Lockerwiesesiedlung, Vienna: visual statement and architectural unity combined

Much like Siedlung Hermeswiese the Lockerwiesesiedlung includes apartment buildings that are used along the edges of the estate as visual and spatial statements. Here two tower-like ends of apartment blocks give access to the central curved street of the housing estate as if it were a formal gate building. 

A view along one of the "outside walls" of the estate (left) shows the typical attention paid to the spatial and visual distinction of the housing project in relation to its (sub)urban context. When looking through the gateway the central verge planted with trees and shrubs of the main curved street is clearly visible.

View along the curved main street towards the central square with the markedly higher buildings (apartments above shops). A tower-like building marks the corner of the square. The buildings around this spatial pivot point in the estate have been given a specific architectural treatment, emphasising this place.

At the end of the central curved street the building has these decorative sgraffito panels with socialist themes such as industry, agriculture and education. From the central square a short street is directed at the church of the care home complex. The housing is simple in design with white render and clear perforations of the facade (windows and doors).

A view into a street of the second building phase through one of the gateways underneath one of the middlerise blocks that surround the central square. The housing is very similar to that of phase one.

These houses can be found along the eastern edge of the estate. The long terraces are connected at the corner to form a continuous facade around the street corner. These houses all have a covered protruding porch with a flat roof.

Along the central curved street colour blocking is used to create more visual interest in the streetscape. For this a central green verge planted with trees and shrubs adds to the character and also signals its special position within the whole estate.

The inner streets are not continuous in building line, nor do they display a continuous front facade. The buildings are placed along the streets in an Unwinesque manner. The buildings have been particularised by the use of brick details. These can be seen around the front doors and in between the windows. 

The buildings of the second building phase are less decorative. Here brick is used more sparingly to emphasise the corners and create more visual interest.

The houses have no front gardens. Hedges are used to edge gardens. The streets are mostly curved like in these examples of the second building phase. Some are bayoneted with an axial shift to prevent long vistas along the streets - another Unwinesque design device.

In keeping with English examples closed cave been included in the layout of the Lockerwiesesiedlung. These are basically groups or pairs of housing blocks set back from the road on a cul-de-sac.