A plan to transform the tenth district into a green neighborhood like Barcelona.
A piece of Barcelona pulses in the heart of the 10th district in Vienna, where a new urban vision is growing in the Favoriten area, combining breathing, cooling, and community communication.
In the area bounded by Gudrunstraße, Leebgasse, Quellenstraße, and Neilreichgasse, a project inspired by the "Superblocks" model in Barcelona is being realized.
The first phase of the project has been completed, with 44 new trees planted, 70 green spaces created, and 11 small open areas for public use established. The most important area of the project is now being prepared, which is a new pedestrian zone around the middle school in Herzgasse. The primary beneficiaries are the female students and residents of the area, as it provides illuminated walkways, misting systems, and seating areas. A space has also been provided in front of the kindergarten on Gudrunstraße, designated for strollers and community gatherings.
The second phase, which recently started and is planned to be completed by the end of this year, will add 66 new trees and 94 green spaces, complementing the 47 existing trees, enhancing the green character in the streets that were dominated by concrete. The area will also include 20 water features, eight playgrounds for children, and four canopies planted with vegetation. The district head, Markus Franz from the Socialist Party, said: "People can already feel the refreshing breeze and the positive changes in Supergrätzl."
The key element to improving the quality of life in this project is reducing traffic, by using what is known as "diagonal filters" that direct cars at four intersections to the main roads, allowing space for pedestrians without affecting accessibility. These filters were made from reused concrete rings that were previously used as garbage containers on Donauinsel.
This project is not limited to just one neighborhood, but is part of a comprehensive vision for urban planning that aligns with climate requirements. Salma Arapovic, the leader of the parliamentary group of the Neos party, confirmed that "places that were dominated by asphalt roads have now become green, safe, and livable spaces," praising the new area around Herzgasse as a model of quality and function.
This transformation is part of the "Out of Asphalt" initiative, through which more than 320 projects have been implemented since 2021 across Vienna, creating 243,000 square meters of green spaces and gardens, planting 3,004 trees, and installing 2,500 benches. It is a green revolution, measured in numbers and felt in daily life.