Measures to combat the climate crisis are typically viewed and implemented as isolated initiatives that are thematically and disciplinarily separate from one another. The over-arching goal of the Synergien gestalten project is to develop interdisciplinary solutions aimed at achieving a holistic, sustainable transformation of the built environment. Specifically, this exploratory project examines the potential for integrated solutions to decarbonize village centres in rural regions. It develops strategies for synergistic linkages between revitalising vacant properties, establishing collective micro-energy networks, and concepts for social innovation with a focus on public services for senior citizens. In this connection focusing on village centres opens public space as a pivot for the different proposed interventions and measures. It is posited that the revitalization of village centres through mul-tigenerational and intersectional social spaces—in the sense of the "village centre as a third caregiver"—can also have a positive effect on the surrounding region and general mobility patterns.

The study addresses two intertwined problems that are caused by population outflow and the "donut effect": on the one hand, the lack of social infrastructure—including a shortage of daycare centres for seniors, age-appropriate housing, and non-commercial recreational spaces for young people—and, on the other hand, the insufficient rate of building retrofits for energy efficiency and the slow transition to renewable energy systems. Vacant buildings in town centres offer a common lever here: their activation creates space for both social and energy transformation. Great potential is seen in integrative, community-based approaches that—supported by collective governance and financing models—can generate social innovations in rural communities beyond straight forward decarbonisation measures. On this basis, Synergien gestalten pursues the goal of developing a feasible solution model that makes a substantial contribution to the integrated handling of this complex issue.

The starting point for this two-part study was the idea of a 'synergy cluster' as a conceptual model for an integrated approach that incorporates a wide range of stakeholders, fields of knowledge, and areas of expertise. To address this multi-perspective issue in a synthesizing manner, the methodological approach of design thinking was employed. This approach was applied to the development of architectural renovation concepts. Central to the overall project was the principle of teaching-led research, which was implemented as part of a design course at the Institute of Architectural Design at TU Wien. This enabled the development of concrete reuse scenarios for more than 20 properties in four municipalities in the Wagram region, in close collaboration with the project team of experts and responding carefully to local knowledge. These results on one hand served as the basis for public exhibitions aimed at raising awareness among the regional population regarding the potential of existing building transformation and the activation of vacant properties. On the other hand, they also formed the starting point for a concept for a socalled Synergiezentrum developed by the research consortium. This conceptual idea was developed in close consultation with local experts in regional development, stakeholders, and decision-makers.

The resulting Synergeizentrum (Synergy Centre) is focusing on vacant inns located in village centres. In the municipalities of Kirchberg am Wagram and Großweikersdorf, which were the focus of the study, properties of this type are prominently present. The concept calls for establishing a day centre for seniors in these former inns. Spaces for youth and general cultural activities, as well as the reactivation of the buildings' use as restaurants, are also part of the concept. In addition, age-appropriate housing is envisioned, where possible, as part of the Synergeizentrum. The focus on vulnerable groups in a central location within the village centre also serves as an opportunity to implement traffic calming measures and barrier-free open-space design. This makes the public space an integral part of the Synergeizentrum. The revitalization of the village centre is also intended to take place on an energy level: deep boreholes beneath the main square are proposed as part of an energy network with heating and cooling functions. The Synergeizentrum is thus intended to serve as a platform for a small-scale, local network of renewable energy sources that connects the neighbouring buildings. In both cases, potential synergies with existing public services—such as medical centres, pharmacies, etc.—in the village centres are also highlighted.

The study has shown that implementing a Synergeizentrum requires more detailed analysis of care concepts, financing models, business plans, and processes. Specifically, stakeholders should be actively involved through co-creation and co-production methods. These expanded parameters, along with in-depth concepts for the spatial and energy-related transformation of existing structures and a contemporary, barrier-free design of public open spaces, still need to be further defined. The clarification of these individual aspects and their integration are ideally suited for an in-depth research project in the field of system innovation. However, within the framework of the exploratory project, an opportunity has also arisen to develop and implement the generally applicable concept in a prototype in Kirchberg am Wagram. In this respect, the outcome of the exploratory project provides a solid foundation for a follow-up system innovation project as well as for a follow-up R&D implementation project—or, ideally, for a combination of both.

Project management

TU Wien, Institute of Architectural Design, Research Unit Design and Construction 1

Project or cooperation partners

• TU Wien, Institut für Raumplanung, Forschungsbereich Regionalplanung und Regionalentwicklung
• TU Wien, Institute of Building Physics and Building Ecology
• TU Wien, Future.Lab
• forschen planen bauen Thomas Romm ZT
• wohnbund:consult eG Büro für Stadt.Raum.Entwicklung
• Marktgemeinde Großweikersdorf
• Marktgemeinde Kirchberg am Wagram
• Marktgemeinde Absdorf
• Gemeinde Großreidenthal
• Klima- und Energiemodellregion Wagram
• NÖ Dorf- & Stadterneuerung
• NÖ Energie- und Umweltagentur GmbH

TU Wien
Lorenzo De Chiffre
Institut 253-4
Karlsplatz 13
A-1040 Vienna
Tel.: +43 (664) 605 882 718
E-mail: dechiffre@h1arch.tuwien.ac.at
Web: www.h1arch.tuwien.ac.at