Apartment Building Gasometer B

8, Guglgasse, Simmering, Wien, Austria

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Apartment Building Gasometer B

8, Guglgasse, Simmering, Wien, Austria

Firm

Type

Residential › Apartment Multi Unit Housing

YEAR

2001

SIZE

1,000,000 +

The four historical Gasometers originally housed the tanks for the gas supply of Vienna. After the closure of these Gasometers the interior elements were dismantled, leaving the classical facades. The specific location of these Gasometers within an industrial site as well as the unusual character of the resulting spaces led to the Gasometers often being used for diverse cultural activities.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.In addition to COOP HIMMELB(L)AU, three other architectural teams are working out new living opportunities to be realized in the remaining Gasometers. An Entertainment Center and Shopping Mall are also integrated into the complex, making it into a new city center.The concept of the COOP HIMMELB(L)AU Gasometer B adds three new volumes to the existing facade: The cylinder inside the Gasometer, the striking addition of the shield that is visible from outside, and the multifunctional event hall situated in the base of the Gasometer.Inside the cylinder and the shield are 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 with loggias.The 360 apartments offer differentiated living forms, ranging from 3-room-maisonette-apartments and loft-apartments to smaller ones like student apartments. By combining office and apartment uses, new ways of working and living are expected.The Gasometer - separated differently for inhabitants and for visitors - can be accessed either from the outside via Guglgasse, or directly from the subway station through the connecting shopping mall. The mall connects all Gasometers on the ground level. Inside the Gasometer B a spacial and functional buffer between the event hall and the apartment/office wing is created. Internal communication is thereby intensified. The "Sky-Lobby" on the 6th floor creates a social space for the inhabitants. Other remaining spaces can be used as common areas.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.