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Research

Project Management

Climate Change Adaptation

Circularity and Resource Conservation

Health and Comfort

Year

Year

2020

2020

ProBACH

ProBACH

Abstract background featuring a soft gradient in shades of purple and light green.

Funding body

The logo of the Österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft (FFG) and the klima + energie fonds..

Österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft - Smart Cities und Klima- und Energiefonds

Funding amount

531.000€

Consortium

  • Institute for Building Research & Innovation

  • PlanSinn Planung & Kommunikation

  • Staud's Wien

  • Universität für Bodenkultur Institut für Siedlungswasserbau, Industriewasserwirtschaft und Gewässerschutz

  • Universität für Bodenkultur Institut für Ingenieurbiologie und Landschaftsbau

  • Weatherpark Meteorologische Forschung und Dienstleistungen

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Short summary

ProBACH explores how sections of former urban streams (Wienerwaldbäche) can be partially reactivated and integrated into the urban landscape for climate change adaptation. The study combines analysis of potential water resources, microclimatic sensitivity and meteorological simulations. It highlights feasible and most effective adaptation scenarios of urban street space to enhance climate resilience and improvement of thermal comfort in public spaces during summer season. Its results also raise public awareness for hidden streams and their resources.

Methodology

The interdisciplinary research project Project study on the section-by-section reactivation of the Vienna Woods streams supported by near-natural rainwater management ("ProBACH": Projektstudie abschnittweiser Reaktivierung der Wienerwaldbäche unterstütz durch naturnahes Regenwassermanagement) combines engineering and social sciences.

The following methods are applied:

  • Assessment of the hydrological potential of the former Viennese streams

  • Analysis of the microclimatic sensitivity of the urban catchment areas

  • GIS mapping of potential and sensitivity

  • Analysis of street space through on‑site inspections

  • Development of adaptation scenarios

  • Microclimatic analysis using meteorological simulations

Objectives

The main objectives of Project study on the section-by-section reactivation of the Vienna Woods streams supported by near-natural rainwater management ("ProBACH") are to assess the potential of the former streams (Wienerwaldbäche) for climate change adaptation measures, to illustrate possible adaptation scenarios for public street spaces, and to implement a mock-up to validate the research findings and to support awareness‑raising measures among the local population.

(Left) Peter Holzer and Renate Hammer (right) during setup work on the grounds of the Vienna Climate Biennale 2024

Two side-by-side images of a man and a woman standing in an outdoor staging area with a blue tractor, green trailer, and wooden crates, backed by bare trees and a distant city skyline under a bright sky.

© IBRI

Philipp Stern during setup work on the grounds of the Vienna Climate Biennale 2024 (left) and collection of rainwater for the demo mock up on the grounds of the Vienna Climate Biennale 2024 (right)

Side-by-side photos of 2. A smiling man wearing a grey helmet and red gloves stands next to a blue gate post beside a thicket of dry vines under a cloudy sky (left) and

© IBRI

Ottakringer Bach in the Liebhartstal before flowing into the wastewater canal

3. Narrow, low-ceilinged tunnel constructed of rough-hewn stone walls leading into darkness.

© IBRI

Results

A methodology for potential analysis and public‑space assessment was developed, which can be transferred to other urban areas and cities with similar urban fabric. According to this approach, two (Schreiberbach and Alserbach) of the ten streams analysed exhibit a high suitability for potential reactivation. Microclimatic sensitivity is particularly high in the areas between Elterleinplatz, Gürtel, and Alserbachstraße, as well as at Nussdorfer Platz. The microclimatic simulations show that even small‑scale measures—such as allocating only 10% of street space for tree planting—can achieve effective reductions in physiological equivalent temperature.


Representation of the results of the suitability pre-assessment

Map showing the resulting suitability (high, medium, low) along several streams (Krottenbach, Alserbach, Währingerbach, etc.) in Vienna, Austria, with inset maps showing regional context.


Representation of the demo mock-up

Architectural rendering showing a cross-section and plan view with dimensions for a linear urban green space featuring a stream, trees, and seating areas.

© inprogress consulting

Raports

Implementing blue-green infrastructures in cities – A methodological approach considering space constraints and microclimatic benefits

by Philipp Stern, Magdalena Holzer, and Florian Kretschmer

Suitability pre-assessment for decoupling in-sewer captured streams to support urban blue-green climate adaptation measures

by Flora Prenner, Helene Müller, Philipp Stern, M. Holzer, Hans Peter Rauch, and Florian Kretschmer