The Josef Strauss park was re-designed. Located on Vienna´s Kaiserstraße, a historic, four-pillar iron gate, leading back to Vienna´s Gründerzeit, remains the main entrance to the park. Behind the gate, there are shrub beds on both sides to widen the space, inviting visitors to enter.
A boomerang-shaped arch, made of color asphalt and small cobblestone paving, creates wideness and connects two axes. The “green” axis strings together avenue trees, a sun deck, urban gardening beds and a spacious lawn area. The “active” axis includes three wooden pavilions (“Salettl-trilogy”), a play and sports area and the entrance area Enzingerstraße.
The clear and legible zoning of the park provides orientation and offers a wide view. The arrangement refers to a contiguous church and an afferent rudimentary avenue.
The park is often used by children and nursery schools, but the versatile design aims to integrate all age groups. Therefore, the re-design included the original playground facilities, upgraded with playable water features and calisthenics, exercise equipment for adolescents. The wooden pavilions, while offering various seating for retreat and privacy, are not completely isolating.
Within the sunniest part of the park, urban gardening beds were set up. Co-organised and supported by the local Arena Renewal Office, the raised beds initiate individuality as well as social activities of the local community.
The general pathway structure was optimized, including an established cross-connecting the desired path. A square-like spatial extension offers room for various uses. The large lawn was terraced and framed by a step, thus allowing sitting and dwelling. Existing trees were preserved. Mixed, mainly green and yellow plant arrangements bring fresh colour into play.
Office: DnD Landschaftsplanung
Team: Anna Detzlhofer, Sabine Dessovic, Matthias Zingerle, Sonja Schwingesbauer, Julia Wölcher, Rita Engl, Roland Plachy
Opening: 2018
Photo credits: Wolf Leeb