CASE STUDIES
austria

ReHousIn examines housing inequalities in Austria through case studies in three distinct types of areas. This research provides insights into housing challenges, policy responses, and the impact of economic, social, and environmental factors.

Case study locations

• Neighbourhoods in a metropolitan region (Vienna): Nordbahnviertel and Innerfavoriten – Nordbahnviertel is a major brownfield redevelopment that prioritises the preservation of a large central green space (Die freie Mitte), alongside high-rise housing and mixed tenures, raising questions about affordability in densification projects. In contrast, Innerfavoriten is a dense, working-class neighbourhood undergoing climate-focused retrofitting and public renewal, including energy-efficient renovations and the greening of public spaces.
• Medium-sized city: Linz – An industrial city transitioning to a post-industrial economy, Linz is characterised by a high share of city-owned, limited-profit housing with moderate rents. This offers a key site for examining how retrofitting and greening strategies are implemented, along with the associated affordability challenges.
• Small town: Gmunden – A lakeside town with a growing number of second homes, Gmunden faces the challenge of curbing pressure from recreational housing while promoting building retrofits in its historic centre.