In the city of Amstetten, Lab 3 tackles one of today’s biggest urban challenges – heat in densely built areas. The lab explores how Nature-based Solutions (NbS) such as tree care, green roofs and façades, open surfaces, and fresh-air corridors can make cities cooler, healthier, and more liveable.
Nature-based urban cooling
At the heart of the project lies the redesign of Amstetten’s main square, one of the largest “sponge city” projects in Lower Austria. It shows how sustainable city planning can combine modern design with natural cooling. By retaining rainwater, reducing sealed surfaces, and improving air flow, the city becomes more resilient to extreme heat and heavy rain.
Cooperation and community action
The lab brings together the City of Amstetten, the Government of Lower Austria, and experts from planning, ecology, and administration. Since the project began, various meetings, workshops, excursions, and training sessions have enabled stakeholders to exchange ideas on making public spaces greener and more climate-proof. Workshops and training sessions support city staff and citizens alike, helping them understand the value of green and blue infrastructure (GBI) and encouraging local participation.
Analysing, designing, and learning
Austrian Partners of Lab 3. Under the leadership of GeoSphere Austria (GSA), Natur im Garten (Ecological Gardening, NiG), supported by the Government of Lower Austria (Department of Environment and Energy), the Lower Austrian Agricultural District Authority (ABB), and the Energy and Environment Agency of Lower Austria (eNu), the lab focuses on four strands:
- Climate risk analysis: exposure and vulnerability mapping based on a detailed urban climate analysis; risk reduction assessment based on scenario analyses of measures at a city-wide scale
- Design and implementation: testing green and blue infrastructure measures that retain water and improve night-time cooling
- Education and communication: training sessions, public talks, and short videos to raise awareness of climate adaptation in cities
- Enhancement of existing green spaces and trails through the planting of (wild) fruit trees and hedges
Socially fair climate adaptation
The lab also considers social justice, ensuring that greening measures do not lead to “green gentrification” or exclusion. Inclusive planning and communication help keep Amstetten’s green transformation fair and accessible for all residents.
A model for climate-friendly urban planning
With projects such as the sponge city main square, green façades, and tree-lined cooling zones, Amstetten shows how cities can adapt to heat while improving everyday life. The city serves as a pilot for climate-smart urban design – providing inspiration for other municipalities in Lower Austria and across Europe.
Looking ahead
As part of LAB 3, a Climathon event titled “The Village of the Future” will be organized, inviting residents and stakeholders from the city of Amstetten as well as the communities in the surrounding rural areas. The Climathon will encourage local people to contribute ideas and co-create solutions that strengthen regional climate resilience and ensure broad participation.