Water feature Praterstern Vienna

Drainage and design can go hand in hand and do not have to contradict each other. The best example of this is the new and unique project by ACO Austria. The area between Praterstern station and the Tegetthoff monument has been given a facelift. Generous greening measures are intended to counteract its reputation as a heat island in the long term.

A 500 square meter water feature is intended to provide additional cooling on hot days. It takes up the characteristics of the original Praterstern as it existed until its destruction in the Second World War: just like the streets of the former urban intersection, the arms of the water feature point in the direction of important sights and local recreation areas in Vienna. Cooling jets, sprinklers and nebulizers alternate depending on the temperature and season, creating a pleasant background noise. The water feature is barrier-free and can be switched off if required. This creates a neutral space in the square that can be used for weekly markets and other events.

The design by KENH Architekten and D\D Landschaftsplanung (landscape planners) aims to make far-reaching improvements to the quality of the space, which should also strengthen people's subjective sense of safety on the square. A mix of design interventions will prevent the build-up of heat on the square and thus respond to the conditions in times of climate crisis.

In collaboration between ACO, Raintime and KENH, a suitable system solution was developed for the technical realization of the water feature. A total of 60 linear meters of ACO PowerDrain Seal in V200 drainage channels are used, fitted with ACO special cast cover plates in a surface design created by KENH Architects. The basic construction of the cover plates was adapted to optimally secure the AquaSaal nozzle & lighting technology from Raintime and at the same time meet the requirements of load class D 400.