The Regulation- and Development-Guidelines for the Viennese Danube Canal are the result of a commission by the Vienna Municipal Department 19 – Architecture and Urban Design – based on the winning proposal of an invited competition.

It comprises of two urban planning tools – one regulatory: the “Nicht-Bebauungsplan” (Non-Building Plan), one developmental: a series of “Urban Scores” – specifically designed for that linear urban space along the water.

The process-based approach to urban planning includes earlier studies, a masterplan as well as all stake-holders throughout the process. It´s goal is not to create any sort of “corporate identity” for this urban site, but to create a consistent planning culture when it comes to public space, to set up rules transparent to the public; a sort of advocacy planning in favour of future, yet unknown ways of public interaction intervention or use of the place.

In order to stop the neo-liberal development of “privatizing” large pieces of the river bench, the basis for any further development is the Non-Building Plan, with which special care is being taken to secure and improve the existing qualities of the space with regard to joyful arrival, open access to the water, sufficient free space for increased use, open sight and recreational use of the site.

As a diagrammatic tool the Danube Canal Scores (Donaukanal Partituren) translate the linearity of the space into a score, analysing the existing and also planning new infrastructure for future development. The different “Partituren” involve built structures, landscape features, restoration plans, traffic design, mobility, logistics, electricity, water, cleaning and waste management. Their goal is to strengthen public infrastructure towards an independency of Public Private Partnerships and the commercialization of public space.

Both these tools have become part of a more general discussion around new planning tools for public space within city planning. The nonbuilding-plan may generally serve as a tool for the development of free non-commercial space for leisure and recreation in other city centres.