Main Topics

In research the main topics of the institute can be assigned to the fields Soil Bioengineering, Vegetation Engineering and Landscape Construction. This division reflects the fields in teaching.
The investigations encompass basic research as well as examinations of new methods and their applicability in practice.

Subjects of research are for example:

Soil and Water Bioengineering and Ecosytem Services

  • Holzsperren zur Grabensicherung
  • suitability and propagation of different plants for soil bioengineering ptotection
  • erosion control in alpine regions and susceptibility of alpine grass patches to erosion
  • hydraulic, sedimentological and ecological influences of riparian vegetation
  • effectiveness of soil bioengineering structures in the revitalisation of riverbanks
  • effectiveness of soil bioengineering methods for the stabilisation of slopes

Vegetation Technology and Green Infrastructure

(Head: Ulrike Pitha)

  • Development of monitoring methods relating to the suitability, performance, impact, and vitality of plants in urban green infrastructure
  • Quantitative and qualitative assessment of the performance and impact of green infrastructure in relation to water balance, microclimate, radiation balance, effects on buildings and urban neighbourhoods, quality of life, habitat, and biodiversity
  • Development of green infrastructure for urban areas and cultural landscapes with a focus on sustainable materials and construction methods
  • Climate change-adapted design of urban neighbourhoods with green infrastructure structures and green-blue rainwater management solutions
  • Creation of plant assortments for sustainable and resilient green infrastructure in urban areas
  • Design of technical substrates and growing media for vegetation-related applications
  • Development of permeable, green, and hydro active surface pavements
  • Development of vertical greening systems, green roofs, and interior greening systems
  • Development of multifunctional greening and planting for street spaces
  • Binding of pollutants, particular matter and TCE with plants
  • Urban gardening and urban farming on buildings
  • Retrofitting of existing buildings with green roofs and vertical greening systems
  • Maintenance, care and management of green infrastructure and vegetation-based structures
  • Sustainable and needs-based irrigation of green infrastructure
  • Potential use of alternative water resources such as grey water for irrigation purposes
  • Use of surface water run-off to irrigate green infrastructure systems in road spaces
  • Green-blue rainwater management systems with plants
  • Detail shot: Flowering herbs and grasses
    Planting of a green roof

Landscape Construction

  • structural engineering and maintanance of different road constructions
  • tradition and history of craft and techniques in Landscape Construction
  • preservation of historic gardens and history of garden techniques