Vienna and Rome’s Diverse Approaches to Affordable Housing Explored at Venice Biennial

At the 2025 Biennial of Architecture, the “Agency for Better Living” drew attention to an urgent question: how do cities like Rome and Vienna tackle the relentless housing crisis? Curated by Lorenzo Romito, Sabine Pollak, and Michael Obrist, this Austrian pavilion became a hub for examining creative housing solutions, driven by the stark differences in approach taken by these historically rich cities.

Insights from Curators and Urban Advocates

In conversations with Pollak and Romito, they highlighted the collaborative spirit behind the Agency for Better Living. Romito, deeply involved with advocacy efforts in Rome, discussed projects like Spin Time Labs that was recently disbanded, a space in Rome that housed over 400 people before being shut down. As they connected via video call, Romito joined from Rome, sparking a discussion on urban futures.

Researching Rome and Vienna’s Housing Strategies

Michael Obrist commented on the global struggle to secure affordable housing, citing financial market dynamics and sluggish governmental responses as key issues. In the pavilion, visitors engaged with interactive timelines, films, and multimedia displays detailing the histories and innovations of both cities, guided by input from researchers and expert interviews.

‘One significant barrier is money,’ Pollak noted, reflecting on how post-2008 financial realities have constrained urban access for broader populations.

Vienna: Top-Down Success in Social Housing

Vienna’s approach, characterized by governmental support, was spotlighted as a “top-down” model. Its impressive history in social housing, benefiting 60% of residents with affordable solutions, was showcased. These structures integrate public amenities like pools and community spaces, signifying a broader social vision.

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Rome’s Grassroots Model: A Bottom-Up Approach

In contrast, Rome exemplifies the “bottom-up” model, where grassroots and community-led efforts drive housing solutions. Obrist highlighted Romito’s extensive advocacy within Italy’s capital, seeing potential in blending grassroots and government actions to forge new paths in urban development.

The interaction between top-down and bottom-up elements reveals the strength in hybrid approaches, as pointed out by Pollak, emphasizing an open-ended space for innovation.

Continuing Conversations and Future Prospects

The Agency for Better Living fostered ongoing dialogues that reverberate beyond the biennial. Romito referenced the continuous protests and negotiations in Rome, seeing them as living extensions of the pavilion’s ethos. The exemplifies this enduring impact.

Pollak, Romito, and Obrist have observed the lasting influences of their work in Venice, inspiring change and highlighting the potential for creative urban solutions.

As the housing crisis persists, the insights from Rome and Vienna showcase the necessity for innovative and inclusive urban planning. The lessons from “The 19th International Architecture Exhibition” cement the need for adaptable strategies in creating equitable cities.

Exploring innovative urban design can also be seen through projects like the Sustainable Timber Pavilion in Innsbruck, offering fresh insights into eco-friendly construction methods.

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Source: designboom.com

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