ferry terminal twin city liner

architectural concept
the link between the new scheduled shipping route Vienna–Bratislava and a newly planned landing stage for the DDSG Blue Danube in the area between Schwedenbrücke and Marienbrücke offered an opportunity to enhance this high-quality urban space in the center of Vienna. an elongated structure adopts the prevailing orientation of the Danube Canal, Vorkai, Franz-Josefs-Kai, and the underground railway, partially cantilevers over the water, integrates itself into the cross-section of the Danube Canal, and achieves the following objectives: 1) responding to the entire area between Schwedenbrücke and Marienbrücke, including the three existing landing stages, 2) creating an urban spatial connection between Kai and Vorkai, 3) providing two equally important access points: one from Rotenturmstraße near Marienbrücke, and the other from Schwedenbrücke.
Ensuring connections to public transport, such as the underground and tram, 4) the new ship terminal spans confidently across the Vorkai, is longitudinally oriented toward the Danube Canal, covers part of the Vorkai, and thereby creates a generous, weather-protected waiting area directly in front of the boarding points for the ships.

the covered open space is also available for public events. from both entrances on Franz-Josefs-Kai, gently sloping ramps lead travelers and visitors to the ticketing, exhibition, and event area, as well as to the café and restaurant, which are located halfway between Kai and Vorkai. arranging all areas on a single level ensures maximum flexibility for a variety of uses such as events, exhibitions, and presentations.

café and restaurant
the café and restaurant extend along the entire length of the interior, offering a large number of attractive window seats directly above the water, with panoramic views of the canal, ship movements, and the lively atmosphere along the Vorkai. in summer, sliding elements can be opened to create a terrace-like atmosphere in the evening sun. an additional attraction in the Danube Canal–Schwedenplatz area is the sun deck with café, which can be reached directly from the Kai via gently inclined stair ramps. this terrace offers seating between the building rows of the 1st and 2nd districts, overlooking the Danube Canal, and opens up new visual axes along the water extending all the way to the Vienna Woods.

the ship terminal brings Vienna’s 1st district back to the water. its distinctive, iconic architecture creates a strong sense of identity and visibility for the shipping company right in the heart of the city.