The competition is held in cooperation with the Vienna Climate Biennale. Selected award-winning projects will have the opportunity to present their work during the Climate Biennale from April 9 to May 26, 2026.

They are looking for creative concepts that relate to a specific outdoor space in Vienna – such as public, semi-public areas, or brownfield sites – and that design this space so that people can come together, meet, and exchange ideas.

Whether through design measures such as flexible furniture, greenery, or lighting, through content-based formats such as participatory activities, events, or performances – or a combination of both: the goal is to reimagine urban open spaces, make them accessible, and bring them to life.

Topics

• Use and performance: How can open spaces be used creatively? What formats, installations, or temporary offerings encourage people to linger, participate, and gather? How can the space remain attractive and usable in the long term?
• Vacant Spaces & Typologies: Which unused or underutilized areas offer potential for new ideas? How can brownfield sites or ground-floor areas be made vibrant, inviting, and accessible to different target groups?
• Participation & Community: How can an open space be transformed into a vibrant, inclusive, and accessible meeting place? What measures promote social cohesion and togetherness in urban spaces? How can the space be activated for all city residents through new uses?
• Climate & Sustainability: How can design and material selection contribute to improving the quality of life and climate protection in the long term – for example through greening, shade or environmentally friendly implementation?

Funding Information

• Ten winners will each receive prize money of €15,000.

Eligibility Criteria

• Creative professionals: Individuals, collaborative groups such as initiatives, associations, cooperatives and companies based in Vienna.

Evaluation Criteria

• Your submission will be evaluated by an independent jury.
• Evaluation criteria include:
  • Potential for change and activation,
  • Qualifications and professionalism of the applicants,
  • Realistic and professional planning,
  • Sustainability,
  • Effectiveness,
  • Significance for the urban environment.

Application Requirements

• Concepts that enliven open spaces in Vienna – such as public or semi-public areas, squares or wastelands – through design or programming:
  • Design: Concepts that make the outdoor space usable through shading, greenery, flexible furniture or installations and invite people to linger.
  • Program: Concepts that enliven the outdoor space with events, participatory activities, performances or neighborhood offerings and promote exchange.
• Projects that combine design and programming can also be submitted.

For more information, visit Vienna Business Agency.