Editor's Choice

Elinor-Ostrom Park

designed by Uniola /

Location / Austria — Vienna — Type / Parks — Playgrounds — Residential Parks — Sport & Recreation — Under the Bridge — Built / 2021 — Show on Google Maps / Published on August 18, 2023

In the Elinor-Ostrom-Park, we have created a captivating design that utilizes a network of trees to define open clearings. These clearings offer picturesque views of the surrounding urban areas and the elevated railway line. Acting as a spatial backbone and a conduit for urban activities, the elevated railway seamlessly connects different sections of the park. The Elinor-Ostrom-Park, nestled in the burgeoning Seestadt Aspern near Vienna, features an uninterrupted arrangement of trees that frames the park. Rows of columnar trees, placed in an alternating rhythm, demarcate the boundary between the adjacent residential area and the elevated railway. This heterogeneous tree framework creates an expansive clearing within the park, providing a contrast to the more concentrated ambiance at the park’s edge. At the heart of the southern clearing, a park balcony offers panoramic views extending from the clearing to the nearby lake. The park effortlessly transitions to the lake promenade through Seebogenplatz on the riverbank.

Our design places the elevated railway as the central focal point, serving as a prominent urban element within the park. It functions as a spatial backbone, seamlessly connecting all areas of the park. The space beneath the railway, characterized by its unique color palette, is transformed into a vibrant “green salon.” This shaded area under the railway attracts a diverse range of activities and becomes a significant attraction within the park. The interplay between the tree framework, the clearing, and the route beneath the elevated railway establishes a robust foundational spatial structure. The Elinor-Ostrom-Park can evolve alongside the city, gracefully adapting to the ever-changing urban landscape.

During the development of the park concept, we prioritized the seamless integration of the elevated railway. The space beneath the railway tracks, designated as a protected area, is designed to accommodate various movement-oriented activities. We actively engaged groups of users who participated in the planning process preceding the competition, ensuring their input shaped the park’s offerings. The range of activities is extensive, encompassing trendy sports such as bouldering and parcours, as well as a bicycle playground organized by a private entity. Public authorities complement private sponsorships by providing sports facilities for the neighboring school, including streetball courts and sports fields. The dynamic range of active uses beneath the elevated railway harmoniously coexists with tranquil and adaptable spaces throughout the park. The park’s program was carefully aligned with the preferences of residents through public surveys and diverse information events. The ideas collaboratively developed during these processes were thoughtfully incorporated into the competition design and further refined during subsequent planning stages.