| People usually think of Vienna in terms of music and grandious imperial architecture. But Vienna's cityscape is rapidly changing, and it is no longer only the city's architectural heritage that attracts visitors from all over the world. This tour highlights two architectural landmarks of international renown that can easily be reached from the city centre by metro and visited on foot: the Vienna University of Economics and Business Campus on the edge of the Prater Park, and the "Seestadt". Architects from Austria, Germany, Japan, Spain and the UK joined forces to design this functional, environmentally friendly campus for 25,000 students and over 1,000 staff, the largest of its kind in the world. At its centre is the jewel in the crown, Zaha Hadid's futuristic Library and Learning Centre. Where Zeppelins used to land, "Seestadt Aspern"("Lakeside Aspern") is gradually taking shape. Located at the north-easternmost fringe of the city, it is one of Europe's largest urban development projects. Designed for a population of 20,000 and to provide an equal number of workplaces, it has recently been awarded the State Prize for Architecture and Sustainability. |
