease. “delays often mean that the effort to restore the rentability is no longer economically or technically justifiable, especially in the case of temporary usage uses,” Waibel said. He also cautioned against underestimating the organizational effort involved in managing users. However,he concluded,”The positive effects clearly outweigh both with regard to project development and social added value.”
Vacant Spaces Transformed: Vienna’s Innovative Approach to Revitalization
Vienna is pioneering a movement: transforming vacant and underutilized properties into vibrant cultural spaces and film production locations. This innovative approach breathes new life into brownfield sites and buildings awaiting redevelopment, providing creative solutions while concurrently addressing urban vacancy. Let’s delve into how Vienna is making the most of these opportunities.
What’s Happening in Vienna with Vacant Spaces?
in short, Vienna is leveraging vacant spaces – those left over from construction phases to temporarily house operations. From former industrial properties to old casinos. These spaces are being turned into cultural hubs, film sets, workshops, and co-working spaces. This “interim use” strategy not only prevents properties from sitting idle but also contributes to neighborhood revitalization and supports creative industries.
Why are Vacant spaces Being Repurposed in Vienna?
there are several compelling reasons:
- Economic Benefits: provides income and supports local businesses during a property’s transition. Prevents the costly need for demolition
- Community Engagement: Transforms locations into centers of activity, attracting residents and boosting local economies.
- Environmental Impact: Avoids deterioration and supports efficient use of space reducing urban sprawl.
- Addresses Studio Space Demand: Addresses Austria’s lack of affordable and modern film studios.
How is the Kempelenpark Casino Being Used?
The Kempelenpark, a former Siemens property undergoing brownfield redevelopment, is a prime example. A 1,000-square-meter hall within the former casino has been utilized as a film set for an Austrian TV series since 2018. this provided the production with a unique location. the production utilized rooftops and other buildings.
Matthias Waibel, Managing Director of STC Development, highlights the appeal of these interim uses. “Intermediate uses offer us the opportunity to positively shape the image of a location before construction begins and to draw attention beyond the immediate surroundings—especially if it is indeed not a classic 1A location,” he explains.
What are the Benefits of Using Vacant Buildings for Film Production?
The use of vacant spaces is perfect for productions that rely on large interior filming space. The spaces offer cost-effective solutions during a time of the need for larger production capacity in Austria.
Daniel Steinbach, a set designer who worked on the casino film shoot, points out, “The film industry is currently rapidly growing in Austria.There is a lack of youngsters and there is a lack of studios on conditions that can afford productions that are budgeted for the German-speaking area.”
What Other Examples of Repurposing are Taking Place?
A former barrel factory in Vienna Liesing is an example of a more broad approach to repurposing. This 1.5-hectare site is becoming a “real laboratory” focused on research for sustainable building and urban production. The Sheddachhalle and former locksmith’s workshop are rented out affordably to innovative craft businesses,artists,and creatives,including studios,workshops,and performance venues.
How Does Creative Rooms Vienna Help?
Since 2016, Creative Rooms Vienna, on behalf of the City of Vienna, has been connecting owners of vacant spaces with potential users. Their role is to:
- Advise owners of unused spaces and those seeking space (from arts, culture, creative industries, etc.)
- Offer advice on planning and concept development
- Facilitate networking between owners and potential users
Where can I find vacant spaces in vienna?
Creative Rooms vienna features a website where space seekers can start looking. The website is www.kretververaeumewien.at/raumsuche.
What are the Key Benefits of Intermediate Use?
According to Katharina Egg of Creative Rooms Vienna, accomplished projects contribute to neighborhood revitalization by fostering new forms of living and working. These projects combat the deterioration that often occurs in empty buildings, offering a positive community impact. projects range from small-scale events to medium- and long-term uses like studios, co-working spaces, and workshops.
Egg emphasized, “Successful projects are experimental spaces in which new forms of living and working have an integrative effect and radiate into the environment, they contribute to the revitalization of the neighborhood or resident properties.”
What are the Challenges of interim Use?
According to the article, Egg notes that challenges can arise from poor structural conditions or excessively high rental costs.Additionally, Waibel stresses the importance of a swift transition to interim use, highlighting that delays can make restoring rentability difficult. Thus, it’s suggested to have clear agreement prior to operation.
What’s the Key to Making This Work,According to Experts?
According to the article,Matthias Waibel stresses the importance of a swift transition to interim use.
He also cautioned against underestimating the organizational effort involved in managing users, but concluded, “The positive effects clearly outweigh both with regard to project development and social added value.”
What Areas Can Benefit From These Initiatives?
The Federal Environmental Office of Austria estimates that the nation has approximately 40,000 hectares of unused buildings and commercial space—roughly the entire area of Vienna—that can be turned into active cultural or commercial spaces.
By embracing adaptive reuse and the use of temporary/interim spaces, Vienna is setting an example for other cities worldwide. Cities will see that the creative repurposing of vacant spaces yields not just an economic advantage but an enhanced community.
If you’d like to learn more about vacant spaces in Austria, and search for more information on www.kretververaeumewien.at/raumsuche