Redesigning the Praterstern

The Praterstern is to be given a facelift in time for Euro 2008. The building work is proceeding well and the Fluc, a favourite club with the in-crowd, is also well established.

U2 extension in time for Euro 2008

Around 70,000 people pass through the unprepossessing Praterstern transport hub every day. By 2010 the figures are likely to increase to 113,000 – not least as a result of the extension of the U2 underground line to Aspern, scheduled for completion in 2009. The U2 station at Praterstern and five others along the extended line will be open in time for Euro 2008.

Translucent glass roof

The first floor of the Praterstern station building was completed in early April. The construction was split into two stages so as not to disrupt passenger traffic. Since the beginning of April both the downtown and uptown sides have been in operation. The 7,400 m² translucent glass enclosure, which is particularly impressive when lit up at night, creates a new landmark at the Praterstern.

Increased attractiveness

The construction work has been carried out top-down, as the building is a bridge structure. The next phase will be the completion of the bottom level with access to the platforms by means of four new escalators and two new lifts, after which the interiors will be dealt with. By the end of 2007 the 5,000m² area will include a shopping centre and ÖBB travel centre. The forecourt is also to be revamped in time for Euro 2008.




Further urban development projects are planned after the tournament with the redesign of Praterstern West and other improvements to make the area more accessible for handicapped persons.

Fluc celebrates anniversary

The Fluc club, which celebrated its fifth anniversary at the beginning of May, moved to its new premises a year ago after having to abandon its earlier location in a former record shop because of the construction work in the station. The new location is a ring-shaped structure made up of 11 containers that enclose the two-level premises. The project, which was recently entered for the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award 2007, was designed by Klaus Stattmann. Since the opening in autumn 2006, the former pedestrian underpass and toilets between Praterstern and Ausstellungsstrasse and the containers above it have been the venue for numerous musical events and art projects.

Artmapping I.

Works of art, videos and installations by international artists can be admired in and around the Fluc until 31 August. The exhibition is entitled “Artmapping I. Urbane Art- und Soundscapes, Stadt erleben und hören” and offers an artistic view of the problems of urban infrastructure.


Further information: Record investments in road and rail

Link-Tip

www.ziel2wien.at www.baudoku.at

 

 

Information:

Artmapping I. Urbane Art- und Soundscapes, Stadt erleben und hören 27 April – 31 August 2007 Fluc Praterstern Former underpass from Praterstern to Prater/Riesenrad Gabor-Steiner-Weg 1020 Vienna Opening hours: daily from 6 pm to 4 am DJs from 9 pm / concerts from 10 pm Admission is free www.fluc.at