Innovative research project begins implementation of climate-resilient urban solutions

Trellis structure with a horizontal canopy of foliage on the sidewalk in front of a building.

Visualization of the Vienna Climate Sky at the implementation site at Corneliusgasse 6, 1060 Vienna.

The official groundbreaking ceremony on 6 July 2026 marks the beginning of the implementation phase of the research project “Wiener Klima Himmel” (WKH) in Corneliusgasse, Vienna’s 6th district. This milestone represents an important step towards realizing an innovative approach to urban climate adaptation.

The WKH project aims to develop and demonstrate new strategies for greening and cooling public spaces within the existing urban fabric. At the core of the project is an innovative green infrastructure system consisting of a horizontal leafy canopy supported by a specially designed climbing structure. This nature-based solution is intended to contribute to reducing thermal stress and improving urban microclimatic conditions.

The project explores how existing urban structures can be enhanced through nature-based solutions and integrated into future climate-resilient urban development strategies. In addition to climate regulation, the project addresses the multiple ecosystem services provided by urban vegetation, including improvements in the quality of public spaces, biodiversity enhancement and potential contributions to sustainable stormwater management.

The first construction phase has now started. Over the next approximately eight weeks, the site transformation and technical implementation of the infrastructure will take place. The vegetation will be installed in autumn 2026, enabling the WKH to gradually develop its full ecological and climatic functions.

This project is funded by the Austrian Climate and Energy Fund and implemented within the framework of the programme line “Flagships for Resilient Cities 2040” of the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG). The interdisciplinary project consortium brings together expertise from research, planning, landscape architecture, technology and public administration:

Project consortium:

  • tatwort Nachhaltige Projekte GmbH
  • EIGENSINN und rataplan Architekten
  • BOKU University, Institute of Soil Bioengineering and Landscape Construction
  • Grünstattgrau Forschungs- und Innovations GmbH
  • Municipal Department 22 (MA 22) - Environmental Protection
11 people in front of the camera

The consortium of the "Wiener Klima Himmel" research project

Through close cooperation between all participating stakeholders, innovative approaches are not only developed but also tested under real urban conditions. The Vienna Climate Canopy serves as a demonstrator project for future-oriented, climate-adapted and liveable urban development.