The heat builds up especially in the inner city. But instead of cooling greenery, a concrete work of art on the canal ensures that the temperatures continue to rise.
Not only the Fiaker horses in the city center are affected by the blistering heat, the residents also crave cooling. “The ditch used to be full of trees,” recalls Henriette Hackl, who has lived opposite St. Stephen’s Cathedral for over 40 years. Now everything here is concreted. There is no greenery – except flower pots in terraces.
“I’ve been fighting for more greenery in the inner city for years, it’s getting warmer every year and we need to cool down more than ever,” says the 73-year-old. She and her neighbors often placed trees and pots of plants in the courtyard, but they were always removed immediately.
Recently, the four meter high and 80 square meter large artwork Am Graben also caused a stir. “In the middle of the sweltering summer, they put this concrete block for us,” Hackl complains.
37.5 degrees on the concrete artwork
The “Krone” was there on Wednesday at 36 degrees. The work of art “VOR ORT” by the Austrian artist Hannes Zebedin can only be admired for a short time, because the tons of concrete radiate an intense heat. Our measuring device confirms: 37.5 degrees!
According to the city, the project financing for the installation is between 20,000 and 50,000 euros. “With this money, countless trees could be planted,” says the resident.
MA 42: “The city center is sufficiently green”
However, according to the Vienna City Gardens (MA 42), the city is green enough: “In the Kärntner Straße there is a magnolia avenue, where each tree is equipped with a bench and a spray mist system. New trees are planted in Postgasse from Bäckerstraße to Fleischmarkt. The Sint-Pietersplein and the Nieuwe Markt are being renovated.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
