The Workshop for Urban Development

aspern Seestadt is growing steadily – district by district. To enable better cross-site and cooperative planning, the Seestadt development company Wien 3420 aspern Development AG launched the so-called district workshop. This tool has already proven itself in the Seebogen and Seeterrassen districts and is now also being used for the Seecarré, which is currently being planned in the northwest of the lake. It comprises a total of eight construction sites – two of which are owned by the housing company ÖVW (Österreichisches Volkswohnungswerk Gemeinnützige GmbH). In an expert discussion, Robert Grüneis, CEO of Wien 3420 aspern Development AG, and Klaus Wenger-Oehn, managing director of the ÖVW developer and authorized signatory of ÖVW, explain their expectations for the district workshop and why they have high hopes for the planned joint district energy solution.

Is the effort greater than in other district development projects, for example?
Wenger-Oehn: The effort is greater because the individual projects in this district development are being implemented on different timelines. Normally, such project volumes are implemented simultaneously. When all developers start at the same time, it is easier to create shared infrastructure, but in this project, the individual construction starts are much further apart, making coordination more difficult.

Does implementing on different timelines also have advantages?
Wenger-Oehn: Absolutely, because if the area grows slowly, construction activities do not overlap. In addition, subsequent projects can benefit from the infrastructure already created. However, it is always important to ensure that the overarching planning is not frozen at a fixed point. There must be a certain flexibility for adaptation at different stages of development.

How can the best possible collaboration be achieved in this project?
Grüneis: In Seestadt, we have established the "district workshop." This tool is ideal for taking a joint look at the big picture. It starts with energy supply and extends to green spaces and the use of public space. Of course, this is a major challenge because each partner starts with legitimate interests.

What expertise does Wien 3420 bring to the table, for example?
Grüneis: We generate a wide range of data, structure and analyze it. This allows us to draw conclusions, for example, to create a realistic climate simulation. From these findings, we can also generate new standards, such as "aspern klimafit," a new building standard for Seestadt.

How does ÖVW view the district workshop?
Wenger-Oehn: The district workshop is an excellent format where decision-makers meet at regular intervals to exchange ideas and discuss. As part of project management, topics are set, creating opportunities for discussion, exchange, collaboration, and further development. The district workshop is extremely practical for developers from an organizational perspective. I can say this from experience, as we are involved in numerous projects and districts – and in most cases, developers have to organize themselves. This means that a lot of energy must be invested in advance to form working groups and develop procedures for coordination. All of this is already anticipated in the district workshop and is professionally organized and channeled by Wien 3420. This greatly simplifies collaboration. The procedure ensures that decision-makers are aware of current developments and issues and act in a solution-oriented manner.

What do you see as the secret to the success of the district workshop?
Grüneis: Through it, all participants gain an understanding of the topics and problems that concern the different partners and where the pressure points are. This makes each party more willing to compromise because the common goals become visible. Everyone involved recognizes what makes the new district special. Only when all stakeholders are willing to pursue a common goal does the space arise to make substantive changes.

A key goal of the district workshop is the joint energy system in the new district. Why is a district energy solution so important?
Grüneis: Climate change and dwindling resources force us to adopt sustainable energy solutions. Sustainable management requires shared use. After all, common sense tells us that, for example, sharing an open space is more sustainable than many small private gardens. But the more stakeholders involved in a project, the more compromises are needed, and that means the need for coordination increases.

Did ÖVW aim for a joint energy system from the start of this project?
Wenger-Oehn: Initially, we considered individual solutions. Our two construction sites are next to each other. It quickly occurred to us to combine both sites and use sustainable energy sources. In further discussions with partners – especially in consultation with our energy partner – the idea of a "shared economy" grew, and we moved away from isolated solutions. We are now firmly convinced that a district energy solution can achieve the best synergies. For example, economies of scale in investments. Many costs and resources can be saved if drilling or wells are carried out together. In addition, a district energy solution allows greater flexibility for changes in use – even architectural advantages if, for example, systems can be shared.

Are the other partners and developers also convinced by the district energy solution, besides ÖVW?
Grüneis: There are certainly some critical points. Especially agreeing on a common concept for the energy solutions. But in the district workshop, we put all topics, problems, concerns, and proposed solutions on the table, which leads to open discussion and shows when criticism is justified and when it is not. I believe that this way we are very successful in creating transparency and thus trust among the individual parties. For example, doubts about the energy solution concepts have subsided because it is openly communicated that the planners of the energy systems do not necessarily have to be the implementers of these concepts. This ensures that the most sensible concept takes center stage.

Which district energy solution has been chosen?
Grüneis: The question of the energy solution is still open. The different solutions are currently being presented, analyzed, and discussed. A final result will be available by the middle of next year, in time for the start of construction of the first project.

What solutions are currently being considered or discussed?
Wenger-Oehn: A major topic is deep boreholes and groundwater use, as well as the interaction with PV systems. We have examined the use of wells, which is significantly more economical and sustainable if used for all construction sites in the district development. Individual wells would overload the groundwater flow and produce unsatisfactory results, as interactions would be expected that would favor some users and disadvantage others. Here, too, it becomes clear that sustainable implementation requires the cooperation of all parties involved. We are planning a system where new partners or projects can be added at any time and where continuous optimizations are possible. That is why we are currently also considering how a multi-story car park can be used as a heat exchanger and integrated into the system.

Who else, besides the developers, is brought on board for an optimal district energy solution?
Grüneis: We invite the most competent partners to ensure that all factors are considered as precisely as possible. Among others, we can rely on the know-how of Aspern Smart City Research (ASCR), who, for example, analyze exactly what energy needs the district has. Of course, we also coordinate with the energy suppliers and are, for example, in constant contact with Wiener Netze to ensure an optimal power grid in Seestadt in the future.

Does the economic factor play a secondary role in the district energy solution?
Wenger-Oehn: No, regardless of our belief in a joint sustainable solution, it must also be proven that it delivers positive economic effects. This question will ultimately determine the outcome of the district workshop. We are currently still in the conceptual phase.

Will the district energy solution also enable more affordable housing?
Wenger-Oehn: We assume that the energy solution will lead to significant economies of scale and synergy effects, especially in operating costs, making it much more affordable for tenants. As already mentioned, there should also be clear savings in investment costs. In this way, all sides benefit from the district energy solution.

Besides energy, the district workshop also covers other topics collectively – what about the marketing of commercial space, for example?
Grüneis: We also consider the ground floor zones and ensure the optimal mix of businesses. Through our data collection, we know how people move around Seestadt and can achieve the best route relations. I am convinced that our project will set an example and establish new standards for future district developments.