The value of department stores shell structures should be measured by their ability to
engage the local context. Lamarr is not an icon but rather an architectural device that
establishes new urban connections and public spaces through its own internal organisation.
This thesis focuses on the abandoned and unfinished construction site known as “Lamarr” in Vienna. An intended high-profile commercial project located on Mariahilferstrasse. By examining how cities can work with such sites, this proposal explores strategies for transforming unused construction sites into public spaces. Using Lamarr as a case study, the thesis investigates a method to reclaim and repurpose neglected urban areas, ultimately aiming to create new open spaces that benefit the local community.
In 2017, René Benko’s Signa Holding acquired the Leiner flagship for 60 million euros under unclear conditions. This investment in one of Vienna’s busiest shopping streets marked the beginning of a conversion. The existing building was to make way for a luxury consumer and hotel complex. Despite the stricter demolition laws introduced in 2018 to protect the historic cityscape, the Leiner building was demolished - a move that sparked criticism of the lack of enforcement of these regulations.
35`000 m2:
The 35,000 m² of above-ground shell construction span six floors. They are divided into two building structures with varying ceiling heights. The hotel structure features lower ceiling heights and relatively less generous open space. However, the atrium provides more natural light on the floors.
Mittwoch, 22. Mai 2024
15:50 Uhr
Windig, die
Wolken ziehen vorbei und das Licht reflektiert an der übergrossen Adidas Werbung, die an
der Fassade des Lamarr angebracht wurde. Es riecht nach Frühsommer. Der Regen von
gestern, welcher den Beton angefeuchtet hat, wiedergibt sich in dem schwachen
Rohbaugeruch, der sich mit dem Duft der blühenden Blumen rechts neben mir vermischt. Die
typische Geräuschkulisse der Mariahilferstrasse. Harte Schuhe auf harten Untergrund,
Gelächter und Gespräche. Öffnende Fanta Dosen, Motoren der Elektromobile und
Hinterradnaben von Fahrräder. Kein Geräusch aus dem Lamarr. Das Tor öffnet sich für
Anrainer:innen, welche die angrenzende Tiefgarage nutzen. Sie haben „Zutritt“. Ein neues
Fanta wird zur Verkostung vor dem Bauzaun des Lamarr verteilt. Als ich die Kamera aus
meinem Rucksack nehme und ein Foto mache, zeigt ein Mann das „Peace“ oder „Victory“
Symbol. Mit mir wird mehr interagiert als mit dem Gebäude, obwohl ich versuche nur ein
Beobachter zu sein. Still, beinahe tot. Jemand versucht durch ein Guckloch in die
Baustelle zu schauen. Es ist ein normaler Nachmittag an der „Mahü“. Der Schatten wandert
über die Rohbaustruktur und auch hindurch, still, ohne Klang. Der Staub inexistent,
obwohl es eine Baustelle symbolisiert. Die Lichter, wie immer, eingeschaltet.
Passant:innen gehen entlang des Grenzzauns, wenige Blicke nach oben. Weniges Verwundern
was dies sei.
The Lamarr is meant to house social housing.
The Lamarr is supposed to become a park (but first, it has to be demolished).
The Lamarr will only cost the city money.
Functionality: The first layer of interventions in the building serve to accommodate functions that allow the space to be opened up. Construction site safety / fall protection, toilets, water, fire, storage facilities and access. Primary functions in the existing openings and on the outside of the Lamarr with the motivation to create a place for social exchange, subcultures and independence. These interventions connect the structure of the building shell vertically and thus serve as a counterpart to the horizontal interventions in the second step. Functional environments are created.
The existing circulation system of the Lamarr, primarily designed for the most efficient vertical movement, is supplemented by two new ramps. This addition creates the opportunity to experience the building and its floors from new perspectives at a slower pace.
To make the construction site safely accessible for public use, railings must be installed. These are essential for the safe utilization of the space by the community and are also intended to serve as a subtle yet colorful element, providing a contrast to the building.
Public toilets in inner-city locations are rare. Users need free access to toilets in order for the building to function properly and be hygienic.
Drinking water is essential for humans. This must be available in the immediate vicinity at all times to enable hygiene and life. The fireplaces are intended to supplement the inadequate barbecue sites in Vienna in order to promote eating and socializing.
Storage rooms enable the safe storage of utensils that can be used for certain purposes and are intended for temporary events.
In the storage rooms, for instance, the inflatable spaces are stored, which are used to create warmer zones within the structure during the colder seasons. This allows certain activities to continue even in winter. Additionally, due to the choice of materials and the flexible placement of the bubbles, the open structure of the Lamarr is only minimally impacted.
The recognition of the various spaces within the building emerges through uses initiated by its users. These self-created spaces align with the overarching principle of the building’s grassroots democratic concept, fostering a dynamic and organic evolution of its functions. My list and depiction of these spaces serve merely as a suggestion, offering guidance that one might choose to follow, while leaving room for reinterpretation and adaptation based on the needs and creativity of those engaging with the space.
The Lamarr project presents an unconventional model of urban space—a 35,000 m² above-ground and 24,000 m² below-ground shell on Vienna’s Mariahilferstraße. Initially conceived as a commercial hub, it now stands as an unfinished structure with potential for alternative urban use. While publicly accessible, the Lamarr will be supported by initial city-funded infrastructure, including safety provisions, water supply, and sanitary facilities, after which it will transition to semi-autonomous, citizen-driven management.
Organizational Structure and Governance
To support this unique model of public space, the Lamarr will adopt a participatory framework that balances municipal involvement with grassroots organization:
It’s composed of a series of minimal episodes that constitute the true urban experience, the true urban life, which is not composed of architecture, but rather of… the presence of these micro-environments that are met with along the paths of the city. Human paths.
Branzi, Andrea