MEIDLINGER L: Demonstration of a comprehensive systemic solution for existing buildings at the interface between public and private spaces

The MEIDLINGER L – Demo implementation project follows on from the Meidlinger “L” exploratory project. The findings will be used to demonstrate a transformation in the urban environment, and new vertical and horizontal green spaces will be created along building facades and in the street space in Vienna’s Meidling district. The project takes an integrated and interdisciplinary approach to climate change adaptation in existing buildings at the interface between public and private spaces.

The situation on Rosaliagasse (Vienna, Meidling) is a good reflection of the situation in many of Vienna’s existing buildings and neighborhoods: For the first time, the proposed solution enables the cost-effective, straightforward, and rapid implementation of retrofits using the MEIDLINGER L (modular trellis system) in existing urban buildings managed by condominium associations (WEGs). The HOAs were already engaged during the exploratory phase, which has generated many positive synergies, as there is collective agreement on the project. The MEIDLINGER L trellis (developed in this project) is intended to enable the widespread, comprehensive use of green facades in the urban building stock in the future. In combination with the thermal retrofitting of existing buildings and greening, the modular MEIDLINGER L trellis contributes to climate change adaptation and enhances both public and private spaces alike.

The combination of greening and solar power, water management, repurposing of street space, and mobility—integrated with a resilient energy infrastructure and the application of a tailored financing model—constitutes a service offering that is highly relevant for implementation and scalable. The process and technological innovation, which specifically addresses ownership structures and public-private interfaces, can offer benefits to city residents as well as city administrations (climate change adaptation), the economy (opening up new market potential), and the scientific community (gains in knowledge, new research impulses). The area in question is home to residents in all their cultural and social diversity, including newcomers, long-time residents, families, and single-person households, as well as guests at the numerous hotels and guesthouses in the neighborhood. The business community is also diverse and varied. The retrofitting of four existing buildings provides insights that can be applied to other locations or (pioneering) cities.