Cities around the world are facing similar challenges: urban populations are growing, while heat records bring new challenges. Vienna is also already feeling the effects of climate change. In order to cope with the climate crisis, forward-looking urban planning projects are needed that also affect the neighbourhood level. This is where the “Wiener Supergrätzl” (Viennese Super-Neighbourhood) comes into play. It brings more green, more traffic safety and more life to the streets.

The Grätzl of the future

The Supergrätzl aims to increase the quality of life and stay in the existing city. By systematically reorganising, optimising and calming traffic, new open spaces are created in the public street space. These areas are used in a new way: for greening and cooling, for relaxation and lingering, for leisure use and for more togetherness in the neigbourhood. The improvement of traffic safety additionally increases the quality of life. Kindergarten and school children, elderly people – everyone can move around safely in the Supergrätzl.

Good for people, good for the climate

In the Supergrätzl, the focus is on the people who live here. The newly created quality of stay promotes the identification of the residents with the neighbourhood and the district. The redesign of the public space creates space for traffic calming, greening and cooling measures. This reduces noise, pollution and heat. At the same time, the Supergrätzl promotes active mobility and, with attractively designed streets, provides more enjoyment of everyday exercise and improves the health of the residents.

A new tool for a livable Vienna

The Supergrätzl is an answer to the climate crisis. It is anchored in the Smart Climate City Strategy Vienna, in the Vienna Climate Guide and in the Government Agreement of the Vienna coalition government for progress (German only). It combines various target areas of the Smart Climate City Strategy Vienna such as mobility and transport, adapting to climate change, health and social inclusion as well as participation, engagement and culture.

The latest planning tool of Vienna’s urban development is currently being used in Vienna’s 10th district, Favoriten – and is being tested there as an important tool in the fight against climate change. With the information brochure “Das Supergrätzl – Wiener Straßenräume transformieren” (The Supergrätzl – Transforming Viennese Street Spaces / German only), the Department for Urban Development and Planning provides a 24-page overview of the goals, measures and modes of action of the so-called Supergrätzl.

Contact

City of Vienna – Urban Development and Planning, Section Transdisciplinary Urban Affairs

E-Mail: post@ma18.wien.gv.at