GABU Heindl Architecture, based in Vienna, Austria, is a firm that combines architectural practice with a strong commitment to social and political engagement. Founded in 2007 by Gabu Heindl, the office focuses on public space, public buildings, common-ownership and non-market housing, as well as collaborations in the fields of history, politics, and critical artistic practice.
Gabu Heindl, an architect, urban planner, and activist, leads the firm with a vision that architecture should not merely serve as a service but as a tool to shape the environment, underpinned by analysis and extending to research projects. Her approach emphasizes collaboration and engagement with those who will use the spaces, rather than just working for clients. This is particularly evident in projects involving self-initiated housing, where the firm works closely with future residents to develop the brief.
The firm's projects are positioned within the urban cultural environment, ranging from kindergartens and schools to cultural and educational buildings. Heindl's commitment to social justice is reflected in her stance against discriminatory architecture, advocating for a less racist, chauvinist, and discriminatory world through her work.
Heindl's academic background and teaching positions at various universities, including the University of Kassel and the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London, further underscore her commitment to critical and socially engaged architectural practice. Through her work and publications, GABU Heindl Architecture contributes to a broader discussion on the role of architecture in shaping society.