From Gray to Green: Julius-Tandler-Platz in Vienna is Now Climate-Ready
The forecourt of Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof was once a gray asphalt area. Now the area has been extensively unsealed and greened: from 21 square meters of green space to a lush 2,140 square meters. A total of around 46 new trees were planted, including large-crowned XL trees, and additional seating areas, water features, and drinking fountains were installed. These elements are intended to contribute to both quality of stay and climate adaptation.
City Councilor for Mobility Ulli Sima stated at the opening that the square "fulfills the wishes of many Viennese." "The new trees and shrubs still need some time to grow, but they will provide cooling and color by next spring."
High-Class Bike Connection from Gürtel to Donaukanal
Parallel to the square design, a bike path about 1.2 kilometers long was built along Alserbachstraße and Fuchsthallergasse. This now provides a comfortable and safe bike connection from Gürtel via Alserbachstraße to Donaukanal – an important section in Vienna's main cycling network. The route includes separate one-way and two-way bike paths, new parking facilities, and is lined with trees.
District Chairwoman Saya Ahmad emphasized that the square is now a true "district center for everyone" – a place to relax, cool down, and linger regardless of age or interests.
Sponge City Principle and Sewer Relief
A central part of the planning is the so-called sponge city principle: Rainwater is stored in underground, permeable areas and used as needed for watering the trees. This way, water is used efficiently and the above-ground area is optimally integrated.
The new paving in the area between Porzellangasse and Rotenlöwengasse – matching the appearance of the square – also allows rainwater to seep through. This relieves the sewage system during heavy rain and serves as natural cooling through evaporation.
Shared Zone and Microclimate for Alsergrund
As part of the major project, Nordbergstraße between Alserbachstraße and Spittelauer Platz was also transformed into a traffic-calmed shared zone. An additional 17 trees provide shade over seating areas and create a pleasant microclimate. Drinking hydrants with Vienna's high spring water and numerous new bicycle parking facilities complement the offerings.
Thousands of people pass through Julius-Tandler-Platz daily – as a transport hub between Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof, trams, and bike paths. The redesign has significantly increased the quality of stay, and the integration into urban daily life is reflected in the new infrastructure.
Record Balance in Unsealing and Bike Paths
The redesign is part of Vienna's major greening and bike path initiatives: So far, 344 unsealing and greening projects have been implemented in the city, over 3,300 trees newly planted, more than 2,700 seating places created, and nearly 2,000 square meters of water features installed. In the last five years, Vienna has recorded more than 100 kilometers of new cycling infrastructure in the main cycling network.
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This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.