Turning the Tide – International Lab in Vienna

The second International Lab of the ”Turning the Tide” (TTT) project in Vienna brought together artists, urban planners, and environmental experts to explore the intersection of water, urban development, and art in shaping sustainable cities. Building on previous events, including a summit in Glasgow and an inaugural lab in Gdańsk, the Vienna lab organised by our partner Wiener Bildungsakademie focused on Seestadt, a pioneering urban development area, with a particular emphasis on Vienna’s water system and its role in the city’s cultural and ecological life.

One of the central features of the lab was created by the architect duo Dear Hunter, who presented a “cartopological” map of Vienna’s water system. This map provided a unique artistic perspective on the city’s waterways, revealing the deep interconnections between urban planning and natural resources. Through their detailed 6-week exploration, Dear Hunter highlighted the necessity of considering environmental factors in urban development.

During the International lab the two international artists that were in residency the last month presented their artworks. Jenny Marketou, presented a 120-year boat, as an urban garden, designed to draw attention to water’s significance in the urban ecosystem. Filmmaker Kamila Chomicz added to the environmental discourse with a film addressing ecological issues related to water, urging the audience to consider the living environment in the urban areas.

Four local Viennese artists in residence also contributed to the lab: Paul Kitzmüller, Anny Wass, Daniel Böswirth, and Daniil Sukhov presented their artworks and further enriched the program, offering diverse artistic interpretations of water’s influence on city life. Through a variety of media, these artists examined themes from ecological preservation to the cultural significance of water, presenting their work alongside the international artists to foster a dialogue on local and global water-related issues.

The conference day featured keynote speeches and discussions with key figures in Vienna’s urban planning and water management sectors. Swedish architect Johannes Tovatt, the landscape architect behind the Seestadt master plan, shared his vision and insights into the urban design challenges and successes of Seestadt, which incorporates ecological and social sustainability into its infrastructure. Gunther Laher, City Program Manager of Seestadt Aspern, discussed the ongoing development efforts within the Seestadt project, showcasing how innovative approaches to city planning can harmonize with environmental priorities. Astrid Rompolt from Wiener Wasser gave a keynote on Vienna’s water system, delving into its history, operational dynamics, and crucial role in supporting sustainable urban living.

The program also included panel discussions, where experts and artists explored the overlap between art, environmental consciousness, and urban design. Moderated by Ingrid Spörk from Wien 3420, these discussions facilitated an exchange of ideas on how artistic interventions can promote awareness and inspire sustainable practices within urban contexts. Topics such as the symbolic and practical roles of water in city planning were examined, along with the contributions art can make in advocating for environmental causes.

The two-day symposium concluded with reflections on the impact of water on urban and social development, underscoring the idea that artistic and cultural perspectives can be instrumental in addressing ecological challenges. Through a collaborative blend of presentations, workshops, and discussions, the International Lab in Vienna succeeded in deepening participants’ understanding of how water influences urban landscapes and the collective responsibility to protect this essential resource. The lab’s outcomes highlighted the importance of multi-disciplinary collaboration in driving sustainable change, with the hope that such insights will inspire further action in cities worldwide.

The second International Lab of the ”Turning the Tide” project in Vienna was an inspiring experience made possible through the organization and warm hospitality of the Wiener Bildungsakademie (WBA). We extend our heartfelt thanks to WBA for their invaluable support.

With renewed insights and connections made here in Vienna, we eagerly look forward to the upcoming International Labs in  and in Stockholm in October 2025. These future labs promise to further explore and expand on the themes of environmental responsibility and the role of art in fostering sustainable urban development.

Photo credits: Birgit Engelbrecht, Luiza Puiu & Hans Hofe