At Optima®, we understand the profound impact that thoughtful, inclusive design can have on enhancing community life. Our commitment to fostering vibrant, sustainable living spaces aligns seamlessly with the innovative urban planning seen in Aspern Seestadt, a model for gender-conscious urban design that is transforming the suburbs of Vienna. As we delve into the insights from a recent New York Times article by Valeriya Safronova entitled “Can Urban Design Have a Gender? In This Vienna Suburb, the Answer Is Yes.” we explore how this ambitious project reflects values that resonate deeply with our own.
Aspern Seestadt, a planned community in northeast Vienna, emerged from the vision of Eva Kail, a pioneering urban planner who has shaped life in this sector of Vienna for three decades. Nearly 12,000 people live in this “city within a city” today, with another 14,000 expected in the next decade, making Aspern Seestadt one of the largest urban development projects in Europe.
From the beginning, Aspern Seestadt has committed to gender equality in every aspect of community-building, including housing, infrastructure, health care, public transportation, education, and green spaces. All of the streets and plazas here are named for women — including Janis Joplin Promenade, Hannah Arendt Platz, and Ada Lovelace Strasse. The community features wider sidewalks for strollers, safer parks with more benches, and services and amenities within walking distance. These features cater particularly to women, who perform two-thirds of childcare and often spend more time at home or without a family car.
The approach to urban design focused on gender equity gained momentum in the 1990s. Vienna became a hub for this movement, examining who uses public spaces and who is missing. Now, these rich ideas are being synthesized in Aspern Seestadt. Most services are easy to reach by foot, bus, or bike (bike rentals are free here), promoting the “city of short distances” concept. A services hub with a medical center, grocery store, bank, cafe, and stationery shop is a five-minute bus ride from the subway station. Even closer is the 12-acre artificial lake and surrounding park. The theory is that short distances make running errands and dropping off or picking up children more efficient, lightening the load for care workers. Aspern Seestadt has also limited one-third of its streets to cars to deliver on a promise of sustainability and greater access to the community’s resources for all.
Today, Aspern Seestadt is seen as a safe and supportive community, with engaged residents who are committed to participating in shaping an urban environment that is safe, smart, and beautifully designed for all residents.
As we look toward the future of urban living, projects like Aspern Seestadt inspire and challenge us to rethink how we approach design and community planning. At Optima®, we strive to create spaces that not only meet the needs of our residents but also empower them to lead fulfilling lives. The gender-conscious strategies and the focus on accessibility and sustainability found in Aspern Seestadt resonate with our mission to cultivate communities where every individual can thrive. This Vienna suburb serves as a powerful example of how thoughtful design and a commitment to inclusivity can lead to more equitable, dynamic urban spaces.
