In April 2025, we explored one of Vienna’s most fascinating architectural landmarks during a dedicated photo walk: the Vienna Gasometer.
Originally built between 1896 and 1899, the four Gasometers once served as monumental gas storage tanks, supplying Vienna with energy for decades. After being decommissioned in the late 20th century, they were transformed into a visionary urban redevelopment project. Renowned international architects reimagined the historic brick shells, carefully integrating modern apartments, offices, student housing, and cultural spaces while preserving the industrial character of the original structures.
From a photographic perspective, the Gasometers are striking: massive brick façades meet contemporary steel and glass, while the interiors reveal dramatic vertical spaces and bold geometric lines. The way residential life is seamlessly embedded into these historic volumes makes the complex especially compelling for architectural photography.
In contrast, the enclosed shopping and entertainment area felt unusually quiet during our visit—almost like a ghost town. This stark emptiness created an intriguing counterpoint to the bold architecture and offered unexpected photographic opportunities, highlighting the tension between ambitious urban concepts and their real-life usage.
Overall, the Gasometer photo walk was a visually rich and thought-provoking experience, blending Vienna’s industrial past with modern city living—and reminding us how architecture tells stories far beyond its original purpose.