After getting my bearings in Vienna, I headed to see Gasometer City. Although not an art space, the Gasometers represent a large-scale, reuse heritage project. Four gasometers that served Vienna for almost a century were gutted and redeveloped into condominiums and commercial spaces by four prominent architects: COOP HIMMELB(L)AU, Jean Nouvel, Manfred Wehdorn, and Wilhelm Holzbauer (completed 2001). The exterior of the giant, ornate, cylindrical structures were meticulously preserved. The interiors (which are self-supporting structures) are contemporary, as is one exterior residential tower by COOP HIMMELB(L)AU that hugs the side of Gasometer B. They are really quite a sight and even made an appearance in the James Bond film, The Living Daylights (1987).
Professor Manfred Wehdorn agreed to meet me to discuss the project. The overarching message from him (and what he is known for, I gather) is that a heritage space should be restored precisely as it was intended and constructed. He believes contemporary architecture should reflect contemporary materials and construction methods. He was adamant that the two be distinct, old and new.
I also met with several urban planners at the City of Vienna who described some of the many progressive plans Vienna has for redeveloping former industrial areas. Mixed use development, including mixed income residential, commercial, and cultural spaces are included in their strategy.
Gasometer City has received criticism for its unrealistic expectation of consumers needed to justify the expansive commercial space – essentially a shopping mall - at the base of each of the gasometers. The commercial spaces have not flourished and a potentially engaging public space is underused as a result. Perhaps, they might have incorporated some cultural space to balance the community amenities they planned there. Further development of the surrounding areas is expected to increase the commercial activity at Gasometer City.
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