The planning area is situated between the ‘Wienzeilen’, two parallel streets that took shape in the late 19th century following the regulation of the Vienna River. Most of the surrounding buildings were built during the same period, a time in which Vienna underwent an incredible transformation. Today, once again, Vienna is on the verge of a vast progression to becoming a more climate resilient, ecological, and socially inclusive city through climate-effective measures, new non-commercial public spaces, and a focus on shared infrastructure which serves as a common resource.

Our Vision for the Naschmarkt

The ‘Blühender Naschmarkt! will stand for a variety of values: In three independent but connected zones, its role as the „belly of Vienna“ for regional products, as a green landscape for recreation in the neighbourhood, and as a lively circuit for social exchange and new public infrastructure will flourish – In the future we will also see trees blooming at the Naschmarkt.

Year-round Market

Central to our considerations is the development of a year-round market concept which, in addition to a well equipped open space, provides a weather-protected marketplace for all seasons. A large roof combined with a slender façade is central to the design. Depending on the weather, the façade can be opened and closed to make it usable all year round. With the year-round market square, the Naschmarkt now has a closure again and, in conjunction with the existing buildings on the Kettenbrückengasse side, forms a spatial forecourt as an entrance to the market area.

The fixed market stalls in the year-round market are orientated along the existing main axes, which form public passageways. The aim of the permanent market stalls is to create a lively atmosphere on any given day. Flexible market areas offer high-quality sales areas for temporary users, small producers and food co-ops in particular. Together with a strong concept for the operation of the year-round marketplace, the Naschmarkt can develop into a hub for the up-and-coming, local and innovative food scene.

Green Roof Garden

A special highlight of the year-round market will be the roof garden, which invites relaxation among its lush greenery. It will actively contribute to the biodiversity of the region, with flowering plants becoming a fragrant pasture for insects. The roof terrace offers a unique 360-degree view of the historic Naschmarkt as well as the newly designed green area between the ‘Wienzeilen’.

A comprehensive concept with three different but interconnected zones was developed. Questions of operation, organisation, ecological and economic sustainability as well as social inclusion played an important role in this process, involving experts of several disciplines.

Program – Regionaler Naschmarkt

The program for ‘Regionaler Naschmark’ aims at creating a central hub for local producers and the neighbourhood:
promotion of local producers, a big weekly farmers’ market, social exchange and knowledge transfer around the topic of nutrition

For these three focal points we are developing high-quality premises and public facilities that follow the principle of multiple use and shared space. In addition to the traditional market activities, plenty of space will be made available for non-commercial activities. Public events, educational programmes such as cooking courses for children or interactive workshops on food production in the open market kitchen will become part of the diverse market life. In future, every Viennese schoolchild will be able to gain practical experience in preparing regional food in the market kitchen and learn about reducing food waste and saving food.

Programming Concept – Naschmarkt der Möglichkeiten

The popular weekly flea market takes place on the area currently used as parking space. The preservation of this institution forms the starting point for our concept of ‘Naschmarkt der Möglichkeiten’, which aims at creating an area that is as multifunctional as possible. The challenge is the rapid adaptability of the area from a densely packed flea market to a space for individual appropriation or community events. A large, quickly adaptable water feature, flexible furniture and fixtures, pergolas that provide shade and greened elements work together to create a place to linger comfortably, for children to play and for cultural events such as open-air cinema, cycling courses or public readings.

Programming Concept – Grüner Naschmarkt

From an asphalt desert to a sea of flowers – the former car park is being transformed into a green landscape. The shaded, non-commercial areas create a shaded space for relaxation and a retreat from the urban heat. Two architecturally designed landmarks – the park stage and the neighbourhood pavilion – are planned to facilitate specific uses. The park stage can be used for readings, small performances or simply to enjoy the view of the sunset over the Wien river. At the other end, the neighbourhood pavilion offers lockers, storage room and a rain-protected meeting point. Pergolas create shaded areas, accentuating the park landscape. These are brought to life through a variety of features and uses. Swings, swing seats, hammocks, flexible tables and benches invite people to stay and rest.

Architectonic Elements

A unified material and design language was developed for Blühender Naschmarkt. The architectonic elements consist of pergolas, platforms and terraces, as well as fixed and mobile furnishings. The main material is wood and the construction is demountable and uses only few materials.

Blue-Green Infrastructure

The term „blue-green infrastructure“ refers to the integration of green spaces and water, which enables large-scale evaporation, water retention and cooling. Biodiversity planning means choosing plants carefully, so that certain insect and bird species can thrive. In Blühender Naschmarkt the biodiverse gardens and meadows on the roof will provide a refuge for wildlife. The cultivation of specialised, site-adapted species through extensive greenery provides a habitat for butterflies and wild bees.

Long-Term Process

The planned redesign of the current parking space was preceded by an intensive process. In addition to participatory projects such as Park macht Platz (with Team Wien, 2017), we worked on the creation of the masterplan based on long-term public participation as part of a cooperative process.