According to estimates, several tens of thousands of apartments in Vienna are vacant. The main reasons for this are both speculation in the real estate market and/or the deliberate neglect of old buildings. After decay, these buildings can be legally demolished and replaced by cheaper, more profitable new constructions.
Statistics show that most vacant apartments and buildings are located in wealthier neighborhoods, with particularly high vacancy rates in expensive, privately financed new developments. Vacant apartments are not available to those searching for housing, and real estate speculation continues to drive up purchase and rental prices.
To draw attention to this significant issue, I have chosen to work with thermal imaging cameras to make vacancies visible. In winter, an inhabited building radiates warmth, which is represented by bright, warm colors. Conversely, an uninhabited building appears as a large dark spot—not only evidence of vacancy but also a symbol of the dark mark left by the shortage of housing on the market.
This series was created as part of the cooperative project "WIE WIR (NICHT) LEBEN" with Arbeiterkammer Vienna.
As part of the eponymous urban exhibition, which was on view from June 26 to September 1, 2024, at various locations across Vienna, LEERSTAND was presented in the Fußgänger*innenzone Lessinggasse in 1020 Vienna.
