The historic hospital in Gersthof becomes a modern educational campus!

The historic hospital in Gersthof becomes a modern educational campus!

Last Wednesday, June 26, 2025, a new educational campus was opened in Vienna-Währing, which was built within the walls of the former Gersthof orthopedic hospital. The listed site, which has been extensively renovated over the last six years, is not only a sign of the change in urban use, but also creates space for modern learning and education.

The history of the area is complex. The hospital, which operated until 2019, has a long tradition dating back to the 1920s when it opened as a maternity hospital. The decision to convert the property was made in 2020 when the Federal Real Estate Company (BIG) was entrusted with the project. An open planning competition was won by the architectural firm Franz & Sue, which presented a well-thought-out concept that takes modern educational requirements such as digitalization, all-day operation and inclusion into account.

A modern place of learning

The new educational campus accommodates a total of 23 regular classes, supplemented by specialist rooms and flexible learning zones. These learning landscapes are designed in such a way that, in addition to traditional lessons, they also enable open forms of learning. The indoor and outdoor areas provide supervised areas that create a positive learning environment for students. A special highlight is the garden level, which consists of former cellars and storage rooms, where workshops, a library and rooms for afternoon care are housed.

The planners attached particular importance to harmonious integration into the existing historical substance. Despite the necessary redesigns, the striking interior elements and the historic facade were retained, while the escape route situation was significantly improved by a newly designed staircase.

Sustainability in focus

The educational campus also places a strong emphasis on sustainability. The design saves space, reduces the use of materials and reduces operating and maintenance costs by setting up a photovoltaic system and automated window gap ventilation. It is worth mentioning that the project meets the requirements of the klimaaktiv Gold Standard, which is a strong sign of environmentally conscious use of resources.

In addition, a new gymnasium was built on the southern edge of the area, which can be used both as a large hall and as a multifunctional exercise room. These measures help ensure that the educational campus becomes not only a place for learning, but also for movement and creative development.

The campus is currently serving as alternative accommodation for the BG18 Klostergasse until the new premises can be fully used. The opening coincided with a school festival celebrating the new possibilities and concept of the campus.

In summary, it can be said that the educational campus in Gersthof is an excellent example of successful urban development. With a successful mix of historical preservation and modern learning designs, future-oriented learning is possible here.

For more information about exceptional educational projects in Vienna, take a look at PPAG or klimaaktiv.