Jean Nouvel Buildings Gasometers Vienna: Architecture Tour Review
Jean Nouvel Buildings Gasometers Vienna
Jean Nouvel Buildings Gasometers Vienna. The Vienna Gasometers are gigantic industrial brick towers – heavy, closed, light defying. Jean Nouvel and the other contemporary Viennese architects involved must have loved the challenge to beam them into the 21st century. Let me share my experience of the architectural tour through Gasometer City below.
Jean Nouvel Buildings Gasometers Vienna. The four 113-year old gasometers are protected monuments. They are fifteen storey high and have been re-modelled and transformed in 2001 into what is called Gasometer City. This town in a town comprises 615 modern appartements, an event hall holding 3.500 people, a cinema center, a student home, offices, schools, medical and other facilities. Gasometer’s Music City houses Austria’s largest specialised music shop, a guitar shop, a pop academy, jazz conservatory, and dance and musical studios.
I remember the rave parties in the empty Gasometers in the early 1990’s. Before being transformed, the empty gasometers were also used for a scene of James Bond’s The Living Daylights.
The Gasometer Community
Jean Nouvel Buildings Gasometers Vienna. The Gasometer community is the closest knit in all Vienna. 90 percent of today’s residents were early settlers in the new Gasometers in 2001, and many of them got to know each other even before moving in, thanks to the Gasometers’ own online forum where everything is being communicated, from residential affairs to local parties and jobs.
Beyond the online forum, the sense of community within the Gasometers is fostered through various local events and gatherings that residents organise. From informal meet-ups in the shared green spaces to themed neighborhood festivals, these activities encourage interaction and collaboration among the residents. The architectural layout of Gasometer City, with its communal areas, such as playgrounds and gardens, enhances these connections, allowing neighbors to build relationships and share experiences. This unique blend of modern living and community spirit enriches the residents’ lives and sets a precedent for urban living in Vienna, showcasing how architecture can cultivate a vibrant social fabric.
Interestingly, Gasometer City serves as a hub for cultural activities as well. The presence of art studios, performance spaces, and music facilities attracts creatives from all over Vienna, fostering an artistic atmosphere that complements the residential community. Residents often come together to support local artists by attending exhibitions and performances, further solidifying their bonds. This artistic flair, combined with the architectural significance of the gasometers, makes the community a dynamic space where innovation and tradition collide. For many residents, living in the Gasometers is not just about enjoying a unique architectural experience but also about being part of a lively, engaged community that values connection and creativity.
The Architectural Tour
Jean Nouvel Buildings Gasometers Vienna. The Gasometers in Vienna have been attracting a selective crowd of lovers of architecture, contemporary design, and novel forms of urban living.
As you embark on the Gasometer City tour, you’ll be struck by how each of the four gasometers offers a unique architectural interpretation while serving the same purpose. This diversity makes the experience truly exciting and keeps your curiosity piqued. The tour begins in the eastern fringe of Vienna, an area that was once considered deprived but has blossomed into a vibrant urban space thanks to this remarkable redesign. You’ll navigate through bustling pathways and modern facilities, all while soaking in the fascinating history behind these monumental structures.
The Gasometer City tour takes you to the eastern fringe of Vienna, a formerly deprived area that has been partly transformed by this urban re-design project. Keep your camera handy—you’ll want to capture the stunning contrasts and architectural details that make Gasometer City a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates the interplay of history and modernity.
I found the shopping centre was a sobering start for our architectural tour. Andreas Pöschek, tour guide and one of the first Gasometer inhabitants, took us out and up to the top floors of Gasometer A.
Gasometer A
Jean Nouvel Buildings Gasometers Vienna. Jean Nouvel, the famous French architect who designed Gasometer A (and the Hotel Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom) is known for his architecture of lights and shadows. We glanced through one of the windows into the inner courtyard: Dark metal, shiny aluminium wall slices of residential units, broken up to let the old brickwork from outside come through. All was topped by the huge “spider net” of the open metal roof. Jean Nouvel’s design lets the gasometer’s inside sparkle and give it an airy open feeling.
As you explore Gasometer A, take a moment to appreciate the thoughtful design elements that enhance everyday living. The spacious residential units are cleverly arranged to maximise natural light, creating bright, inviting spaces that feel more like a modern apartment than an industrial relic. You might even spot some residents tending to their plants or relaxing in their balconies, showcasing the vibrant community that thrives within these walls.
If you’re an architecture enthusiast, don’t miss the chance to admire the intricate details that make Gasometer A a standout example of contemporary urban living.
Gasometer B
Jean Nouvel Buildings Gasometers Vienna. Gasometer B’s inside, designed by Viennese architectural studio Coop Himmelblau, is fairly nondescript to me. I like the idea of the modern shield they built in front of it, though, to provide a visual introduction to the ultramodern transformation inside the historic brickwork of the Gasometers.
While Gasometer B may not boast the same striking visuals as its neighbours, it offers a unique charm that’s worth exploring. The modern shield at the entrance serves as a clever juxtaposition, drawing your attention and setting the stage for the surprises that await inside. Once you step through, you’ll discover a surprisingly functional layout that cleverly utilises the historic space. The open-plan design allows for flexible living arrangements, accommodating a range of lifestyles.
As you wander through the interior, keep an eye out for the artwork and installations that residents have personalised their spaces with. This blend of contemporary design and individual expression adds character to Gasometer B, making it a reflection of the creative community that calls it home.
Gasometer C
Jean Nouvel Buildings Gasometers Vienna. Gasometer C’s interior is a historic flashback. Viennese architect Manfred Wehdorn, who earned his reputation with revitalising historic Viennese buildings, interpreted the old Viennese Pawlatschen courtyards in the city centre. The inner courtyard runs galleries on each level, which lead to the entrances of the residential units, just like the 18th century Pawlatschen buildings in the first, third and fifth districts. The idea is great, though I miss those design twists that give historic interpretations that certain edge.
Gasometer C successfully captures the essence of Vienna’s architectural heritage. It also invites a sense of contemplation about how history informs contemporary living. As you stroll through the galleries, you can appreciate the careful attention to detail that Wehdorn has put into maintaining the character of the original space. The natural light flooding the inner courtyard creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, making it a pleasant place for residents to gather. Look out for the subtle modern touches, like contemporary railings and sleek finishes, that complement the historic elements without overpowering them. These design choices illustrate a thoughtful balance between old and new, ensuring that Gasometer C remains a relevant and beloved part of Vienna’s urban landscape.
Gasometer D
Jean Nouvel Buildings Gasometers Vienna. Gasometer D’s design is completely different from the rest. Architect Wilhelm Holzbauer (photo above) built the residential blocks in the centre rather than along the outer walls, enabling residents to strongly experience life inside a gasometer as they look through the outer walls.
Gasometer D’s unique layout transforms the traditional concept of apartment living, immersing residents in the character of the gasometer itself. As you move through the space, you’ll notice how the design invites a sense of community, with shared corridors that encourage interaction among neighbours. The large windows frame picturesque views of the surrounding area, allowing natural light to flood the interiors and creating a vibrant, open feel. You might also find common areas where residents can gather for social events or simply enjoy a moment of relaxation. This design approach fosters a lively atmosphere, making Gasometer D not just a place to live, but a community where people can connect and thrive within the iconic structure.
How To Get To Gasometer City
- You can book the one hour guided tour in various languages by emailing Andreas Pöschek at office@wiener-gasometer.at. Visit the website for further tour details (German only).
- Guglgasse 6, 1110 Vienna
- (shopping mall): Monday to Sunday 7.00 and to midnight; Sundays and public holidays 8.00 am to midnight.
- either take metro line U3 or bus 72A to Gasometer
check out other stuff
go to Art Nouveau Walk –
Map And Route Of Jugendstil Architecture in Wien
find out more about the Vienna 1900 walk
visit Gustav Klimt Artwork
Vienna Unwrapped
Vienna Tour
Third Man Movie Tour
Vienna Insider Tips
Vienna Sightseeing
Get Your Time in Vienna Sorted
Discover Vienna’s charm effortlessly! Start with a stroll through the historic city center, visiting St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace. Explore world-class museums like the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Belvedere.
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