City centre framework to guide the next decade of urban development in Linz, Austria
©Modul5
Schulze+Grassov has developed an integrated framework for the city centre of Linz that provides a clear vision for development priorities, quality standards, and spatial organization. It guides policymakers, administrators, and stakeholders to implement long-term improvements that align shared goals.
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Best of Linz
The City of Linz
Linz city centre
Linz, Austria
250 ha
2024
Modul5, Komobile, Nutzeffekt
The framework emphasises revitalised public spaces, enhanced green areas, and alternative mobility that reduces car traffic. By setting principles, processes, and tools, the framework ensures step-by-step progress towards a livelier and more resilient city centre.
A vibrant and connected city centre can be realised through four key strategies:
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1. Backbone: Strengthen the central axis by extending the popular Landstraße corridor, diversifying its sections to encourage greater pedestrian activity.
2. Network: A network of well-designed public spaces — such as plazas, parks, streets, and courtyards — will intuitively connect neighbour-hoods and improve accessibility.
3. Confetti: Reveal the diverse mix of streets, squares, and parks within the city centre's five neighbourhoods. They already hold great potential.
4. Gateways: Creating welcoming entrances by upgrading key access points along the city centre’s perimeter will make Linz more inviting and accessible.
©Modul5
©Modul5
Linz' main square, Hauptplatz, shown in the photo to the left, is one area that has high potential for improvement and has undergone a detailed analysis. Hauptplatz will be transformed into an improved pedestrian-priority destination in the coming years. Opportunities include expanding non-commercial space in the square, encouraging events in a flexible space, and a grand entrance with a public realm “balcony” connecting to the Danube.
©Modul5
Site research – public outreach
Before we developed solutions, our collaborators at Modul5 conducted thorough site research with extensive public outreach. This included an online platform, a questionnaire, a stakeholder conference, and on-site events and workshops. Engaging people from across Linz ensured a democratic process and provided valuable feedback that shaped the baseline of Schulze+Grassov’s framework.
