ASPERN SEESTADT

Aspern Seestadt is one of Europe’s largest new-urban-development districts, located in the northeast of Vienna (District 22 – Donaustadt). The project spans about 240 hectares and is designed to accommodate over 25,000 residents and more than 20,000 jobs and study-places by the 2030s. Initiated on a former airfield, the masterplan was adopted in 2007 and the area is growing in phases to deliver a “Vienna’s city within a city”, combining high quality of life, strong connectivity, and sustainable infrastructure.

It is situated in northeast Vienna, within CENTROPE region. Innovative district is evolving into a thriving mixed-use community where living, working, culture, and recreation coexist seamlessly. Strategically located with direct access to the U2 subway line and excellent connections to public transport, Aspern Seestadt serves as both a vibrant residential neighbourhood and an international business hub.

Future Cities criteria compliance

Environmental & Nature

Sustainability is central to Aspern Seestadt, guided by the “aspern klimafit” standard targeting a greenhouse gas-neutral economy by 2040. The project emphasizes high-efficiency buildings, renewable energy, and circular economy practices such as recycling excavated lake material on-site to save 280,000 truck trips and 6,000 tons of emissions. Nearly 50% of the area consists of green spaces, applying the “sponge city” principle to manage stormwater, reduce heat, and enhance liveability.

Smart City

Aspern Seestadt leverages cutting-edge digital tools for planning and management. Planners use a geospatial digital twin, built with GIS technology (ArcGIS Urban), to visualize the project, integrate data, and make informed decisions on energy efficiency and climate goals. This digital twin acts as a collaborative platform for all stakeholders, allowing for real-time updates and long-term monitoring of sustainability targets, transforming traditional project management into a dynamic, data-driven process.

Human-Centric

The district is meticulously designed to prioritize people’s well-being and foster a strong sense of community. A key goal is a 40-40-20 transportation modal split: 40% public transit, 40% walking and cycling, and only 20% for personal vehicles, supported by the early construction of two U2 metro stations and extensive bike paths.

Around half of the district is reserved for open space. Even today, 19.5 hectares are dedicated solely to the lake and the first five parks. These intelligently planned open spaces create a balanced life, right in the city and yet surrounded by greenery. The lake is the heart of Seestadt and makes it the unique interplay of urban life and nature tangible.

Interesting Links

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