The master's elective module "Spatial planning in rural and alpine regions", which consists of the courses VU 280.874 ‘Planning processes for rural and alpine areas’, SE 280.875 Strategies for rural and alpine areas and EX 280.891 ‘Spatial planning in rural and alpine areas’, takes an integrative approach to rural areas and their inhabitants as well as their cultural and economic opportunities and future prospects. The content relates to spatial planning instruments and processes as well as strategies, interventions and projects. General and sectoral as well as local, regional and superordinate strategies and instruments are analysed and broken down to local and regional conditions. 

The elective module was led by Karin Standler (external lecturer), Bardo Hörl (research unit Move), Sibylla Zech and Elias Grinzinger (research unit Regional Planning and Regional Development).

The following positions were developed in the summer semester of 2024. The linked documents are only available on the German version of the website.

Project #1  Kümmerstetten - the caring village

At the centre of the ‘caring village’ is the idea of creating all the framework conditions for a strong village community. The aim is to enable a system of mutual care and solidarity. This is not just about caring for the elderly, but about the well-being of all village residents - from children to single parents to people with disabilities. It is no longer enough to simply promote structural measures. Rather, the social needs of people must also be taken into account - the focus is on encounters, meaningful activities, recreation and mutual support.

In concrete terms, this means that people need places to meet, low-threshold support services and opportunities for everyone to get involved. The ‘caring village’ relies on a mix of structural, social, infrastructural and digital measures.

Group: Till Bathe, Lea Rönsch und Hannah Straka          

Project #2  Die Apo*THEKE - the apothecary*COUNTER

With the Apo*THEKE concept (literally: apothecary counter) and the planned GEMeinsam VEREINt association (literally: the together-club), a spatial and an organisational structure is being developed which, in combination, address key issues relating to the future organisation of rural areas. While the focus is on the spatial challenge of using vacancies and strengthening town centres in the spatial implementation, the existing health care structures will be supplemented by the possibility of social interaction and exchange. For example, the pharmacy will be supplemented by various offers for meeting up, doing sports together, sharing information and much more, and offered as if at a ‘counter’. In other places, this could be the under-utilised room of the local council, for example, thus creating a community*COUNTER. It is important to raise awareness of the value of already available spaces as potential places for the planning debate on strategies for places that are resilient to loneliness.

Group: Magdalena Prade, Vanessa Raas

Projcet #3  Das Landuni Platzerl - the little landuni place

The road construction site at Spitz between Julius-Herrmann-Straße and Badstraße in Drosendorf, Lower Austria, made it possible to redesign a newly created open space. This was planned and realised by spatial planning students from the landuni in cooperation with the municipality of Drosendorf.

The common goal was to design a consumer-free meeting and resting place in the public space. Through a conscious and well thought-out design, this place - the ‘landuni Platzerl’ - is transformed from a functional transit point into a lively meeting place for the community. In addition to the planting of fruit trees and the creation of a meadow with scattered flowers, seating furniture and bicycle stands are also provided. These elements not only invite people to linger, but also promote communication and a sense of community. A bookcase is also to be integrated as part of the furnishings. Among other things, this offers the opportunity to make students' research work accessible to interested Drosendorf residents at a low threshold and to initiate a dialogue between the landuni and the local population.

The realisation of the project would not have been possible without committed citizens. We cordially invite all interested parties to explore and actively participate in this newly created space and to shape it into a place that enriches and connects Drosendorf.

Group: Angelika Bauer, Liliane Juhart, Leon Seger, Celina Peck 

Project #4  FrauenspORT - a place for womens' sports

No sports development concept focussing on gender equality is known for rural areas. The aim of this concept is therefore to use an integrated approach to shape women's sport in such a way that it is possible for all people, especially women and children, to realise their professional, health, sporting and social goals in rural areas (see 100 % SPORT, 2024). The focus here is not on specific types of sport, but on the creation of suitable framework conditions that enable development. In addition, the aim is to actively identify where there is potential for improvement and any ‘invisible’ gaps. The basis of this concept is formed by four fields of action with the activities set out therein, which are aimed at successfully organising women's sport in rural areas.

Group: Kyona Eichhorn, Florian Lederer, Nicole Schütz, Simon Zimmermann

Project #5  Das La.Lo - The landuni kiosk

The Lalo - short for ‘landuni.lokal’ - is a physical object that will accompany the work of the landuni in the future. The Lalo is a customisable kiosk with various possible uses and is intended to serve the local population as a means of transporting their ideas and activities. This kiosk is constructed like a jigsaw puzzle and can therefore be put together in new and different ways depending on requirements and events. Ideas can be collected here, interest groups can be found and knowledge can be exchanged and communicated. The landuni in particular uses the Lalo to bring ideas and knowledge to the population or to conduct research together with the residents - research by and for the residents. But there is also space to celebrate together and have fun.

Group: Eva Bernhard, Lena Königshofer, Clara Nowak

Project #6  Drosendorf - Where the seasons are lived

Drosendorf lives a unique culture of coexistence characterised by the combination of community development, natural beauty and cultural preservation. The aim is to preserve a place of gathering and a lively centre of encounter. This is done by carefully maintaining the unique landscape and rich cultural heritage of the historic site. These efforts promote a sustainable and inspiring environment that is strengthened by community activities and cultural events. Drosendorf is therefore not only a place of history, but also a place where people come together to live, celebrate and preserve traditions.

Group: Florian Kutschera, Julia Muckenhuber, Theresa Thum, Zayyan Tasnem

Project #7  Borderless - A bus connects the border region

A key project to promote this cooperation is the use of a bus that travels through the border region. It collects people from the villages and towns and takes them to cultural, educational and leisure events. This bus not only serves the purpose of sustainable mobility in an area that is heavily characterised by unsustainable mobility in the form of cars and inadequate public transport, but also as a means of social integration by connecting the population on both sides of the border and healing historical wounds.

Group: Matteo Holzmann, Anna László, Benjamin Wallisch