Residential areas
Revitalization of Lanzenkirchen village centre Foto: Czech Environmental Partnership Foundation/ Vojta Herout

Revitalization of Lanzenkirchen village centre

The village of Lanzenkirchen had a clear goal – to build a new and attractive village centre. In addition to strengthening the village's services, a new natural centre for the community was created. This centre had to meet high quality standards and, therefore, proven and innovative methods were used in the planning and implementation, such as planting larger trees, lots of greenery, the use of the so-called sponge city principle and permeable surfaces to prevent overheating on hot summer days.

The Adaptation Journey

 
The positive impact
The revitalization of the centre had a major impact on the entire village. A lively centre of the village has been created, which offers a pleasant environment not only for local residents, but also for visitors to Lanzenkirchen. The main goal was to create an attractive, green public space where it would be possible to overcome heat waves. That was why many trees and other greenery were planted in the square. The problem of the lack of irrigation for trees and plants was solved by using the sponge city principle, the flower beds are also connected to this system and infiltration channels with greenery. A better microclimate is supported by green roofs on buildings.
 
How does it work?
It was clear from the beginning of the project that, in addition to providing supplies and services, the project should support the creation of a lively centre of the village, not a large parking area. In addition to the construction of a new municipal office building, which also houses a bakery, optician’s and hairdresser’s, the developer also implemented a project for an apartment building with a bank and a dentist's practise.

Special attention was paid to the public space - it is paved, partly with infiltration areas where 37 trees and 20,000 plants have been planted. The trees are anchored using the so-called sponge city principle so that they can develop over the long term. In addition, it is possible to mitigate the effects of heavy rains. The project used green roofs on the buildings, and rainwater is absorbed and stored for further use directly on site.
 
Original state
The village lacked a lively centre. The buildings were dilapidated, and the large tarmac parking area served mainly cars. The local bank wanted to relocate and other suppliers in the village, or in its centre were missing. The task of the village was to create a modern and multifunctional village centre.
 
Operation and maintenance
Maintenance mainly includes cleaning and ensuring the functionality of water elements. Furthermore, it is necessary to take care of the green beds, which is the responsibility of the municipality's employees. The estimate of personnel and material costs is EUR 8,000 per year.
 
Why was the measure chosen?
During the preparation process, a competition was held regarding the design of the square. The jury of experts and representatives of the town assessed the proposals and selected the winner.
 
Obstacles and challenges
The implementation of the water-retaining areas and surfaces was a challenge as the sponge-city principle is not yet a commonly used technique.
 
Operation and maintenance
The square is now widely used by the town residents, who often have a snack or enjoy ice cream there, as well as by cyclists who stop there when on a cycling trip. The municipality therefore plans to place additional bike racks here. Big events and markets can be held here.
 
How much did it cost?
The total cost of the project reached EUR 8.1 million. The lifespan of the project is estimated at around 40 years.

Public buildings Urban greenery Use of rainwater Green roof Shading Heat waves and thermal island 

Locality:
Lanzenkirchen Square, Austria
Timeframe:
2/2019 – 12/2021
Author:
Contractor
Contractor:
J.Fuchs GmbH, Kosaplaner GmbH, Landschaftsarchitektur 3:0, Franz und Sue,
Investor:
Market Community Lanzenkirchen
Contact:
Bernhard Jeitler-Haindl
bernhard.jeitler-haindlhaha.@lanzenkirchen.gv.at