7.2 Volkert macht Blau – pilot project for climate adaptation measures

7. Projects from the Neighbourhood development pillar

A photo of a white information container, part of which has green cladding, situated in a square with trees and benches in the foreground.

Fig. 88: GrünStattGrau'S MUGLI is a public info container that provides details of the various options for greening of roofs and facades. Seen here on Volkertplatz as part of the "Volkert macht Blau" project. © City of Vienna/Bojan Schnabl

"Volkert macht blau" was an interdisciplinary research project in the public space that was carried out on Volkertplatz in the Grätzl 20+2 programme area as part of WieNeu+.

The objective was to find a solution for an integrated water management system, consider climate change adaptation and climate protection options, and develop various co-creation formats in a real-life setting.

A key focus of the project was to develop a concept for installation of a so-called BARTLETT ("blue-green photovoltaic shading module"). The BARTLETT was designed to incorporate a shading element, photovoltaic panels and a "sponge city" water management system in a single unit. It highlights the technical challenges associated with urban heat islands and proposes concrete solutions.

An urban space with old buildings on the left, a brightly paved open area in the centre, and trees and benches in the centre and on the right.

Fig. 89: Volkertplatz square © City of Vienna/GB*

Takeaways & challenges

WieNeu+ proved its worth as a platform for applied research projects.
WieNeu+ provided the framework for development of the BARTLETT concept, which is now being adapted for further use by GrünStattGrau and the architectural practice Tillner & Willinger.
Precipitation falling on the photovoltaic roof structure can be channelled uncontaminated into an absorbent "sponge" element for storage and then used to irrigate nearby trees and plants.
The module cannot be installed in all locations for technical and/or economic reasons.
The municipal district, as the body funding construction of such a module for public spaces, cannot use solar power directly.

Find out more here: https://www.tw-arch.at/index.php?inc=projectSelection&id=166:3636&lang_id=en (German)

Project partners

Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT)
Grimm landscape architects
GrünStattGrau (research and innovation lab)
Tillner & Willinger architects
Local Urban Renewal Office (GB*), Neighbourhood Management team for the Nordbahnhof and Nordwestbahnhof development zones