In the summer semester 2026, the elective module LAWI100133 in the Bachelor’s programme 219 Landscape Planning and Landscape Architecture took place. Led by Dr. DI Irene Zluwa and DI Udo Buttinger, and supported by tutor Fridtjof Diekmann, BSc, the course focused on green roofs as a central nature-based solution for climate-resilient cities.

A key outcome was a jointly developed compendium of handouts: students prepared different aspects of green roofs for the whole group. The result is a concise knowledge base—from design and build-up to substrates and water management through to maintenance and operation—that can serve as a foundation for design, tendering, and on-site practice.

Hands-on learning was strengthened through two technical excursions in Vienna. Sites visited included the Spittelau waste incineration plant, the green roof at the BOKU Muthgasse campus, the outdoor areas at Nordbahnhof 1 with a guided tour by Léo Lavalade (YEWO Landscapes GmbH), and the solar green roof at VHS Großfeldsiedlung. Many thanks to everyone for the insights and professional exchange!

A highlight of the practicum was the renovation of two green roofs on test towers at the BOKU experimental farm in Groß-Enzersdorf. The works were carried out from 18 to 21 May 2026. In parallel, students were divided into four specialist groups—biodiversity, substrate, water, and extensive/intensive—and implemented themed demonstration plots in the trial garden. This enabled direct discussion, implementation, and evaluation of roof build-ups, waterproofing, substrate layers, vegetation systems, and irrigation questions on a real construction site.

We would like to thank all those who contributed: Ing. Jürgen Schobert (BOKU University) for the safety briefing and scaffolding on the test towers; Stefan Erker (Slavonia Baubedarf GmbH) and Shkelqim Shala (SH2 GmbH) for the introduction to and execution of waterproofing works; Dachgrün GmbH and Citygreen Gartengestaltung GmbH for material sponsorship; and Mag. Anja Abicht, MBA, and Simon Rasch (The Tomorrow Academy KG) for videographic coverage of the construction days and the production of the final video.

The practicum clearly demonstrated how green-blue infrastructure and green roofs connect knowledge, design, and implementation—and how students build competencies for climate-adaptive landscape architecture through real construction processes, excursions, and teamwork.