Redesign of building passageways

On occasion of the 70th birthday of the housing estate Per-Albin-Hansson-Siedlung, the exhibition "70 Years Per-Albin-Hansson-Siedlung - a Viennese Housing History" was held on Wednesday, August 23rd, 2017 together with the former Viennese Housing Councilor Dr. Michael Ludwig and the Swedish ambassador Mrs. Helen Eduards. This exhibition (design: Arch. DI Franz Denk) offers a look back at the achievements and the "life story" of this residential complex. At the same time, the opening of the exhibition was a festive starting point for further developments in the Per-Albin-Hansson-Siedlung.

The exhibition is freely accessible.

Design with Texture Rollers - revival of a traditional execution technique

The use of pattern rollers is a tradition that has been used since around 1880 - nowadays, working with pattern rollers is more of a craft. There are only a few specialists who still master this form of wall design. Geometric and linear patterns as well as pictorial motifs are often predominant in the design.

In order to determine whether the framework conditions were suitable for redesigning the passages with pattern rollers, an existing pattern was initially used for the first two passages (Olof-Palme-Hof, staircase G).

After a successful test run in April 2021, a proprietary pattern was designed and produced as a structural roll that references the structural character of the Olof-Palme-Hof:

The pattern, which will be found at the passages of staircase E as well as the low passage at staircase C, shows the particularity of the architectural design of the balconies. It picks up on the horizontal façade division of the weighty, high structures and thematizes the resulting alignments of the building volumes.

In addition to the design with pattern rollers, different pastel shades are used in the passages, which were selected to match the color scheme of the Olof-Palme-Hof. This is intended to provide additional color orientation. 
 

New Energy-saving LED Lighting

Previously, the passageways were equipped with three round lighting fixtures. As part of the redesign, the passageways will receive a 14 to 16 m long, long-lasting LED linear luminaire. This will improve the illumination of the passageways, especially at night, and increase the residents' sense of security.
 

Ergonomic Handrails

The passageways will also be equipped with handrails, as strong drafts can often occur here. This is intended to give all residents a safe foothold when passing through. 

At passageway 1 (Ada-Christen-Gasse 2, near Bassena 10), a colorful underwater world now cavorts as a mental stimulus to cool down on hot days in the city. Passage 2 (Ada-Christen-Gasse 1, between staircases 137 and 138) is decorated with silhouettes of community building residents - they represent the great diversity of people who have found their home here.

These two works of art can now be admired. Another passageway at Jura-Soyfer-Gasse 10 will be upgraded to a "hip" place with geometric patterns and sayings by young people. The Vienna-based visual artist Vasilena Gankovska was hired for the project and led the participatory process with the residents.