As cities around the world are facing the challenges of growing population and climate change simultaneously. The City of Vienna in Austria has developed the Supergrätzl, a local version of the “Superblocks” that reimagine how redesigning streets, mobility, and public spaces can create a cooler, inclusive, and active neighbourhoods.
Background
Supergrätzl redesigns streets and intersections, so that cars and other motorized vehicles no longer pass through certain neighborhood. By systematically reorganizing, optimizing, and calming traffic, it creates new open spaces for residents and green areas to help lower the temperature.
The model features a new traffic management system for existing one-way streets, which prevents the through-traffic, and plant troughs that serve as bollards at intersections. Vehicles still have access to the whole neighborhood and hence to the house and garage, but they are directed back to the larger roads outside the Supergrätzl at the next intersection. Additionally, there are no restrictions for pedestrians, cyclists, emergency services, the fire department, or garbage collection.
The newly created public spaces are designed based on the needs of their users, resulting in wider sidewalks, trees, playground equipment in the intersections, and more.
(C) studio Laut based on SUPERBE and BCN-Ecologia
Vision, potential, and benefits
Anchored in the Smart Climate City Strategy Vienna, Vienna Climate Guide, and the Government Agreement of the Vienna coalition for progress, which was the government programme at that time, Supergrätzl brings together different focus areas in the Smart Climate City Strategy Vienna to develop an integrated, inclusive, and climate-resilient neighborhood.
Key targeted areas include:
- Mobility and transport
- Adapting to climate change
- Health and social inclusion
- Participation, engagement, and culture
This model has the following potential and benefits.
- Strengthening local supply, social infrastructure, and the identity of residents.
- Reducing urban heat island effects by integrating green and blue infrastructure for climate adaptation.
- Increasing road safety.
- Upgrading street space as a liveable public space.
- Promoting sustainable mobility by increasing pedestrian and bike traffic and encouraging shift from private vehicles to active transport and public transit.
- Enforcing traffic calming by preventing through traffic.
- Improving the quality of living by reducing noise, pollution, and heat.
The project helps create an inclusive neighborhood by improving traffic safety for children, pedestrians, cyclists, and seniors so they can enjoy public spaces and encourage social interaction on the street.
Pilot areas
Supergrätzl is currently implemented in the district of Favoriten and is being tested as an important tool for climate change resilience and the creation of a liveable city. This site, a densely populated heat-affected area in Vienna with few green spaces, required improved traffic safety due to nearby educational institutions.
Synergies were created with the programme WieNeu+ urban renewal project, which helps to make neighbourhoods fit for the future and climate-friendly. Within the project area of Supergrätzl Favoriten, a new traffic plan prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists, featuring central pedestrian zones, vehicle-free streets, one-way loops, and model filters to prevent through-traffic. Cycling against the one-way system is allowed throughout the area to promote active mobility.
Reorganizing traffic and optimizing street space created new public areas for greenery, relaxation, and community interaction, freeing 7,000 square meters. 17 micro-open spaces were built at the intersections for relaxation and play. Over 60 new trees were planted alongside 47 existing ones, with 94 green areas added to improve the microclimate.
The project added thoughtful features to enhance daily life, like misting systems, water elements, and reflective paving that cool streets and boost comfort on hot days. Wider, furnished sidewalks near the kindergarten offer resting and social spots. New pedestrian zones and shaded areas improve neighbourhood liveability.
For Favoriten residents, this project is welcome as it provides needed open space.
“For us, it’s just right next to the kindergarten. We need open spaces for our children — where they can run, play, and cool off a bit in the summer,” said one of the residents in Favoriten.
(C) City of Vienna/ studio Laut
Left: (C) City of Vienna / Christian Fürthner
Right: (C) City of Vienna / GerdGötzenbrucker
(C) City of Vienna / Gerd Götzenbrucker
Development process
The project is divided into three phases: concept development, pilot phase, and structural implementation.
- During 2021 to mid-2022, the project developed planning principles and prepared for the pilot phase, organizing Street Lab events to support this effort.
- The piloting phase began in mid-2022 with new traffic organization, participation processes, and spatial interventions. These included “Tactical Urbanism” measurements such as artistic floor graphics for vehicle restrictions, street furniture, urban trees, and a street-lab pedestrian zone. An open-air exhibition was held during the pilot.
- The project reached the structural implementation phase in October 2023, with permanent measures for recreation, greening, and cooling already in place.
To boost social engagement, events like the Street Lab, street festivals, and walking tours have been organized throughout the development process.
(C): City of Vienna / Christian Fürthner
Lessons learnt
Within the Supergrätzl, car traffic has significantly decreased, and active mobility is rising. The model offers a valuable lesson for neighbourhood development.
- Quality of living and climate resilience are linked. A people-centred approach is essential, not optional, for climate adaptation.
- Spatial design shapes neighbourhood potential. Reorganising traffic flow and reclaiming street space unlock new community possibilities.
- Temporary pilots enable lasting change. The phased approach—from temporary to permanent—lets the city test, learn, and adapt.
Together, these lessons highlight how rethinking urban space at the neighbourhood scale can drive both climate resilience and community wellbeing.
Find out more about the project here.
