Maybe the highest rooftop in Austria shouldn’t feel distant or cold — maybe it could become a glowing canopy for connection, where light, rhythm, and warmth bring people together above the city. "

DC Melia Bar

We’re excited to share our design proposal for the rooftop bar of the Melia Hotel, set within Vienna’s iconic DC Tower—home to the highest rooftop terrace in Austria. The project presented a unique challenge: transforming a narrow, canyon-like space into a destination that feels both intimate and inviting.

Currently, the terrace suffers from harsh proportions and insufficient lighting, which detract from the overall atmosphere. Our response is a soft, spatial installation composed of colorful metal chains, adding texture, warmth, and visual rhythm. This lightweight intervention not only redefines the space but also introduces a welcoming glow visible from afar—enhancing both the terrace and the adjacent interior bar.

Our furniture concept reorganizes the long, corridor-like terrace into a sequence of cozy niches, structured by the existing façade’s column grid. Each zone is anchored by planters, bringing in greenery and integrated lighting to create a more immersive and natural environment. The main seating is a flexible lounge system, adaptable to different group sizes and moods. To enrich the guest experience, we’ve also included a swing, a communal table, and built-in bench seating—offering a range of seating typologies for various occasions.

This proposal not only solves the terrace’s current spatial challenges but also elevates it into a memorable, atmospheric rooftop experience—a true highlight for both the Melia Hotel and its guests.


Location

Vienna, Austria


Year

2021


Client

HPG


Concept design


Csenge Lánszki, Stephan Tomasi

Project Architect

Status

Previous
Previous

WB Shooting range

Next
Next

Nána cabins