The 10th International Architecture Exhibition is on in Vienna. Taking up such topics as trying to design cities in developing countries which are buckling under the pressure of incredible an influx of people while other cities are trying to deal with a scarcity of resources as population is lost to the slurbs. The session is called Cities, Architecture and Society and seems to have its work cut out for it.

One set of rad ideas comes from curator Armand Gruntuch:

The show's 36 projects reflect his priorities, exploring living concepts customized to meet contemporary needs in what can be called a "non-invasive" fashion.

The 'Badeschiff': A welcome addition to the city
One of them is Berlin's landmark "Badeschiff," or swimming ship. The pool anchored in the River Spree was originally conceived as an art project about urban regeneration, but fast become a fashionable haunt for aspiring beach bums in the land-locked capital. It's proven so popular that in winter it will be given a plastic roof to ensure uninterrupted bathing for the Berlin public.



Another entry is called "Rooftop Football," a red carpet on the roof of the historic building in which the pavilion is housed. It's equally illustrative of the curators' principles, combining the modern idea of the garden on the roof with the concept of conversion and new uses for old structures.

"Instead of tearing down buildings we don't like or don't need anymore, conversion provides a way out of the throwaway mentality," said Almut

What a great idea! Anyone game for putting a soccer field on a roof in OTR? How 'bout at the Shoe?