Vienna International Lab 2024

The second International Lab of the Turning the Tide (TTT) project took place in Vienna, bringing together artists, urban planners, and environmental experts to examine the relationship between water, urban development, and art in shaping sustainable cities. Following previous events, including a summit in Glasgow and an inaugural lab in Gdańsk, the Vienna lab—hosted by project partner Wiener Bildungsakademie—focused on Seestadt, a pioneering urban development area, with special attention to Vienna’s water system and its role in the city’s ecological and cultural fabric.

During the lab, two international artists-in-residence, Jenny Marketou and Kamila Chomicz, showcased the projects they had developed over their month-long residencies. Marketou presented a 120-year-old boat transformed into an urban garden, designed to highlight the essential role of water in the urban ecosystem. Meanwhile, Chomicz, a filmmaker, contributed to the conversation with a thought-provoking film on ecological challenges related to water, encouraging audiences to reflect on the urban environment’s delicate balance.

Additionally, four local Viennese artists-in-residence—Paul Kitzmüller, Anny Wass, Daniel Böswirth, and Daniil Sukhov—offered their artistic perspectives on water’s influence in urban life. Their work, spanning various artistic disciplines, examined themes such as environmental conservation and the cultural importance of water, fostering meaningful exchanges between local and international participants.

A key highlight of the lab was the contribution of architectural duo Dear Hunter, who unveiled a “cartopological” map of Vienna’s water system. This unique artistic interpretation provided fresh insights into the city’s waterways, illustrating the intricate connections between urban planning and natural resources. Their six-week research process underscored the necessity of integrating environmental concerns into urban design and policy-making.

The conference day featured keynote speeches and discussions led by experts in Vienna’s urban planning and water management sectors. Swedish architect Johannes Tovatt, the landscape architect behind Seestadt’s master plan, shared his perspective on the city’s urban design strategies and the integration of ecological and social sustainability. Gunther Laher, City Program Manager of Seestadt Aspern, highlighted the latest developments in the Seestadt project, demonstrating how innovative city planning can successfully align with environmental priorities. Additionally, Astrid Rompolt from Wiener Wasser delivered an insightful keynote on Vienna’s water infrastructure, detailing its history, operational strategies, and role in sustainable urban living.

The two-day symposium concluded with discussions on the impact of water on urban and social development, emphasizing the role of art and culture in addressing ecological concerns. A combination of presentations, workshops, and collaborative discussions enabled participants to gain a deeper understanding of how water shapes cities and reinforced the collective responsibility to protect this critical resource. The lab’s outcomes highlighted the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in driving sustainable transformation, inspiring future initiatives in cities across Europe.

The Vienna International Lab was a remarkable experience, made possible through the support and hospitality of Wiener Bildungsakademie (WBA). We extend our sincere gratitude to WBA for their invaluable contributions to the event’s success.

With new insights and strengthened connections forged in Vienna, we now look ahead to the upcoming International Labs, including the next one in Stockholm in October 2025. These forthcoming events will continue to expand upon the themes of environmental responsibility and the role of art in fostering sustainable urban futures.

In collaboration with River Cities network.

Co-funded by the European Union