My Life Abroad: Wiener Staatsoper Neighborhood Landscape Analysis

The Vienna Opera House was the first major building on the Vienna Ringstrasse. The building took seven years to complete, starting in 1861 and completed in 1869. The architects were August Sicard von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Null. The beautiful building was built in the Neo-Renaissance style. At the beginning, the building was not very popular with the public. Later it became one of the most famous Opera Houses in the world. Putting the Opera House on the Ringstrasse shows its importance to the city. It gets a lot of attention by being in the middle of so many popular streets.

The methodology that I used for this analysis was just walking down the street and observing everything I could see. I took many pictures of the stores and things I came across. I did not really talk to anyone instead I kept to myself and just looked around using my senses.

I walked down one street and saw so many things. I started on Karntner Strasse street right outside the Opera House. The first thing I saw was a souvenir store. Next I saw “World of Accessories” which looked like a pricey store. Alongside that, was a store “Sir Anthony” which looked like it sold pricey men jackets and suits. Further down was Palmers, yet another pricey store. I crossed the street and at this time I was kiddy corner to the Opera House, right away I ran into “Humanic” which is a shoe store for women. I actually looked at some prices and would never pay that much for shoes. Next to that was a “Starbucks Coffee” and more souvenir shops. Finally I ran into some banks. I then saw some food stands on the corners. On the left there was a Tally Weill which is an affordable clothing shop. Across the street from each other I saw Casino signs. There were a few jewelry shops right next door to each other. Then a “Salamander” shop that sells women’s accessories. Then next I saw “H&M” which is a very affordable shop. Then next to that were a couple more souvenir shops. It was interesting walking along the street and just observing and taking in everything that I saw.

After walking up and down the street I noticed and concluded that this street was for either rich locals or tourists. I thought this because the stores were either pricey merchandise; Sir Anthony, World of Accessories, Humanic, Salamander, etc. or the stores were the opposite and cheap, quick shops tourists would like such as; souvenir stores, food stands, coffee shops, H&M.

I think the businesses cater well to the Opera and its clientele. I feel like the Opera visitors are mostly higher class citizens or tourists coming to visit. These businesses definitely fit both types of clientele, at least in my opinion.

Overall, I think the land use was used very well. These businesses fit well with the area they are located. The street seemed to always be busy and active. This project made me notice the little things about the street and made me think of the uses of the businesses. I enjoyed just walking down and taking pictures and not doing anything but observing my surroundings.