trans_city ZT GmbH is a Vienna-based architectural office known for its focus on affordable housing and urban design. The firm is led by Christian Aulinger and Mark Gilbert and operates primarily in Vienna, though it has been recognized internationally for its work. trans_city applies a design philosophy that seeks to integrate ecological awareness and social considerations into the urban fabric, with a particular emphasis on projects that serve a broad spectrum of city residents.
Founded with the goal of making thoughtful and well-crafted architecture accessible, trans_city has established itself through a series of notable projects. One of its largest ongoing undertakings is the “Süssenbrunner-Straße West” master plan, a development in Vienna’s Donaustadt district that will provide 1,200 affordable apartments on 8.4 hectares. This project, approved in December 2023 after a multi-year participatory process, illustrates the firm’s commitment to inclusive urban planning.
Other significant projects include “Esslinger Arkaden,” a multifunctional commercial hub, and “marchfeldterrassen” in Anton-Schall-Gasse, which earned the 2021 “gebaut” architecture prize from the City of Vienna. The firm’s SIE/HOME21 project in Floridsdorf was recognized internationally with the 2019 Architecture MasterPrize for its innovative approach to social housing.
trans_city’s portfolio covers residential, educational, and mixed-use developments, often characterized by collaborative planning and an emphasis on long-term urban quality. While international in reach, the firm’s main activities remain rooted in Vienna, reflecting both its history and ongoing influence on the city’s evolving landscape.