Suburban Processes of Islandisation in Austria: The Cases of Vienna and Tyrol

Abstract

Suburban areas are often described as monotonous and generic. In Europe, however, suburban areas show distinct morphological and functional configurations in different regions due to cultural, spatial, economic, and institutional conditions. This paper compares recent suburban developments in Austria in the region south of Vienna and in the region of Tyrol, highlighting significant developments after 1985 in the fields of housing, shopping, leisure, and commercial sites. Using quantitative (aerial images, statistical data, plans) and qualitative (case studies) methods, the paper analyses the distinct morphological similarities of selected case studies and tries to answer two questions. First, how can these developments be assessed from the viewpoint of urban and spatial planning? Second, what spatial strategies could be useful for further interventions? It is concluded that these developments can be understood as island-like developments. This means that hybrid suburban structures have appeared where sharp-edged boundaries separate single elements from adjacent ones. These island-like developments have increased dramatically over the past decades and are today to a large extent characteristic of Austrian suburbs. Capitalism, market liberalisation, and prevailing planning regulations and culture are driving these processes of islandisation. The paper furthermore shows that new spatial strategies are required for creating more coherent spaces. Interstitial landscape as a planning tool seems to be one option for creating more livable and sustainable suburban areas in the future.

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