welcome to alt-erlaa, a social-housing complex in vienna.
built between 1973 and 1985, this incredible, government funded 27-storey complex accomodates approximately 10′000 low-income residents amongst a healthy amount of greenery. as you can see, the blocks are topped with outdoor swimming pools (used regularly by 70% of residents), but the facilities available don’t end there. others include: indoor swimming pools, fitness rooms, solariums, saunas, tennis courts, schools, 2 medical centres, church, shopping mall, restaurants, 3′400 underground parking spaces and a metro station. the complex even runs its own tv station. the austrians apparently believe that for any housing project to succeed in the long-term a strong community bond is essential and looking at these photos its hard to disagree.
all photos are from the complex’s official website which can be seen (in german) here. the architect responsible for alt-erlaa is dr harry glück. a translated version of an interview with him about the housing project can be read here.
[update] thanks to reader alessandro, go here for the google maps link.
