AZPML + SHARE architects present riverside copa cagrana masterplan for vienna

AZPML + SHARE architects present riverside copa cagrana masterplan for vienna
all images courtesy of AZPML

london-based architecture practice AZPML has teamed up with SHARE architects and YEWO landscapes to design a masterplan for a site located in the austrian capital of vienna. submitted as part of an international competition, the proposed scheme is located adjacent to UN city and the dominique perrault-designed DC tower. the project seeks to unite the ‘copa cagrana’ plot with a vibrant public space that extends along the river bank.

the proposal seeks to create a vibrant public space that extends along the river

the site is exposed, like most of the riverfront promenade, to heavy winds and periodic floods. these intense climatic conditions have traditionally prevented urban development close to the river’s edge. consequently, the proposal inserts additional programs to create a more livable micro-climate, where the threats of wind exposure and floods are mitigated.

the site is subject to heavy winds and periodic floods

the layered masterplan mediates programmatically, topographically and environmentally between the urban core and the water’s edge. the three platforms that structure the public space are connected through ramps, stairways and mechanical devices. a band of leisure-oriented program is located at the river’s edge, 2 meters above the water’s surface. this part of the design has been configured to withstand the threat of flooding. surfaces are repaved with resilient materials, and do not feature delicate urban furniture.

three platforms that structure the public space are connected by ramps and stairways

four meters above, terrain includes evergreen trees, planted in order to diminish wind speeds along the riverfront. the landscaping on this level includes as much soil as possible in order to retain rainwater and humidify the air. this level also features an integrated range of organized retail outlets. furthest away from the river, a series of multi-storey buildings add an additional layer of density to the waterfront, populating the area with services and people. retail outlets at ground level animate pedestrianized areas, while a zone of semi-closed blocks protect public plazas from strong winds.

the layered masterplan mediates between the urban core and the water’s edge

a band of leisure-oriented program is located at the river’s edge, 2 meters above the water’s surface

the lowermost part of the design has been configured to withstand the threat of flooding

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project info:

design: AZPML + SHARE architects + YEWO office
client: WGM – vienna water management
type: masterplan
total area: 93,380 sqm
competition: 2015
team AZPML: alejandro zaera-polo, maider llaguno, guillermo fernandez-abascal, manuel eijo, ivaylo nachev, maria spada
team SHARE architects: thomas lettner, silvia forlati, hannes bürger, beatrice broso, stefania catania, giacomo zanin, bruno melis
team YEWO landscapes: dominik scheuch, georg auersperg
team traffix: andreas käfer, katharina horvath
team arcadis: david w. van raalten, johan kabout msc
visualizations: SBDA and AZPML-SHARE-YEWO