As parts of the target area Central Station Vienna – Erdberger Mais, the development zones Erdberger Mais, Aspanggründe, and Arsenal rank among the most important neighborhoods of their kind in the densely populated regions of Vienna. It is especially important to furnish the intersections of such important construction zones, like the pedestrian underpass Adolf-Blamauer-Gasse and Ghegastraße in the 3rd district, with high-quality art and thus provide an additional cultural offer.
Ideas about the design of pedestrian underpasses have undergone a considerable change in recent decades. Today, such passages are brightly illuminated to prevent “spaces of fear.” Artworks in conjunction with a well-lit situation lend underpasses a positive atmosphere and modern appearance. Art in public space offers visual attractions for passersby, conveys a pleasant feeling, and provides the location with an unmistakable identity. An appealing spatial design including demanding artworks is regarded as an additional cultural offer and livens up the users’ daily routine. Colors tend to not only brighten up the ambience but also reduce stress.
Gerold Tagwerker’s project mirror.grid_passage emerged as winner of the competition.
Location
underpass at Landstraßer Gürtel/Adolf-Blamauer-Gasse and Ghegastrase, 1030 Vienna
Gallery
Further Information
Competition
Artistic design of the pedestrian underpass of the B0345 and the B221/Landstraßer Gürtel in the area between Adolf-Blamauer-Gasse and Ghegastraße, 1030 Vienna
Awarding authorities
Kunst im öffentlichen Raum GmbH in cooperation with Municipal Department 29 for Bridge Construction and Foundation Engineering together with Municipal Department 19 for Architecture and Urban Design
Invited artists
Thomas Draschan (AT), Sigrid Kurz (AT), Esther Stocker (IT), Gerold Tagwerker (AT)
Jury
Erich Hohenberger, Head of the Municipal District Office of the 3rd district
Lilli Hollein, curator and journalist (2010–2013 member of the KÖR-jury)
Christine Kintisch, Artistic Director BAWAG Contemporary
Marko Lulić, artist
Harald Niebauer, Municipal Department 19 for Architecture and Urban Design
Gerhard Sochatzy, Municipal Department 29 for Bridge Construction and Foundation Engineering
Expert consultants
Gerhard Dully, Municipal Department 33 for Public Lighting
Erhard Kubek, formerly of TECTON Consult Engineering ZT
Bettina Leidl, 2007–2011 Managing Director Kunst im offentlichen Raum GmbH
Martin Scherer, Municipal Department 34 for Building and Facility Management
Peter Spandl, Municipal Department 29 for Bridge Construction and Foundation Engineering
Technical realization
The pedestrian underpass is 55 meters long and 3.4 m high. The installation fills almost the whole passage. It is 52 by 2.7 meters and consists of gray ceramic tiles and intermittent lengthwise and crossways mirror tiles. The passage is lit on both its long sides, with the lighting bands being integrated into the signage.
Competition winner
Gerold Tagwerker
*1965 in Feldkirch (AT), lives and works in Vienna
geroldtagwerker.com