Stegreif Urban Ecology Lab

The Stegreif within Urban Ecology Lab explores how public space can be redesigned through the combined lenses of climate responsiveness and cultural heritage. The module begins with an onboarding session on Friday, 12.12 at 12:45 (Fachgebiet ELS) and continues with four consultations on 12.12, 19.12, 16.01, and 23.01.
Students will be introduced to summer microclimate simulation methods and to the task of developing an alternative spatial arrangement on site. Throughout the consultations, participants receive feedback on their design proposals and later on the environmental effects derived from data comparison.
Each student will create an individual design intervention, build a digital model, and run a microclimate simulation. Prior ENVI-met knowledge is not required, and video tutorials will support those new to the software.
The Stegreif includes 12 hours of on-site work and 48 hours of independent work, totalling 60 hours. Field observations and simulation results will be used to assess how design choices influence microclimatic performance.
The final submission is due on 13.02.2026 as an A2 poster accompanied by field and simulation data.
Overall, the Stegrief offers a concise yet rigorous framework for rethinking public space in response to climate challenges within historically shaped urban contexts.

Lead: Dr. Aleksandra Gierko, Unite! Professor from Wrocław
Contact: gierko@stadt.tu-darmstadt.de

Start: Friday, 12.12, 12:45
Fachgebiet ELS
Consultation meetings:
• 12.12
• 19.12
• 16.01
• 23.01

Workload:
• 12h on site
• 48h at home
• Total: 60h

Final Submission: 13.02.2026
Deliverables:
• A2 Poster
• Field data + simulation data