In view of the major challenges of our time, spatial planners are called upon to develop clear attitudes. The aim of the seminar was to develop an individual spatial planning position on the transformation of existing buildings in times of the climate crisis and to communicate it effectively to the outside world. Over the course of the semester, the students developed their points of view based on a topic of their choice. These were reflected on in discursive formats, sharpened and prepared for the public using a specifically selected medium. At the end, the participants presented their positions and final products to a larger audience and discussed key issues relating to the development of stocks in the context of the climate crisis.

The course was led by Dragana Damjanovic (Institute for Constitutional and Administrative Law) and Sibylla Zech (Research Unit Regional Planning and Regional Development).

The following positions were developed during the 2025 summer semester (the links are only available in german) :

Position #1  Preventive, climate-resilient spatial planning requires citizen-oriented, digital information and participation tools.

The severe flooding events of 2024 have clearly demonstrated how vulnerable Austrian communities are to the increasing effects of climate change. The climate crisis hits communities and individuals who are inadequately prepared the hardest.

The tool developed is intended to promote effective and transparent management of flood risks, empower citizens to prepare for flood events preventively, and provide decision support in the event of a disaster. This is based on linking technical data (e.g., measurements) with local knowledge. A mutual flow of information between the population, administration, and emergency services is essential for collaborative and effective flood protection. Digital applications offer the potential to provide information on complex risks and options for action in an easily accessible, clear, and up-to-date manner, while at the same time enabling the systematic integration of feedback from the population.

Group: Franca Dörner, Tommy Friesing, and Felix Erhart

Video about the position, opens an external URL in a new window | Poster about the components of the tool, opens an external URL in a new window | Poster about the goals and the process, opens an external URL in a new window

Position #2  Only a climate-adapted space is a high-quality meeting place

Based on the design modules developed, we want to show how the main square in Drosendorf can be turned into a climate-friendly meeting place for the village community, in some cases using simple means. To this end, the existing green qualities can be built upon by qualifying the existing green spaces for use. Even though many people may have their own gardens, a community garden can create space for people with a similar passion for gardening. This not only provides space for joint activities, but can also improve biodiversity through the variety of plants. The fountain is also an existing strength. Making it child-friendly and equipping it for playing with water can turn it into an exciting place for children to play. Additional play and sports facilities provide further opportunities for people to come together. In addition, shaded seating areas with a view of the fountain are one way of developing it into a meeting place for families. In order to improve the microclimate and enable older people and children to move around safely at the edges of the area while shopping and running errands, trees should also be planted along the streets. The southern street has potential for traffic calming due to the availability of space for traffic in the northern part. This does not necessarily mean the elimination of car traffic and parking spaces, but it can reduce noise and pollutant emissions, so that not only can all pedestrians move around more safely, but a better atmosphere for spending time there can also be created.

In order to temporarily create more space for events, the large parking lot can be used for such events by temporarily greening it, which not only has a positive effect on the microclimate but also makes it more attractive for events. Last but not least, the existing pavilion can be converted into an indoor meeting place on hot days or even in winter. With games and seating, it can be a meeting place in the town even in bad weather.

Group: Lukas Juricek, Catherina Rombolà, and Keven Türetken

Link to the booklet, opens an external URL in a new window

Position #3  Climate impacts should be given more weight in cost-benefit analyses!

When planning projects, the cost-benefit factor is always calculated. In other words, does the project bring added value to the population in view of the costs? This raises the question of how strongly climate change impacts are taken into account. These are difficult to monetize and are often underestimated.

Group: Elisabeth Schröer and Stefan Pregesbauer

Link to the video, opens an external URL in a new window

Position #4 Even the smallest administrative level can tackle the major problem of the climate crisis

With the help of the Comic figure Drobot, problems in Drosendorf are explored and solutions sought. One example is the lack of infiltration after rainfall, which is solved with the help of porous materials. Another example is the lack of shade, which can be reduced by planting trees.

Group: Dilara Efe, Azra Sakic, and Sakari Tapaninen

Link to video, opens an external URL in a new window