The Gasometer City is a symbiosis of 19th century industrial architecture - the outer shell of the existing gas container built from brick blended with a modern structure designed by Coop Himmelb(l)au.
The complex consists of four historical tanks which originally supplied Vienna with their gas supply, located in an industrial area. The Gasometers were closed and the interior elements removed, leaving a classical brick facade. The four buildings were each refurbished by a different architect integrating different program's of use including living, cultural and entertainment venues. It houses a concert hall, a student hostel, the archives of the City of Vienna , health facilities, a cinema, a shopping mall and residential apartments. Approximately 1200 people live in the Gasometer buildings.
The location of the project presents a special opportunity to develop the urban fabric of Vienna by means of various alterations of the transportation system, such as the extension of the U3 subway and the construction of the North-East Highway.
Gasometer B
Gasometer B was redesigned by Coop Himmelb(l)au integrating three new volumes to the existing facade with a 'shield' structure. A multi-functional event hall was also situated in the base.
The interior includes a cylinder structure which together with the shield house apartments and offices. The lighting for these inside spaces is provided by the conical innercourt, and that for the outside through the historical Gasometer wall. The lighting for the shield is provided through a spacious north-oriented glass facade.
There are 330 apartments comprising a range from 3 bedroom to loft-style and smaller student accommodation.
The entire complex can be accessed from a subway station through a connecting shopping mall which gives access to all the Gasometer tanks from the ground level.
The foyer of the event hall is connected with the subway both by means of the "Night-Mall" of the Gasometer A, and directly through an entrance at Guglgasse. The "Night-Mall" also hosts common spaces, thus becoming a transit area for people arriving or leaving the event hall.
