Research networks

The goals here are the increased implementation of measures for the rational use of energy and resources, for increased efficiency in energy conversion and provision, and for the intensified use of renewable energies with the simultaneous provision of a high level of user comfort. The technical solutions required for this always represent design tasks as well. Consequently, a generalistic optimization also focuses on artistic-design and social issues. An environmentally conscious architecture understands the technical requirements of buildings as a starting point, motivation and source of inspiration for expressive and perceptible concepts for the structural realization. In this respect, the network questions one-dimensional optimization solutions of buildings in a close dialogue between technically and design-oriented disciplines and opposes them with more advanced solutions. In this way, approaches are made available that are suitable for the qualification of existing buildings and in particular buildings of cultural and historical significance on the one hand, and on the other hand demonstrate groundbreaking integrated design solutions for an urban society.

Thematic areas of future research

• Facade renovation
• Thermal bridges in existing buildings
• Technology and design
• Energetic retrofitting of historic buildings

Potential funding sources BMBF, BMWi, BMUB and the state of Hesse

The aim is to bridge the gap between basic research and its application in planning (especially landscape planning) through the diversity of the disciplines involved but also through the interdisciplinary orientation of the disciplines themselves. Therefore, the research projects are usually focused on the optimization and/or new development of procedures and measures of environmental planning and landscape management and serve as decision support and policy advice in the field of environmental policy. They are based on profound analyses of natural sciences, planning sciences and law, which focus on the management of cultural landscapes. The tension between the conservation of valuable landscapes, ecosystems and species and an appropriate handling of changes in lifestyles and economies, land uses and ecosystems against the background of global changes (e.g. climate change) plays a special role.The following topics are in focus: - Perception and appreciation of nature and landscape - Guiding principles/objectives and control instruments in nature conservation and landscape planning (including overall spatial planning) - Communication and GIS application in landscape planning - Landscape and water ecology, especially with regard to species and biotope protection - Landscape management and landscape conservation (also in the context of climate adaptation).

Within the time horizon of the new SEP, the research network ULM would like to strengthen both the natural science basic area (water, climate research) and the planning area (landscape planning, communication, GIS) through the reorientation of the professorial positions to be filled again and integrate them into the overall concept of the network. To this end, joint research areas (e.g. wilderness research; cultural landscape research) should be expanded and new research areas developed, especially with the newly appointed colleagues. The latter could be, for example, in the area of landscapes and climate change, floodplain and watercourse development through the Water Framework Directive, or new communication strategies in landscape planning.

Questions of cultural and social change and their effects on the transformation of building, urban and open space typologies are in the focus. The actors of space production are considered as well as social regulations (ownership, laws, norms, etc.). The built space is seen as an indicator as well as an initiator of social change. Concepts for a transformation design for the development and consolidation of an open society with cultural differentiation and hybridization will be developed. Questions to be addressed are:

How do everyday cultures and lifestyles affect the built environment? How is space negotiated in society? How does society articulate itself aesthetically, what role does built space play in social self-assurance? Topics include housing, public space, climate change and energy transition, mobility and digitalization, knowledge spaces and symbol production, memory spaces and built heritage. The topics are not understood in isolation, but in context. Multidimensional solutions are developed for increasingly complex requirements. The scales range from urban constellations to the interaction of the human body with the built environment on a 1:1 scale.

Emphasis is placed on both historical and transformational perspectives. Planning history is concerned with changes in the self-understanding and practice of state exercise of power and its impact on controlling and influencing the use of space. Spatial transformation research is concerned with contributions to the creation of resilient urban regions in transdisciplinary practice beyond spatial planning.

Do we conceptualize, design, plan and build space (architecture, city and landscape) sustainably for the future? The research focus here is on materials & technology: Which materials do I use and how, or how can they be functionalized and activated so that they take on new tasks in complex spatial requirements? What possibilities arise from research into new digital technologies, methods, tools and manufacturing techniques, and how can this potential be used to develop new types of production, construction, design and planning processes? To this end, artistic, engineering, material and spatial science methods are applied in the participating research groups. These create a clear link from research to application. The knowledge gained includes the design of spaces (interior and exterior) in connection with technological and material-specific constructions and processes as well as aesthetic quality. The results include innovation, artistic and scientific knowledge and are developed, researched and reflected methodically adapted to the respective problem.

Do we conceptualize, design, plan and build space (architecture, city and landscape) sustainably for the future? The research focus here is on materials & technology: Which materials do I use and how, or how can they be functionalized and activated so that they take on new tasks in complex spatial requirements? What possibilities arise from research into new digital technologies, methods, tools and manufacturing techniques, and how can this potential be used to develop new types of production, construction, design and planning processes? To this end, artistic, engineering, material and spatial science methods are applied in the participating research groups. These create a clear link from research to application. The knowledge gained includes the design of spaces (interior and exterior) in connection with technological and material-specific constructions and processes as well as aesthetic quality. The results include innovation, artistic and scientific knowledge and are developed, researched and reflected methodically adapted to the respective problem.