Shaping a circular industrial ecosystem and supporting life-cycle thinking
Multi Product Dispenser
Multi Product Dispenser - Petrol stations in an age between innovation and farewell
Petrol stations have existed in Austria for 100 years. They are the material legacy of an architectural epoch that was still based on crude oil and unlimited mobility, on endless energy and fossil wealth. In Vienna, petrol stations are often embedded in residential buildings as so-called arcade petrol stations and tell their very own and different stories. We repurposed these places in favor of the neighborhood reflecting collective memories, oil dependency and the social practice of refueling.
Austria
Local
Vienna
Mainly urban
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Completed
No
No
As an individual partnership with other persons/organisation(s)
We repurposed and parallel-used an existing "arcade" gasoline station in Vienna. These gas stations are build into apartment blocks, which make them unremovable in the future. The place provides rain protection, wind protection, access to sanitary facilities and a ventilation system, good for sport activities.
Our target group was the local urban neighborhood and the employees of the gas station. We (1) tested the potential of this place as an urban hub, doing interventions and self-empowered the community on re-using carbon infrastructure, (2) explored the place and figured out different ideas of future usage in a common/ participatory approach and (3) reflected on infrastructural changes, narratives of oil dependencies, complex nostalgia and carbon infrastructure by transforming the space into a exhibition itself
Our target group was the local urban neighborhood and the employees of the gas station. We (1) tested the potential of this place as an urban hub, doing interventions and self-empowered the community on re-using carbon infrastructure, (2) explored the place and figured out different ideas of future usage in a common/ participatory approach and (3) reflected on infrastructural changes, narratives of oil dependencies, complex nostalgia and carbon infrastructure by transforming the space into a exhibition itself
Carbon Infrastructure
Shared mobility infrastructure
Inclusive Community
Transformation of Cities
Gas Station
Petrol stations, like train stations and ports, are places of transit - stationary moments in a state of motion. They are nodes in a network that envelops our earth. Artifacts of the “carbon form”, an era based on fossil fuels. In the coming post-fossil era, we will need a new identity. Gas stations are changing, not only in terms of their physical existence, but also their symbolic meaning. Our project started with the question, "what would happen to those places, when fuel stops?" Petrol stations are part of the urban landscape of our built infrastructure, but numerous petrol stations have been closed in recent years. The closure of a petrol station is associated with considerable costs. This is partly due to the underground tanks, which are difficult to remove, and the problem that the soil beneath them is often contaminated as a result. As they are not easy to demolish, it is all the more relevant to develop approaches for multiple, interim or subsequent use of petrol stations.
With our approach we used the specific location of a viennese "arcarde" gas station and opened it up for the local public as a space to meet, do sports and explore it. Our aim was to develop new perspectives and interpretations, particularly with regard to alternative uses for filling stations. We gave the area a new context and created impulses to deal creatively with our built environment. The buildings and their past do not have to be demolished.
With our approach we used the specific location of a viennese "arcarde" gas station and opened it up for the local public as a space to meet, do sports and explore it. Our aim was to develop new perspectives and interpretations, particularly with regard to alternative uses for filling stations. We gave the area a new context and created impulses to deal creatively with our built environment. The buildings and their past do not have to be demolished.
The gas station "Johanna Garage" in Vienna is an old gas station with a beautiful aesthetic. It still tells myths of endless mobility, energy and freedom.
In one of our interventions, our aim was to integrate the dynamics of the location itself as art objects. In doing so, we went one step further: we didn't just want to use the petrol station as a parallel location, but to turn it into an exhibition itself. In doing so, we addressed the critical aspects of our research and made them accessible to the local residents. Stories about crude oil infrastructures, capitalist spaces, subsequent use and structural change in the world of work: We let Johanna Garage tell us all this herself. The big exhibition happened on 01/12/2025.
In one of our interventions, our aim was to integrate the dynamics of the location itself as art objects. In doing so, we went one step further: we didn't just want to use the petrol station as a parallel location, but to turn it into an exhibition itself. In doing so, we addressed the critical aspects of our research and made them accessible to the local residents. Stories about crude oil infrastructures, capitalist spaces, subsequent use and structural change in the world of work: We let Johanna Garage tell us all this herself. The big exhibition happened on 01/12/2025.
On December 1 and 8, 2024, we held two table tennis round-robin afternoons, which we called the “Petrol Station Table Tennis Tournament”.
We designed flyers, organized snacks, punch and waffles, took care of a table tennis table and rackets and came up with a loose format to capture visitors' thoughts on possible parallel uses. Then we distributed the flyers in the immediate neighborhood, to passers-by, customers and employees of the gas station. The events were a complete success. Interested neighbors of all ages came by, some even attended both events. A young flat share from across the street, an older writer above the petrol station, passers-by, Sinbad with his children and many friends of the petrol station attendant from the Polish community. The gas station became again a social hub, accessible for everyone close by. The 5th. district in Vienna is heavily populated and lacking of public spaces and facilities for doing sports. The feedback of the visitors was amazing. They told us how happy they were to have such an interesting place to meet, chat and do sports.
We designed flyers, organized snacks, punch and waffles, took care of a table tennis table and rackets and came up with a loose format to capture visitors' thoughts on possible parallel uses. Then we distributed the flyers in the immediate neighborhood, to passers-by, customers and employees of the gas station. The events were a complete success. Interested neighbors of all ages came by, some even attended both events. A young flat share from across the street, an older writer above the petrol station, passers-by, Sinbad with his children and many friends of the petrol station attendant from the Polish community. The gas station became again a social hub, accessible for everyone close by. The 5th. district in Vienna is heavily populated and lacking of public spaces and facilities for doing sports. The feedback of the visitors was amazing. They told us how happy they were to have such an interesting place to meet, chat and do sports.
Our project took a participatory approach by transforming a Viennese "Arcade" gas station into a public space for gathering, sports, and creative exploration. Local citizens were not just spectators but active contributors—engaging in workshops, co-designing activities, and shaping the new identity of the space. This direct involvement helped uncover community needs and aspirations, ensuring the transformation was meaningful and relevant.
The impact of this collaboration was profound: the project fostered new social interactions, strengthened local engagement with the built environment, and inspired discussions on urban sustainability. By giving people a voice in the repurposing of infrastructure, we demonstrated that these spaces can serve public needs rather than become urban voids.
Now, we invite artists, urban thinkers, and community organizers to explore new ways of involving citizens in the transformation of petrol stations. How can these spaces become platforms for civic engagement, social innovation, and cultural exchange? What role can local communities play in shaping their future?
The impact of this collaboration was profound: the project fostered new social interactions, strengthened local engagement with the built environment, and inspired discussions on urban sustainability. By giving people a voice in the repurposing of infrastructure, we demonstrated that these spaces can serve public needs rather than become urban voids.
Now, we invite artists, urban thinkers, and community organizers to explore new ways of involving citizens in the transformation of petrol stations. How can these spaces become platforms for civic engagement, social innovation, and cultural exchange? What role can local communities play in shaping their future?
The owner of the gas station "Sinbad Vasquez" supported us in our plans for parallel use. He himself gave us the impetus to play table tennis in the petrol station room. We felt it was an advantage that the idea came from the owner himself. This meant we didn't feel like we had to impose our ideas on the space and could concentrate more on our role as initiators. Sinbad was also familiar with the local conditions and was better able to assess what would work. In the project, we saw ourselves less as experts in the reuse of petrol stations, but rather looked for interventions in the first step to get to know the location in its special situation and make it tangible for the residents.
To rethink the role of petrol stations, we were active in diverse fields:
Architecture & Urban Planning: To analyze the structural and spatial possibilities of repurposing these stations within the urban fabric.
Environmental Science: To address challenges such as soil contamination, sustainability, and ecological rehabilitation.
Social Sciences and Community Engagement: To understand how citizens interact with these spaces and how their needs could shape the transformation. Also having a deeper look into the labour work that is conected with this place.
Art and Design: To experiment with creative interventions that redefine the meaning of petrol stations beyond their original function.
Research: Critically engaging with power relations on fossil infrastructure, climate change and sustainability.
This interdisciplinary exchange was not just theoretical—it was embedded in the project’s design and implementation.
Architecture & Urban Planning: To analyze the structural and spatial possibilities of repurposing these stations within the urban fabric.
Environmental Science: To address challenges such as soil contamination, sustainability, and ecological rehabilitation.
Social Sciences and Community Engagement: To understand how citizens interact with these spaces and how their needs could shape the transformation. Also having a deeper look into the labour work that is conected with this place.
Art and Design: To experiment with creative interventions that redefine the meaning of petrol stations beyond their original function.
Research: Critically engaging with power relations on fossil infrastructure, climate change and sustainability.
This interdisciplinary exchange was not just theoretical—it was embedded in the project’s design and implementation.
As the fossil-fuel era comes to an end, these spaces face an uncertain fate. While the mainstream approach often focuses on costly demolition or straightforward redevelopment, our project takes a different path: rethinking petrol stations as spaces of possibility.
Rather than viewing these "car temples" as obsolete infrastructure, we approached them as valuable urban spaces with untapped potential.
Our project challenges the traditional ways cities deal with outdated infrastructure, proving that petrol stations can evolve rather than disappear.
All our interventions are happening and already happened in a gas station, that is still in use. That also means the parallel-use is arising together with all the employees and the owner. It's not a dead object but a still living business that is connected to the broad economical world, knowing it's logics.
Rather than viewing these "car temples" as obsolete infrastructure, we approached them as valuable urban spaces with untapped potential.
Our project challenges the traditional ways cities deal with outdated infrastructure, proving that petrol stations can evolve rather than disappear.
All our interventions are happening and already happened in a gas station, that is still in use. That also means the parallel-use is arising together with all the employees and the owner. It's not a dead object but a still living business that is connected to the broad economical world, knowing it's logics.
We started with field observations of different gas stations in Vienna, followed by long and short interviews and participant observation. Out of that, ideas of reusing the space evolved
Tankstellen-Tischtennis-Turniere („Gas station table tennis tournaments“) can easily be implemented at other gas stations or urban spaces made for cars. The method of spatial repurposing can be transferred to abandoned or active gas stations. Table tennis, as a low-threshold activity, requires minimal infrastructure. You just need the table tennis desk and equipment, a roof and a flat underground. Table tennis appeals to a wide audience, kids and elderly people can play as well as different sizes of groups, experts and beginners. It brings people together regardless of age, background, or experience, fostering spontaneous interactions. This playful intervention encourages reflection on mobility, urban development, and social practices.
Communication can be adapted to the local context via social media, flyers, or neighborhood networks. A key aspect is involving the local community—through workshops, discussions, or artistic contributions, the project becomes a space for shared exchange. Together you can think about different usaeges of gas stations.
Additionally, the format can be expanded with music or food offerings. Documentation through photos, films, or publications enables knowledge transfer and inspires similar projects in other cities.
Through participatory formats, collective memories, oil dependency, and visions for the future can also be explored. This way, functional spaces become places of encounter, making change visible and discussions about sustainable urban transformations.
Communication can be adapted to the local context via social media, flyers, or neighborhood networks. A key aspect is involving the local community—through workshops, discussions, or artistic contributions, the project becomes a space for shared exchange. Together you can think about different usaeges of gas stations.
Additionally, the format can be expanded with music or food offerings. Documentation through photos, films, or publications enables knowledge transfer and inspires similar projects in other cities.
Through participatory formats, collective memories, oil dependency, and visions for the future can also be explored. This way, functional spaces become places of encounter, making change visible and discussions about sustainable urban transformations.
The project addresses global challenges such as climate change, urban transformation, mobility transformation, attachment to fossil based infrastructure and social cohesion by showing another way of city usage. Gas stations, as symbols of fossil fuel dependency, are reimagined as social and cultural spaces, encouraging discussions about sustainable mobility and the future of urban infrastructure. As cities move away from car dependency, many gas stations become obsolete. Instead of leaving them abandoned, this project explores their creative reuse, demonstrating how existing infrastructure can be transformed rather than wasted.
By activating these spaces with activities like table tennis tournaments, workshops, and artistic interventions, the project fosters community engagement and social inclusion. It invites local residents to use their built environment and get in touch with the shops, businesses and people in the neighborhood.
The approach is scalable and adaptable to different locations, showing how cities worldwide can repurpose underutilized car-spaces in innovative ways. By combining cultural, social, and environmental perspectives, the project provides a replicable model for urban transformation.
By activating these spaces with activities like table tennis tournaments, workshops, and artistic interventions, the project fosters community engagement and social inclusion. It invites local residents to use their built environment and get in touch with the shops, businesses and people in the neighborhood.
The approach is scalable and adaptable to different locations, showing how cities worldwide can repurpose underutilized car-spaces in innovative ways. By combining cultural, social, and environmental perspectives, the project provides a replicable model for urban transformation.
In the coming year, we will further develop and expand the project by actively engaging the local community and exploring new uses for the gas station.
We will start with a community event featuring table tennis and a film screening, creating a welcoming space for neighbors to gather. A first meeting with interested artists will be held to collect ideas for a future exhibition at the gas station.
Building on this momentum, we will organize another local event featuring AI karaoke and host a collective meeting with employees and neighbors to decide on upcoming activities. Possible ideas include tango, choir, or even bowling at the station.
Beyond cultural events, we will also explore new functions for the gas station, such as a carpool center for holiday trips into nature or a social hub for sustainability in the neighborhood.
The next steps will be guided by a participatory decision-making process, ensuring that future activities align with the interests of neighbors and employees. This will lead to a large community event, featuring sound performances, tango, and choir, reinforcing the station’s role as a vibrant meeting place.
Finally, the project will be showcased at the "urbanize" City Planning and Art Festival, connecting it to broader urban transformation discussions.
Through these steps, we aim to transform the gas station into a dynamic, community-driven space that fosters creativity, social interaction, and sustainable urban life.
We will start with a community event featuring table tennis and a film screening, creating a welcoming space for neighbors to gather. A first meeting with interested artists will be held to collect ideas for a future exhibition at the gas station.
Building on this momentum, we will organize another local event featuring AI karaoke and host a collective meeting with employees and neighbors to decide on upcoming activities. Possible ideas include tango, choir, or even bowling at the station.
Beyond cultural events, we will also explore new functions for the gas station, such as a carpool center for holiday trips into nature or a social hub for sustainability in the neighborhood.
The next steps will be guided by a participatory decision-making process, ensuring that future activities align with the interests of neighbors and employees. This will lead to a large community event, featuring sound performances, tango, and choir, reinforcing the station’s role as a vibrant meeting place.
Finally, the project will be showcased at the "urbanize" City Planning and Art Festival, connecting it to broader urban transformation discussions.
Through these steps, we aim to transform the gas station into a dynamic, community-driven space that fosters creativity, social interaction, and sustainable urban life.
