Before us stand the Vienna Gasometers. Four colossal structures. They weren’t always residential and commercial spaces. Their story begins much earlier.
In the late 19th century Vienna needed a better gas supply. The English firm Inter Continental Gas Association was providing the gas. But their contracts expired. The city decided to become self-sufficient. This is where the Gasometers come in.
Built between 1896 and 1899 in Simmering the Gasometers were initially used to store town gas. Coal gas dry-distilled from coal. These cylindrical gas holders each had a capacity of 90000 cubic meters. Imagine the scale. Each one 70 meters tall and 60 meters in diameter.
From 1899 to 1984 the Gasometers served their purpose. Vienna relied on them. This changed when the city switched to natural gas. Between 1969 and 1978 the gasometers became obsolete. Three were shut down. The brick exterior walls however remained.
The Gasometers became protected monuments. Then in 1995 the city asked for proposals to revitalize them. Famous architects like Jean Nouvel Coop Himmelblau Manfred Wehdorn and Wilhelm Holzbauer were selected. Their designs transformed the Gasometers.
Apartments now occupy the upper levels. Offices are on the middle floors. The ground floors house shopping malls and entertainment venues. Skybridges connect the malls. The historic brick facades have been preserved. One rejected idea was turning the Gasometers into hotels for the proposed World Expo.
The grand opening was October 30 2001. People had moved in as early as May 2001. Today the Gasometers are a symbol of Vienna’s innovative spirit. A testament to adapting history to modern needs. They are also famous for appearing in the 1987 James Bond film The Living Daylights. A truly remarkable transformation from gas storage to a vibrant part of Viennese life. They are a fascinating blend of industrial heritage and contemporary living. The Vienna Gasometers a unique sight you won’t forget.