Cluster Sustainable Real Estate (CSRE)

City. Land. Responsibility. – Together with RICS in Germany, crenet e.V., and Frauen in der Immobilienwirtschaft e.V., we at the TUM Cluster Sustainable Real Estate (CSRE) invited participants to TUM for a discussion on “SoBoN”. 
Prof. Dr. Bing Zhu (TUM, Chair of Real Estate Development) presented key findings from her current study on SoBoN. The analysis shows, among other things, that there is a point at which an increasing obligation to create rent-controlled units leads to a decreasing number of units actually built. Prof. Dietmar Wiegand (TU Vienna) also provided insights into municipal and subsidized housing in Vienna – a model that is widely admired but also faces challenges. The subsequent discussion with Thomas Hobohm (City of Munich, Housing Manager in the Planning Department) and Prof. Dr. Matthias Ottmann (TUM and Urban Progress GmbH) discussed how Munich and Vienna are using their respective tools and what the future holds for "SoBoN 4.0". A successful evening with insightful presentations and great conversations – thank you to everyone who attended!

At the CSRE aperitif event “Reality Check: Sendlinger Loch,” one of Munich's most controversial locations was discussed together with Prof. Anne Kaestle. Student designs exploring new forms of urban and social density were presented. Michael Ehret (Ehret + Klein AG), who has taken over the property and is developing the existing plans for around 190 rental apartments, reported on his practical experience. Thomas Rehn (Local Building Commission) added the urban perspective and provided insights into the technical and legal challenges.

The discussion highlighted the complexity of the interfaces between planning, politics, and the market, and the importance of flexible concepts, communal spaces, and long-term thinking for resilient living spaces. During the reception that followed, guests from the city administration, real estate industry, and academia took the opportunity to exchange ideas and models. It was an evening that highlighted the importance of dialogue in promoting effective urban development.

A full hall, diverse perspectives, and lively discussions: Together with GrothmannGeiser, the CSRE invited guests to the Vorhoelzer Forum at TUM on 29 July to discuss parking spaces, mobility, and sustainable urban development.
Isabel Strehle (Munich Mobility Department), David S. Christmann (UBM Development), and Prof. Dr. Torsten Grothmann (GrothmannGeiser) examined the topic from different angles, considering the interplay between planning requirements, legal frameworks, and economic constraints. It quickly became clear that mobility is much more than just the number of parking spaces. What is needed are sustainable, equitable, and well-implemented mobility concepts that consider both the city and its users.
We would like to thank everyone involved for the intensive exchange and an inspiring evening, marked by constructive ideas and a finale overlooking the rooftops of Munich.

Review: Excursion to the Venice Architecture Biennale – “STRESSTEST” in the German Pavilion

In July, the CSRE visited the German Pavilion at this year's Architecture Biennale in Venice. Entitled “STRESSTEST,” the German contribution focuses on the consequences of heat stress in cities – and makes it physically tangible.

Special thanks go to Prof. Elisabeth Endres (Technical University of Braunschweig, Ingenieurbüro Hausladen GmbH), curator of the German contribution, for the exciting and informative tour. Her insights into the conception and implementation of the exhibition provided valuable impetus for our work in the field of sustainable and climate-resilient urban and real estate development.

The pavilion impressively demonstrates the magnitude of the challenges posed by climate change in urban areas – and at the same time that we have long been aware of many solutions: light-colored surfaces, ventilation, shade, and storage masses. It motivates us to create cool, green oases of relaxation in urban spaces and underscores the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation for resilient cities.

The excursion not only provided an opportunity for professional exchange, but also space for conversation and shared experiences – over aperitifs and dinner in a wonderful atmosphere.

A big thank you to everyone who took part!

On Friday, the CSRE team and students (including architecture and civil engineering) traveled to Oberhaching to visit the "woodstocx." We were given a guided tour of this wooden office building with high architectural standards, followed by lunch. We were welcomed by Dr. Jürgen Büllesbach, Managing Director of OPES Immobilien. Many thanks to project manager Leopold von Schirnding for the tour and the detailed information!

OPES developed the woodstocx, built it on a contract basis, and, as the owner of the building, took a long-term view in many of the detailed decisions. Construction of the wooden building began in January 2022. Dietrich Untertrifaller's design is also characterized by its spectacular roof construction – a diagonal shed roof, the implementation of which was sometimes challenging. The building, with its wooden ceilings and a specially developed floor structure, meets the KfW 40 standard. It features two interior courtyards for natural light, wraparound balconies and terraces, and large, representative common areas. The wood was left exposed and combined with high-quality furnishings and contrasting materials and colors. The students described the feeling of the space as bright, welcoming, and calm.

The woodstocx building has been in operation for a year now. Experience has been gained throughout all seasons and lessons have been learned for future operations, which will balance ecology and efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and maximum comfort for users. Insights from this construction project will be incorporated into subsequent projects currently planned by OPES. We thank you for the tour and look forward to further on-site visits to discuss existing examples and share insights into sustainable real estate.

Under the motto "TransformationsOFFENSIVE" (offensive of transformation), the Baukulturtag 2024 took place on September 26, 2024 in the Fat Cat Kulturzentrum (formerly Gasteig). Organized by MvB Baukultur GmbH and, as one of the "Freunde der Baukultur" (friends of building culture), supported by CSRE, with lectures by Prof. Florian Nagler (TUM, research project Einfach Bauen) and much more (program here). At our stand we provided information about our activities. We take a lot of inspiration with us and realized: Transformation requires courage! And the confidence not to be deterred by the hurdles on the way from state A to the transformed, better state B.

The TUM Cluster Sustainable Real Estate (CSRE) organized an evening event in collaboration with GrothmannGeiser and ZM-I on the topic "Gebäudetyp e - Time for a Shift in Building Culture." The event took place on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Vorhoelzer Forum at TUM.

How could this building type facilitate simple and experimental construction? What legal and technical aspects arise? What does Gebäudetyp e mean for standards, legal certainty, and resource efficiency? These and many other questions were discussed by Prof. Dr. Torsten Grothmann (Partner at GrothmannGeiser), Dr. Christian Mühlbauer (Managing Partner at ZM-I Munich), and Dipl.-Ing. Rainer Post (Board Member of the Bavarian Chamber of Architects).