Location: Austria
Year: 2001
Einsiedler Park is a public park located in the heart of Vienna. The park adopts a gender mainstreaming approach in its design and facilities, providing equal opportunities for all genders.
“Ballgame cages,” which are square playing areas enclosed by 4 to 6-metre-tall fences, are a well-known feature in Vienna’s parks. However, they are often dominated by older, self-assured boys. To address this issue, architecture studio Tilia reimagined the ballgame cage for Einsiedlerpark.
Instead of a single enclosure, they created two obliquely connected fields, partially separated by a 60cm-high, multi-functional pedestal. Fences are only installed where absolutely necessary to keep the ball within the court. This design facilitates various types of play and movement for multiple groups, as a third playing field is formed at the intersection of the two courts. Additionally, equipment-free playgrounds were built for informal ball games and activities girls typically engage in.
To enhance the perception of safety, the main pedestrian paths through the park were widened, lighting was improved, and tables and benches were placed in playgrounds for children under six years old, allowing their caretakers to rest.
An all-female team of planners and a sociologist conducted a thorough examination and analysis of the park’s current state, drawing on sociological research. During a brief and intensive planning period, they held numerous consultations with residents, affected individuals, proactive mothers, and representatives from schools and kindergartens in the Margareten district, among others.
Image Attribution: “Einsiedlerpark in Wien 5” by Gugerell is in the Public Domain, CC0
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Einsiedlerpark#/media/File:Wien_05_Einsiedlerpark_c.jpg