Completed research projects
DBU model project EnWoKom: Energy efficiency and the housing industry - Testing of environmental communication concepts for an energy efficient behaviour of residents in existing housing complexes in Erfurt and Kassel
As a point of contact for residents and a potential cooperation partner, housing companies play an important role in implementing climate change objectives on a local level. In addition to technological innovations, energy savings and increasing energy efficiency, the energy consumption behaviour of private households is one of the determining factors in the energy transition.
In collaboration with two housing companies participating in the pilot project, methods of information and participation are to be tested und further developed, with a view to contributing to a more energy efficient behaviour of residents. As a result, successful strategies will be developed to strengthen energy efficient and sustainable behaviour as well as significantly improve the carbon footprint of the residents within the pilot neighbourhoods. Furthermore, recommendations regarding the development of communication processes and strategies for implementing the energy transition will be provided for the housing industry and local administrations.
German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU), 06.2013 - 04.2018
Energy Efficiency and Comfort of Living in Prefab Buildings (EnWoPla)
In cooperation with the housing cooperative “WbG Erfurt eG”, residents, and further participants, the ISP established a model apartment to consult and motivate residents about energy efficient housing as part of the earlier research project “Energy Efficiency and Housing Industry” (EnWoKom).
The project “Energy Efficiency and Comfort of Living in Prefab Buildings” (EnWoPla) expands this approach by making the model apartment movable and by widening the consulting methods regarding energy efficient behaviour of residents. Between August 2016 and December 2017, the apartment, supported by IKEA Foundation, was put up in the neighbourhood “Berliner Platz” in the city of Erfurt.
IKEA Foundation, 08.2016 – 10.2017
Sharing Economy - Models of sustainable consumption in the housing industry (KoSeWo)
The research project focuses on potentials and future trends of collaborative innovation processes in the housing industry in terms of sustainable consumption patterns in residential areas. This is related to current housing policy debates about more affordable housing. The contribution of models of sustainable consumption for low-income households will therefore be given particular attention. The main objectives of this research project are:
- Surveying and classifying existing models of sustainable, collaborative consumption in the housing industry
- Determining and appraising the possible potential of a future implementation of sustainable consumption models in the housing industry
- Identifying opportunities, threats and effects of promoting collaborative consumption in the housing industry
- Identifying potentials and conflicts between models of collaborative consumption and the supply of affordable housing
The research aims to provide recommendations for the housing industry and an outlook on the future development of this topic.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) / VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH, 08.2015 - 10.2017
The Thuringian Basin Alliance – Intermunicipal City of the Future 2030+
In the context of the “Science Year 2015”, the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) announced the nationwide competition “City of the Future”. As one of the competitors, the alliance “Thüringer Becken” (Thuringian Basin) was tasked with developing a holistic and sustainable "Intermunicipal Vision 2030+". The Institute for Urban Research, Planning and Communication (ISP) was in charge of scientific monitoring, technical advice and evaluation of the participation process. The project was managed by DSK – Deutsche Stadt- und Grundstücksentwicklungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG (German Urban and Land Development Society).
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) /German Urban and Land Development Society (DSK), 08.2015 - 03.2016
Images of inner city residential neighbourhoods: Strategies to improve and stabilize neighbourhood image through a healthy development of urban quarters as a cooperative task of the housing industry and municipality.
The research project ImiWo is focused on inner city neighbourhoods, which are defined by a negative (external) image due to demographic, social and economic transition. It primarily examines integrated approaches to improving the neighbourhood image, mainly based on research in two pilot neighbourhoods in Berlin and Würzburg.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), 08.2012 - 12.2015
WASta - Housing for Elderly People in the Context of Urban Development (BMBF)
The diversification of society currently taking place due to ongoing demographic change implies modified demands on housing. In this context, the housing industry is challenged to meet the diversified demand of different lifestyle groups among senior citizens. In order to stay competitive in an ageng society, building companies and all other enterprises will have to adapt and react to the changed demand. It will be of particular importance to address the demand of the growing elderly population. In this research project, we aimed to analyse and systemise the diverse group of the elderly.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), 07.2009 - 06.2012
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Cities and Climate Protection - Strategic Implementation of Sustainable Energy Management for CO2 Reduction
The project’s aim is to support local authorities' planning to use the future-oriented regulation approach of local sustainability management in order to achieve a reduction of CO2 emissions.
German Environment Foundation (DBU), 02.2008 - 01.2011
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Study "Developing Inner Cities - Consulting Services for a Revitalisation of Waste Land and Vacant Buildings" (TMBWK)
Due to shrinking population figures, many inner cities in Germany are struggling with increasing vacancy of buildings. For the same reason wasteland is not redeveloped. Due to suburbanisation, economic structural transformation and a decline in the birth rate, urban development is stagnating; many towns face the need for urban revitalisation. In this context, the study analysed the potential of consulting services to contribute to the revitalisation of inner cities.
Thuringian Ministry of Education, Science and Culture and Erfurt University of Applied Sciences, 08.2009 - 04.2010
Establishment of a community centre in the "Roter Berg" neighbourhood of Erfurt as part of the research programme Experimental Housing and Urban Development (ExWoSt, BBSR)
As part of the research programme Experimental Housing and Urban Development (ExWoSt) of the Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning (BBR), the City of Erfurt built a new integrative neighbourhood centre in the urban quarter “Roter Berg”. The project was one of nine model projects within the exploratory focus "Innovationen für familien- und altengerechte Stadtquartiere" ("Innovations for Urban Neighbourhoods Suitable for Families and the Elderly") focusing on community facilities in urban neighbourhoods. The research programme intended to improve the attractiveness of urban neighbourhoods, particularly for young families and older inhabitants, and to stabilise structurally weak neighbourhoods by supporting and testing innovative planning approaches. The evaluation of the results will be transferred to future urban planning policy. The new neighbourhood centre in the quarter “Roter Berg” was established in an untenanted part of the public secondary school No. 25. Apart from reusing unused premises, the project intended to (re-)vitalise social and cultural activities in the neighbourhood, to support existing social networks and to encourage community building between young and old. The concept was implemented within five modules: (1) cooperation and reports, (2) participatory planning, (3) expertise (4) establishing a network for civic activation and participation (5) conducting structural measures for the implementation of the basic concept.
Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning (BBR) and the city of Erfurt, 12.2007 - 12.2009
Monitoring “Model Perspective Bremen ’20 – Our City in the Region”
With the aim of realigning the preparatory land-use pla,n the city of Bremen decided to develop an integrative model of urban and regional development entitled "Perspective of Bremen in its Region" in advance. A monitoring committee was constituted to include external perspectives in project planning and in order to be able to integrate ideas from other cities.
Senate for Environment, Building, Transport and Europe, 05.2008 - 08.2009
Communication of cost transparency for housing choice - Transparency on costs and benefits for sustainable housing choices through an innovative communication strategy in Central Thuringia (BMBF)
The research project was part of the national programme REFINA conducted by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The goal of the project was to develop a communication strategy to support a sustainable choice of housing location considering the costs involved. In this context, an innovative communication strategy consisting of real and virtual communicational components raised the awareness of land consumption. Decision guidelines revealing the costs of housing were developed addressing households looking for a new home. The presentation of costs includes original outlay but also running expenses. Furthermore, municipal and regional planning authorities were sensitised to the problem of current costs for housing areas. The approach of the research project was site-related and focused on the target groups mentioned. Costs of mobility, current costs of infrastructure and costs for adjustments are examples of determining parameters for the decision-making process. The decision guidelines aim to encourage sustainable and considered decisions on the location of housing.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research, 11.2006 - 12.2008
Scientific Article on the Regional Development Concept of the ImPuls-Region Erfurt-Weimar-Jena
The accompanying research for the regional development concept of the ImPuls-Region Erfurt-Weimar-Jena focused on recent developments and challenges in the urban-regional development of the three cities and the district Weimarer Land. In two surveys, metropolisation as well as urban and regional governance were characterised as current mega-trends in urban-regional development. In addition, two best practice analyses dealt with fields of activity for the ImPuls-Region: the regional open space system and the public transport network.
Regional Development Company of Thuringia, 10.2006 - 05.2008
LEADER competition of the Free State of Thuringia
Organisation and implementation of a qualification and selection process of the two-stage competition in cooperation with the planning agency KoRiS.
Thuringian Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Conversation and Environment (TMLNU), 03.2007 - 12.2007
Report for the Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning (BBR) “Guarantee of Neutrality of Advisory Agencies”
The special report on the research field "Cost and Quality Development of Residential Properties within the Housing Stock" identified innovative approaches for small and individual house-owners with regards to a modernisation of their housing stock.
Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning (BBR), 06.2007 - 12.2007
INTERREG-Study “Urban Development”. Potentials for Functional Stabilisation and Cooperation of Central Places along the Via Regia (TMBV, Thuringian Ministry of Building and Transport, 11.2006 - 07.2007)
The study ”Potentials for Functional Stabilisation and Cooperation of Central Places along the Via Regia” as part of the INTERREG IIIB-project ED-CIII (European Corridor III “Via Regia”) was elaborated on behalf of the Thuringian Ministry for Building and Transport. The objective was to increase the performance of the Thuringian String of Cities of the pan-European development corridor ED-III Via Regia through better coordination and cooperation and to guarantee living conditions and job opportunities for the population of the regions against the backdrop of demographic change. Based on analyzing regional developmental conditions, objectives and strategies for urban development and urban-regional cooperation within an integrated regional development were defined by working together with the cities and stakeholders involved. This resulted in the design of scenarios and the development of key projects focusing on urban-regional as well as on inter-municipal cooperation.
Thuringian Ministry of Building and Transport, 11.2006 - 07.2007
Evaluating 10 years of Activities of the Citizens‘ Information Office for Urban Development Hannover
Since its foundation in 1995 the Citizens’ Information Office for Urban Development Hannover can now look back on more than 10 years of participation in various fields of action and activities for urban development of the state capital Hannover. This occasion prompted the Citizens’ Information Office to reflect on its activities from a professional point of view and to specify perspectives and requirements becoming apparent for future work.
Citizens' Information Office for Urban Development Hannover (bbs), 09.2006 - 01.2007
Interparolo – Electronic Learning Elements to Promote Active Learning in the Social Context through Interactive Simulated Dialogues on the Example of Transferable Courses of Study
Interparolo, an interdisciplinary project, dealt with the development of items for computer-aided learning. Aiming at blended-learning models, student seminars on planning methods and communication management (moderation/mediation) were processed into items for computer-aided learning. Independent learning and disciplined working were supported as well as media skills.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research/ Thurinigan Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs, 05.2005 - 12.2006
CitizenTalk – New ICT-Potentials of Online Media for Public Participation in Planning and Development
The interdisciplinary research project "CitizenTalk" dealt with the increasing use of new media in urban, regional and transportation planning. The numerous innovative approaches mostly lack an appropriate interactive application compared to the potential the internet offers. That is where CitizenTalk began. The project analyzed new communication strategies in urban, regional and transportation planning and developed an accordant interactive Chatbot prototype.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research/ Thurinigan Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs, 05.2004 - 12.2006
Accompanying Research MEDIA@Komm-Transfer: “Transfer of Selected Best Practices of Internet-Based Public and Authorities Participation Procedures”
As accompanying research to the MEDIA@Komm-Transfer project of the Federal Ministry for Economics and Technology, the Institute for Planning and Communication gave scientific input to the thematic focus "Participation in Formal Planning Processes". Nationwide, approaches of virtual participation of the public and affected authorities and institutions were identified and analyzed; best practices were chosen and presented and the results used to draw conclusions and give recommendations.
Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, Capgemini Deutschland GmbH, Planning association of agglomeration Frankfurt/Rhein-Main, 11.2005 - 02.2006
Scientific Monitoring Studies of the Regional Development Concept of the ImPuls-Region Erfurt-Weimar-Jena: Mega Trends Metropolisation, Urban and Regional Governance, Best Practice Analyses
The accompanying research for the regional development concept of the ImPuls-Region Erfurt-Weimar-Jena focussed on recent developments and challenges in the urban-regional development of the three cities and the district Weimarer Land. In two surveys, metropolisation and urban and regional governance were characterised as current mega-trends in urban-regional development. In addition, two best practice analyses dealt with fields of activity for the ImPuls-Region: the regional open space system and the public transport network.
Regional Development Company of Thuringia, 07.2005 - 12.2005
Pilot Projects in Regional Planning “Housing Quality in Central Thuringia – New Strategies and Alliances in the Process of Regional Redevelopment” (BBR)
With the model project (MORO) on land use regulation "Housing quality in Central Thuringia. New Strategies and Alliances in a Regional Conversion Process”, a coordinated concept of aims and policies for the development of housing areas in Central Thuringia has been compiled. In addition, better evaluation principles for the Upper Land Use Authority as well as supporting strategies for communal land use planning have been developed. Drawing on a communication strategy, aiming both at decision-making and communal level, the contents and results of the MORO project have been transferred, support secured and their implementation encouraged.
Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning, Regional Planning Body of Middle-Thuringia, 01.2005 - 12.2005
Communicative Planning in Cities and Regions - Strategies and Best Practices of Communication in Planning"
Communication in planning processes has been integrated in theoretical and empirical approaches over the last few years. The objectives of the research project were on the one hand the systematization, analysis and editing of a variety of forms, practices and methods in planning communication (including international references). On the other hand, the project reflected on recent theoretical models and approaches such as urban governance and new public management.
University of Hannover, Brandenburg University of Technology, University of Applied Sciences Erfurt, 1995 - 2005