Centre for Urban Ecology and Climate Adaptation (ZSK)
Structure of the Centre for Urban Ecology and Climate Adaptation
Since June 2013 the ZSK has combined the disciplines of city and landscape planning, architecture, engineering and ecology. The aim of the interdisciplinary team of scientists involved is to develop practical guidance for how cities and municipalities in Bavaria can use ecosystem services from urban green infrastructure (e.g. shading, water storage and humidification) to adapt the sustainable city of the future to the consequences of climate change. Herein, synergistic effects will be considered so that flora and fauna can find refuge and long-term protection.
The following questions are considered:
- How can architects, landscape planners, natural scientists and sociologists work together productively on climate change adaptation and for the development climate protection and climate adaptation strategies?
- What services can urban green space provide regarding climate change adaptation? How should it be planned and designed to effectively contribute to livable, climate protective and climate adapted cities?
- How can animals and plants threatened by climate change be protected and fostered in cities?
- How should large urban squares be designed in times of climate change?
- What synergistic effects for humans, flora and fauna can be created by future urban planning?
- What role can different tree species provide for urban climate in the future? Can urban trees of other climate regions of the earth be integrated in the cityscape and do those tree species provide similar ecosystem services?
- Do tree species of other climate regions provide similar habitats than native tree species for the arboral fauna?
- How can people be sensitized for the topics modern city planning, climate adaptation and ecosystem services?
The subprojects of the ZSK:
Mitigation and Urban Green Infrastructure
Climate protection with the help of green infrastructure: How can climate change be countered and the resilience of Bavarian cities in terms of climate change be improved? This is explored through case studies in city quarters and consideration of the interaction of ecosystem services, energy savings at the building and neighborhood level as well as renewable energies.
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Application of the Animal-Aided Design Method
The function of cities as a retreat of many animal species is becoming even more important due to climate change. Animal-Aided Design deals with the creation of suitable retreats for species in the context of climate change-oriented planning. This is investigated using practical examples.
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City Trees II - City Trees under Climate Change
City trees are an integral part of urban open space.
Growth patterns, ecosystem services and the prospects of urban trees in times of climate change are the main issues dealt with in the City Trees II project.
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100Places:M - Public Places in Munich
How can public places look in the future? Due to the investigation of 100 public places in Munich and the analysis of the interacting effects of climate change and the heat island effect as well as design, use and appropriation of public places, this question will be examined within the framework of the project.
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Non-resident and Native Urban Tree Species
Urban climate trees are characterized by high climatic stress tolerance and a higher vitality. The aim of the project is to compare non-resident urban climate trees with their native counterparts in terms of arthropod diversity and vulnerability to pest infestation.
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Würzburg Climate Experience
Cities are characterized by a specific climate compared to their rural surroundings. Based on several sites within the city of Würzburg this project aims at uncovering in which way the climate of urban sites differs depending on urban greening (trees) and how urban trees change the climate of an urban site and vice versa. In this way, the relevance of trees for urban planning can be demonstrated.
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Colorful Ribbons for our Cities in Times of Climate Change
The stable growth of many cities and the increasing amount of soil sealing in rural areas change the landscape and the habitats of many animal and plant species. The project therefore studies the biodiversity of urban green, it's esthetic and spatial planning tasks and it's function of climate regulation.
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