Superblocks

What is a superblock?

Superblocks are neighbourhoods in which existing urban spaces are rethought and networked with each other. The focus is on upgrading the public space through a new organisation of traffic. This makes the street space more usable for everyone.

Typical features of a superblock are

• close involvement of residents and local stakeholders
• high-quality, climate-friendly public space with greenery and unsealing
• more safety and space for pedestrians and cyclists
• Upgrading of the ground floor zone
• Space for encounters, dialogue and social interaction
• gradual implementation with temporary measures

This creates more green and open spaces, attractive recreational areas and lively urban spaces.

Superblocks are already being successfully implemented in many cities - for example as pilot projects or city-wide strategies. They are particularly popular where the population is closely involved, for example in Barcelona. Or in Berlin, where superblocks were initiated by local residents.

This concept is now also to be trialled for the first time in Innsbruck as part of a pilot project. The "Future Contract Innsbruck 2024-2030" provides for the implementation of a "traffic management pilot project based on superblocks".

Dreiheiligen as a pilot neighbourhood

Due to the spatial situation, the current traffic situation and possible connection points, the Dreiheiligen neighbourhood has particularly high potential for the superblock concept.

The many educational facilities in the area benefit from traffic calming measures and an upgrading of the public space. Existing cultural and social facilities in the neighbourhood can be complemented and thus strengthened by high-quality and appropriate urban spaces.

Areas with increased heat stress can be improved with green and blue infrastructure. In combination with the good public transport connections, Dreiheiligen offers very good conditions for an initial pilot implementation of the Superblock concept with the involvement of residents and local stakeholders.

What are the next steps?

The realisation of a superblock takes place in several phases:

1. Potential analysis of the urban area to identify possible superblock areas ✓
2. Selection of a pilot area ✓ -both steps have already been completed in Innsbruck
3. Development of a concept with traffic and open space planning
4. Pilot phase with temporary measures
5. Implementation planning for permanent measures
6. structural implementation of individual measures

In Dreiheiligen, implementation is taking place as part of a three-year project - funded by the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure andthe Climate and Energy Fund. The aim is to make the advantages of a superblock visible and tangible.

The city of Innsbruck is being supported by the innovation laboratory future.lab, the Institute of Transport Sciences and the landscape architecture and urban planning office bauchplan ).(.

Project start

The project will start in May 2026 with initial analyses of the existing structures and preparations for the participation process. In order for superblocks to be filled with life, it is crucial to involve and actively engage residents from the outset.

The first opportunity to do so will be during the European Mobility Week in September 2026 , where an initial participation format will be offered on site.

Further information will be added here on an ongoing basis.

Where can I get more information?

You can also send questions, ideas or concerns directly to Service Unit Strategy and integration - Superblocks by e-mail: