Can it be any greener?

Soil sealing is considered one of the most urgent ecological problems of our time. Urban planning in Graz is attempting to meet the demands of a growing city and unsealing together with various instruments and targets. The green space factor (GFF) introduced in 2023 has a direct impact on design and development. It defines the necessary extent of the area covered with vegetation on a building site in the Graz urban area. In particular, existing trees, intensively greened flat roofs and infiltration-capable surfaces are thereby promoted.

In the course, we will work on the topic using the specific example of an urban development area: In scenarios for the Postbus area in Hohenstaufengasse, we use the GFF to explore the question of how neighborhood development and positive “natural balance effectiveness” can go hand in hand.

The new tram line no. 8 will enhance the Postbus area in Hohenstaufengasse both functionally and in terms of urban space. Situated between a single-family housing area and a core area and well served by both public transport and private transport, it offers potential for a district development in which working, living, logistics and open space quality complement each other. We want to use the prescribed GFF to develop ideas for the possible future of this area and then face the challenge of whether it could be greener after all.