230074 FS Research lab 2: Applied urban research (2018W)

The aim of this course is planning and executing a sociological research project on the (re-)making of an urban residential complex in Vienna.

The Vienna-based policy of "soft urban renewal", which has hitherto mainly addressed the densely built-up city part, goes far beyond the objective of a purely structural renovation of decaying neighborhoods. In addition to the preservation of "historical" buildings as well as a "socially mixed" population, the current urban development goal of "socially sustainable, inclusive neighborhoods" is being pursued. The idea behind the urban planning discourse, is that the adaptation of the urban quarter to manifold lifestyles, needs, uses / functions, as well as to the need for "affordable" living space must in a sense be piloted or rather coordinated by professionals. With the "International Building Exhibition Vienna 2022", the city government has given itself a framework for further developing its "urban development-relevant instruments".

With the Per-Albin-Hansson settlement in the 10th district (Favoriten), one of the major community housing settlements of the post-war period is currently being subjected to a "transformation concept" in the sense of "soft urban renewal". Initially built according to the model of the "loosened up, green city", in the outskirts of Vienna, it currently undergoes specific changes in its local infrastructure as well as its social structure. What role does this settlement form play for its inhabitants? What does "new social living" mean in this context? Which change is targeted by whom, according to which logic and according to which criteria? What impact does the urban renewal process have on the "urban neighborhood"? What contribution (for whom?) can a sociological research provide in examining the (non-)functioning of a local structure and its dynamics of change?

After the adequate elaboration of research questions and background knowledge from literature and experts, a field research on the urban renewal process in the Hansson settlement will be organized within 2 semesters in cooperation with local partners.