The Masterplan
The Masterplan for Seestadt was created by Swedish architect Johannes Tovatt and defines the project's key qualities. The Masterplan is conceived as a “learning system” and a flexible working document.
#Masterplan
The decision to develop the former Aspern airfield into a new urban district was made as early as 2002. Following an international competition, Johannes Tovatt and his team were awarded the contract for the Masterplan, which was unanimously adopted by the Vienna City Council in 2007 and still serves as the urban development model today. It forms the foundation for a project that combines housing, jobs and a wide range of amenities.
Today, Seestadt is growing on 240 hectares – one of the largest urban development areas in Europe. Here, living, working, education, culture and leisure come together in one place. Pedestrians and cyclists have priority, and an innovative mobility concept ensures optimal connectivity. The centerpiece is a 50,000 m² lake, surrounded by parks and the ring-shaped Sonnenallee.
Our ambition has been to provide a Masterplan that creates streets and public spaces that are fundamentally public, human, lively, intimate and secure.
Johannes Tovatt, Master Planner of Seestadt
The Defining Elements of the Masterplan
The lake is the namesake and a key identity feature. The entire structure of Seestadt is centered around the lake and the surrounding public spaces.
On the south side, a naturally designed waterfront transitions into the lake park.
The Seestadt-Promenade in the north offers a more urban approach to the water element.
The elevated subway line shapes the urban space between the Aspern Nord and Seestadt stations. Its distinctive curve not only connects the quarters but also creates a continuous landscape area. Today, it is used in many ways – as a pathway, a place to linger, and for sports and exercise – and thus contributes vibrantly to Seestadt’s identity.
The Sonnenallee runs as a ring-shaped connection through Seestadt. It passes through various quarters, links pathways and green spaces, and ensures excellent accessibility. At the same time, it is more than just a street: with generous areas for relaxation and space for movement, it becomes a place for encounters and urban life.
The shopping street serves as the central lifeline, connecting the lake with the train station in the north and thus linking two important public spaces. Shops, cafés and service providers line this axis, enriching daily life. It is not only a place for shopping, but also for strolling, meeting and relaxing – a vibrant center of Seestadt.
The green corridors connect parks, squares and landscapes into a dense network of open spaces. They run through the quarters, invite people to linger and make routes pleasant to experience. This creates a continuous green space that unites the individual parts of Seestadt into a whole.
Around half of Seestadt is public space. © Luiza Puiu
Strategy for Public Space Planning
First the public spaces, then the buildings – the aspern lake is the heart of Seestadt and embodies this new planning principle. The urban lifestyle is created between the buildings. Public space is the driving force for key functions in the city – for mobility, commerce, culture, as well as leisure and recreation.
When the district is fully built, around half will be accessible as public space. The guidelines for open space planning are based on the Score of Public Space by the Danish firm Gehl Architects.
# Downloads
Masterplan, Score and Plans for Download
You can find planning materials, the Score of Public Space and the Masterplan in our download area!
City of Vienna
Discover Seestadt on the official website of the City of Vienna.