Let’s Talk About Urban Planning!

To mark the 100th anniversary of the 1926 International Congress on Housing and Urban Planning and the International Urban Planning Exhibition, a symposium will explore the ideas, concepts, and guiding principles that shape our thinking, planning, and design of cities today.

In 1926, urban planning experts gathered in Vienna to discuss land policy, housing construction, and much more at the International Congress on Housing and Urban Planning. At the same time, the City of Vienna presented the latest buildings of “Red Vienna” to over 1,000 participants and showcased projects and completed works to a broader public at the International Urban Planning Exhibition held at the Künstlerhaus. In 2026, we will look back on these events and the pressing issues of that time and discuss which ideas, visions, and guiding principles shape our thinking, planning, and design of cities today—100 years later.

The symposium will be accompanied by a poster exhibition featuring current studies by TU students on the 1926 Housing and Urban Planning Congress and the 1926 International Urban Planning Exhibition.

Program

13:00–15:00 DISCIPLINE THROUGH THE AGES
Welcome:
Angelika Fitz, Director of Az W

Welcome and Opening Remarks:
Ute Schneider, University Professor, Architect, and Urban Planner, Vienna University of Technology
Harald R. Stühlinger, University Professor, Architectural and Urban Planning Historian, Vienna University of Technology

Presentations:
Friedrich Hauer, urban morphologist and environmental historian, and Stefan J. Kubin, architect and urban planning historian
Rudi Scheuvens, University Professor, Local Spatial Planning and Urban Development Planning, Dean, Faculty of Architecture and Spatial Planning, Vienna University of Technology
Bernhard Steger, architect and urban planner, City of Vienna/MA 21

Moderator: Harald R. Stühlinger

15:00–16:00 URBAN DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVES TODAY
Presentations:
Angelus Eisinger, historian of urban development and planning, Director of Regional Planning for Zurich and Surrounding Areas (RZU)
Ute Schneider, University Professor, Architect and Urban Planner, Vienna University of Technology

16:00–17:00 KEYNOTE
Marion Waller, Director General, Pavillon de l’Arsenal, Paris; Urbanist and Philosopher

17:30–18:30 PANEL DISCUSSION
Featuring:
Marion Waller
Angelus Eisinger
Bernhard Steger
Isabelle Siegelmayer, David Schulze-Seeger, students at TU Wien
Ute Schneider
Moderator: Lene Benz, curator at Az W

Followed by a reception