An outstanding network for stakeholders in the real estate industry is formed by bringing together selected leaders from the sector with excellent researchers and students from TUM. This CSRE alumni network aims to create added value for its constituent groups – students, researchers, faculties, and stakeholders from various planning disciplines such as architecture, engineering, business, and spatial planning, among others – fostering positive collaboration. Professional discourse occurs through TUM internal and public events, including lectures, symposia, conferences, summer schools, and alumni gatherings, aiming to generate positive impacts on the environment, economy, and society.
CSRE vor Ort
Excursion Ulm, Wooden Modular Construction // 08.11.2024
What possibilities does wooden modular construction offer for sustainable real estate projects? We explored this question on our excursion to Ulm this year. The program included a visit to the wood production facility of müllerblaustein, a tour of the company's own office building by Nething Architekten and a new residential building by NUWOG.
The visit to the production facility of müllerblaustein and the Hotel Klingenstein showed that the high degree of prefabrication of wooden modular construction allows for fast assembly times for a wide variety of building typologies with good planning. The prerequisite for a smooth project process is the involvement of specialist planners in the early project phases and an early definition of the interfaces between architecture, statics, building services and building physics.
The company's own office building by Nething Architekten impressed with a special spatial atmosphere based on a strong design concept. The aim behind this was to design a "meaningful building" that uses the respective type of construction in a location-appropriate and needs-appropriate manner. The result is a wood-hybrid building with a reinforced concrete core for access and prefabricated wood elements on the other side for office use. The concept of the building with an open room design that promotes visual connections is based on the analysis of the work processes within the company. The architecture based on this optimally supports the different tasks and processes of the employees. Another interesting aspect of this project is the early involvement of the specialist planners and the executing companies. The fast and cost-optimized execution is based on partnership agreements, on a strong basis of trust and a joint commitment to the success of the project.
The multi-storey residential building of NUWOG, the municipal housing association, which was built entirely using wooden modular construction, was not only built quickly, but was also based on a short planning time. This is because the executing company b_solution from Austria was able to incorporate its optimized standard details into the project.
Our second excursion also shows that experiencing innovative projects directly and exchanging ideas with those involved in the project is both insightful and inspiring. We reflect this new knowledge in our CSRE network and thus achieve a fruitful exchange. We are already looking forward to the next excursion!
Symposium "Neudenken statt Abriss"
München // 12.10.2024
On October 12, 2024, the Symposium “Neudenken statt Abriss” (Rethinking instead of demolition) took place in the Maximilianeum, organized by the Münchner Architekten- und Ingenieurverein (MAIV) (Munich Association of Architects and Engineers).
The focus of the event was the question of how architectural firms and engineering firms should deal with the existing building stock in the future. The focus was not on prestigious representative buildings, but on everyday buildings and the question of how to further develop the "normal architecture" of the "generic city" instead of following the usual practice of demolition and new construction. The symposium provided a platform for lectures and subsequent discussions with renowned experts from the fields of architecture and engineering. The speakers included Leila Unland, Prof. Ansgar Schulz, Markus Stenger, Dr. André Müller, Michael Kühl and Prof. Elisabeth Endres. The moderator was Mathieu Wellner.
A key finding of the symposium was that considerable progress had been made on many issues that had long been called for. One example of this is the question of energy efficiency, where the goal may have been overshot. We should therefore now focus on the topic of conversion guidelines and develop innovative approaches to dealing with existing buildings. The discussions also produced important political and technical insights. A call was made to politicians not to remain too dogmatic and to allow more differentiation. It was emphasized that old buildings do not need the same standards as new buildings. The experts expressed the hope that top positions in politics and administration should also be filled by experts from architecture and engineering in order to gain a better understanding of the complex issues. Another important point was the demand for "integrated building concepts", similar to those already existing for "integrated district concepts". In order to better understand the existing buildings and to identify with them more strongly, it was suggested that "crawling into" the buildings by tracing them or mentally "peeling" them.
The symposium "Rethinking instead of demolition" thus offered valuable impulses and suggestions for a more sustainable and future-oriented building culture. The participants agreed that the existing building stock is an important resource that needs to be protected and further developed.
EXPO REAL 2024
Messe München // 07.-09.10.2024
This year, the CSRE was at Expo Real again. The trade fair had over 40,000 visitors and we were right in the middle of it. What we noticed: The mood is slowly getting better!
It was a pleasure for us to talk about sustainability and the current market situation at the joint stand with the TUM Venture Lab Built Environment and to present the activities of our TUM Cluster Sustainable Real Estate. We met many familiar faces and made numerous new contacts.
Our employee Julia Carstens moderated a panel on circular construction. With Giulia Peretti (Head of Sustainability at Real I.S.), Johannes Staudt (Doctoral Candidate at TUM) and Isabel Faller (Head of Strategic Partnerships and People at Polycare), she discussed the current challenges of circular construction. The need to integrate new, holistic approaches into ways of thinking, economic models and project planning was emphasized.
We are looking forward to Expo Real 2025 and many projects and contacts in the meantime!
ERES Industry Seminar
Turning Point in Real Estate: The Twin Green and Digital Transition under Uncertainties // 11.10.2024
The ERES Industry Seminar took place in Munich on October 11th, 2024. Prof. Zhu and Prof. Nübel invited together with the LBI Förderverein and the Bayerischer Bauindustrieverband on a complex and current topic: "Turning Point for Real Estate: The Twin Green and Digital Transition under Uncertainties". Among the speakers with a lot of experience and enriching perspectives were Prof. Werner Lang (Vice President TUM and CSRE Board Member) and CSRE partner Dr. Bernhard Boeck (Stadtwerke München).
Friday, 11.10.2024, 13:00 - 18:00, Oskar-von-Miller-Forum
Baukulturtag 2024
Conference + Exhibition // 26.09.2024
Under the motto "TransformationsOFFENSIVE" (offensive of transformation), the Baukulturtag 2024 took place on September 26, 2024 in the Fat Cat Kulturzentrum (formerly Gasteig). Organized by MvB Baukultur GmbH and, as one of the "Freunde der Baukultur" (friends of building culture), supported by CSRE, with lectures by Prof. Florian Nagler (TUM, research project Einfach Bauen) and much more (program here). At our stand we provided information about our activities. We take a lot of inspiration with us and realized: Transformation requires courage! And the confidence not to be deterred by the hurdles on the way from state A to the transformed, better state B.
Gebäudetyp e - Zeit für eine Baukultur-Wende
Input + Discussion // 10.07.2024
The TUM Cluster Sustainable Real Estate (CSRE) organized an evening event in collaboration with GrothmannGeiser and ZM-I on the topic "Gebäudetyp e - Time for a Shift in Building Culture." The event took place on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Vorhoelzer Forum at TUM.
How could this building type facilitate simple and experimental construction? What legal and technical aspects arise? What does Gebäudetyp e mean for standards, legal certainty, and resource efficiency? These and many other questions were discussed by Prof. Dr. Torsten Grothmann (Partner at GrothmannGeiser), Dr. Christian Mühlbauer (Managing Partner at ZM-I Munich), and Dipl.-Ing. Rainer Post (Board Member of the Bavarian Chamber of Architects).
Gem*einsam Wohnen
Discussion Event // 24.06.2024
The Chair of Urban Design (Prof. Dr. Benedikt Boucsein, TUM) invites you to the discussion event "GEM*EINSAM WOHNEN: On Sharing, Proximity, and Neighborhood."
Panel I: Living Alone? Future Perspectives for Single-Family Homes
With Christina Simon-Philipp (Professor of Urban Planning and Design, HfT Stuttgart), Valerie Rehle (Architecture and Design, HfT Stuttgart), Wolfgang Kuhn (President of the German Homeowners Association, Chair of the Moosach District Committee (SPD)), moderated by Jan Engelke.
Panel II: Living Together in the Neighborhood
With Anne Krinns (Mitbauzentrale München), Martina Heitkötter (Policy Advisor, Family Policy and Family Support Group, German Youth Institute), Yvonne Außmann (Wogeno München), moderated by Isabel Glogar & Maria Schlüter.
Monday, June 24, 2024, 5:30 PM, Pinakothekenwiese at the Pinakothek der Moderne (Marianne-von-Werefkin-Weg) No registration required. More information
Climate-neutral buildings as the goal for public sector clients // Symposium KoBI // 12.06.-13.06.2024
Sustainability and achieving climate neutrality in public construction projects are the focal points of the KoBI Symposium 2024. The working group of DGA-Bau e.V. will delve into this theme with a diverse range of insights and presentations by experts. Discussions at the Max Planck-Haus in Munich will cover topics such as greenhouse gas emissions, cost estimation, procurement law, good practice examples, and emerging developments. More information can be found here.
Crisis vs. Crisis // Architecture Matters Conference // 15.-16.05.2024
How can we integrate affordability and climate protection? How do we distribute the costs of green transformation fairly? What new construction is feasible from a climate protection perspective? Can we solve the housing problem solely with existing buildings, or do we inadvertently provoke the next crisis with our solutions to the current one?
"ARCHITECTURE MATTERS 2024 – Crisis vs. Crisis" connects broad perspectives with three deep dives into capital markets, building standards, and radical thinking. It fosters an honest discussion about conflicting goals and a constructive search for answers in shaping the future of construction.
Featuring: Matthias Alexander, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung; Jens Böhnlein, Commerz Real; Michael Bröcker, Table.Media; Odile Decq, Studio Odile Decq; Peter Haimerl, Peter Haimerl Architektur; Anupama Kundoo, Anupama Kundoo Architects; Elisabeth Merk, City Planning Director of Munich; Alexander Möll, Hines; Kåre Stokholm Poulsgaard, 3XN (GXN); Thomas Rehn, Head of Local Building Commission Munich; Ingrid Simet, Ministerial Director of Bavarian Ministry of Housing. Curated by Nadin Heinich, plan A.
Architecture Matters is an international conference on the future of architecture and cities, founded on the belief that we can only address current urban challenges and construction issues together—with genuine interest, respect, and curiosity for one another. The conference brings together key stakeholders from architecture, project development, financing, politics, and administration.
The eighth edition of Architecture Matters will take place on May 15-16, 2024, featuring focus sessions, networking lunches, and the main conference at the House of Communication in Munich. The TUM Cluster Sustainable Real Estate (CSRE) is a partner of the conference. For more information and tickets, visit www.architecturematters.eu.
AI in Real Estate // CSRE-Apéro // 11.04.2024
On Thursday, April 11, our CSRE-Apéro took place, focusing on a highly relevant topic: Artificial Intelligence. Dr. Thomas Wiegelmann (Managing Director at Schroders Real Estate) and Dr. Nikodem Szumilo (UCL University College London, Director of The Bartlett Real Estate Institute), who joined remotely from London, provided guests with an introduction to the world of Generative AI. They showcased impressive live examples in ChatGPT and offered practical insights into the applications of AI in the real estate industry, which are set to transform everyday operations. Together with Dr. Monika Szumiło, the speakers co-founded VARi Knowledge Partners to educate and advise on AI applications in Real Estate.
Thank you for the forward-looking insights! Special thanks also to Niels Schubert for introducing the startup Otter Energy Trading at the beginning of the CSRE-Apéro!
will PROXIMITY still MATTER? // Conference // 18.03.-22.03.2024
The conference 'will PROXIMITY still MATTER?' will take place from March 18 to 22 at the TUM Venture Lab Built Environment, hosted by Prof. Dr. Alain Thierstein and the Chair of Spatial Development at the Technical University of Munich. This event is open to all (students, educators, interested parties, etc.) and will feature a diverse range of exciting contributions from various fields and stakeholders.
Prof. Dr. Alain Thierstein has led the Chair of Spatial Development for 19 years, strongly supporting the establishment of CSRE, and we are eagerly looking forward to the conference! Special highlights include a presentation by Matthias Ottmann on Wednesday, February 20, at 7:00 PM, and the closing event with Prof. Alexandra den Heijer on Friday, February 22, starting at 6:00 PM.
For more information and the conference program, please visit: https://www.arc.ed.tum.de/re/will-proximity-still-matter/
CSRE-Apéro // 08.11.2023
Sustainability in the Context of Urban Redevelopment: Housing Demand vs. Sealing... Building Law vs. Tree Law... These were the central themes of the CSRE-Apéro on November 8 at the Vorhoelzer Forum of TUM. Professor Dr. Robert Biedermann, specialized in administrative law and urban planning, Partner at Prof. Hauth & Partner Rechtsanwälte law firm, and newly appointed Honorary Professor at the TUM School of Engineering and Design (ED), provided insights into the regulatory framework and necessary considerations. The event commenced with opening remarks from Prof. Regine Keller, Prof. Konrad Nübel, and Prof. Matthias Ottmann.
Professor Dr. Biedermann discussed sustainability assessments and legal opportunities in urban development, using case studies to probe these issues. Thomas Rehn, Head of the Local Building Commission Munich, provided his perspectives on these deliberations.
Guests actively engaged in this lively, intellectually stimulating discussion at the highest professional level. The evening concluded with personal exchanges over refreshments at the buffet. We extend our sincere thanks to all participants and guests for making it a successful event!
The Future of Construction // Symposium // 13.09.-15.09.2023
The Future of Construction 2023 Symposium provides a platform to discuss novel human-machine collaborations in design and construction. Together we will raise questions about how complementary skills—the accuracy and speed of machines and their ability to crunch large amounts of data, jointly with our capacity as humans to solve problems creatively, flexibly, and collaboratively—can affect the ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable development of the built environment. It is a continuation of a series of events that first occurred at ETH Zurich in 2022 and is now taking place at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) from September 13 to 15, 2023. It will be held in hybrid mode, with participants from academia, start-ups, and the construction industry.
More information: https://futureofconstruction.net Register here
Datenkooperativen // 17th Colloquium Investor-Hochschule-Bauindustrie // 11.07.2023
Currently, the buzzword "digitalization" is widely associated with hopes for fundamental improvements across all aspects of social, political, administrative, and economic life. At the same time, it is undisputed that merely transferring existing processes into the virtual realm offers no positive perspective on its own. It is only through transforming how the many stakeholders interact in a way that ensures safety and efficiency within the digital environment that the potential for further development can be realized. This applies equally across various sectors of our society, particularly in the construction and real estate industry. Therefore, the 17th Colloquium "Investor - University - Construction Industry" this year focuses on an initiative to establish a federated data cooperative for this sector.
For more information and registration, please visit the program and registration page.
CSRE on Site // Day Excursion to Vorarlberg // 26.05.2023
On May 26, 2023, CSRE is organizing a day excursion to Vorarlberg focusing on sustainable building technologies. The program includes a guided tour and discussion at Martin Rauch's (Lehm Ton Erde) facility on rammed earth construction, as well as a visit to the Office Building 2226 in Lustenau by Baumschlager Eberle. Please note that spots are limited. Meals during the excursion are at participants' own expense. To register, please email: csre.arc(at)ed.tum.de
To the program.
Architecture Matters Conference // 04.05.-05.05.2023 // Munich
Architecture Matters is an international conference focusing on the future of architecture and urban development, bringing together key stakeholders including architects, the real estate industry, and policymakers. Featuring lectures, a Female Focus program, panel discussions, workshops, and speed-dating sessions, it provides a vibrant platform. This year's theme, "Second City. About the New in the Old," explores various aspects such as materials, buildings, and society. CSRE is a partner of the conference and has the opportunity to involve students.
Mathieu Wellner from CSRE, together with Hines, will moderate the workshop "Circular City Tucherpark." This workshop aims to rethink the location, focusing on a specific area of the project due to its complexity: the outdoor space, the Hilton Hotel, and the Technical Center. Participants include: Fthenakis Studio for Architecture, Munich - KSP Engel, Munich - pan m, Munich - Technical University of Nuremberg - STUDIO_KREFT ARCHITEKTUR.
For more information and registration, visit: www.architecturematters.eu
CSRE-Apéro // 27.10.2022
On TUM Sustainability Day, we warmly invite you to our next CSRE Apéro. Held at Pavilion 333 next to the Pinakothek der Moderne, Prof. Melanie Richards from the TUM School of Management will deliver a lecture on "Family Businesses, Transformation, and Sustainability." Prior to that, the TUM start-up 'Urban Scale Timber' will present their work. Following the presentations, we look forward to a get-together and meaningful conversations!
Registration: csre.arc(at)ed.tum.de