Cluster Sustainable Real Estate (CSRE)

Last week, the CSRE visited the Sugar Valley district in Munich-Obersendling together with participants from academia, industry, and practice. Guided by the motto “Reinvent Ourselves,” Salvis Consulting AG provided insights into the development of the mixed-use urban quarter.

The tour focused on the reuse of existing infrastructure, the integration of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) throughout the planning process, and the early involvement of key stakeholders. Participants also learned how this participatory approach supported the planning and approval process, contributing to the development of the zoning plan within three years.

We sincerely thank Salvis Consulting AG for the insightful tour and the engaging discussion.

With summer-like temperatures, the CSRE’s most recent field trip took us to Augsburg. Together with Plattform E, we first visited the “Gebäudetyp E” pilot project in Augsburg-Haunstetten, which was developed by IGEWO and hey! architektur. The tour focused on communal living arrangements, sustainable neighbourhood development, and how regulations can be effectively implemented in the planning and construction process.

Particularly fascinating was the insight into practical implementation: Using concrete examples, we discussed where standards must be strictly adhered to and where project-specific solutions can be developed in collaboration with the building owners. It became clear that sustainable and innovative housing concepts are always the result of careful balancing of various requirements.

After a group lunch, the excursion continued to the Fuggerei. The world’s oldest existing social housing complex has been providing affordable housing for more than 500 years and combines social responsibility with remarkable continuity. It was particularly striking to be reminded that the residents of the Fuggerei are not an abstract target group, but people “just like you and me.”

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Plattform E, IGEWO, hey! architektur, and the Fuggerei team for the fascinating insights and open dialogue. On-site visits like these allow us to learn about concrete examples, bring together different perspectives, and discuss current challenges in sustainable urban and neighbourhood development.
 

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" in Germany.
Prof. Dr. Bing Zhu (TUM, Chair of Real Estate Development) presented key findings from her current study on SoBoN. Prof. Dietmar Wiegand (TU Vienna) also provided insights into municipal and subsidized housing in Vienna. 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. 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.