A2/A3 Wohnpark Alterlaa, Anton-Baumgartner-Straße 44, 1230 Vienna, Austria

Illustration by Andrew Cadey

Described as a ‘socialist utopia’, Wohnpark (Residential Park) Alt Erlaa is a giant housing project in Vienna’s 23rd district. Designed by Austrian architect Harry Glück and built between 1975 and 1986, it houses 9,000 people across its 3,200 apartments. Each of the blocks is designed as a series of stacked apartments, organised in the lower part as a series of setback outdoor balconies that turn into covered ones on the upper floor. The futuristic look of suspended gardens sets this project apart from Le Corbusier’s towers in the park model for the ‘Radiant City’ from the early 20th century.

While conceived as a project for low-income families, Alt Erlaa offers residents luxurious amenities: there are seven rooftop pools, seven indoor pools, gyms, saunas, and other sports facilities (which are unfortunately closed to the general public). Glück’s concept of ‘a city within a city’ can also be seen in other urban facilities, such as kindergartens, medical clinics, a church, and a commercial centre with supermarkets, restaurants and shops. The complex is easily accessible through a subway station, and the park is entirely public.

Limited first edition print run of 20