Competence Group Urban Living Lab

Profile

The Urban Living Lab competence group has a profound methodological competence in traffic modelling, in the systemic and functional planning as well as the design of infrastructure facilities in urban and rural areas due to the many years of experience of its team members. To extend this expertise, new methods for measuring, modelling as well as for the evaluation and monitoring of individual traffic behaviour and freight flows are developed and applied.

The ongoing climate change  unambiguously calls for transformation processes not only in our transport patterns but within the mobility sector as a whole. The focus of the Urban Living Lab is to assist and actively shape these processes. In this context, transport parameters (transport demand, modal split, etc.) are examined in interaction with climate policy, economic and social aspects. Urbanization increases the importance of public transport, which in turn is increasingly in conflict with the growing individualization of our society. In addition to cars and bicycles, new individual means of transport, such as e-scooters, skateboards, light vehicles, etc., are shaping our cities and communities. The inclusion of new trends in the planning process, strategies and the evaluation of climate-relevant effects are an essential part of our solution and research competence.

Focus points

Focus points of our research and implementation activities of the Urban Living Lab are:

  • Agent-Based Mobility Modelling
    We model traffic behaviour of individuals while taking into account social trends (e.g. increasing awareness of health). To support decision-makers, our competence group researches and develops realistic models of transport systems (cities, regions, etc.).
  • Real-time data integration 
    The development of interfaces for variable input data is a core task of our research. Based on external influences (e.g. public events, road closures, weather data) and the resulting changes in mobility behavior, we create and continuously refine dynamic traffic models.
  • Supporting Traffic Planning 
    Through the systemic approach, we accompany and help to shape the planning processes in the transport sector with regard to climate and sustainability effects. In addition, the innovative "3+1 pillar method" of sustainability assessment (ecology, economy, social issues and design) for traffic-related assessment and monitoring is researched and applied.

As the first competence group in Austria to specialize in agent-based traffic modeling, the "Urban Living Lab" is striving for a central position in the national research landscape. With the LIFE mobility model - Carinthia, we provide all interested parties with a virtual experimental space for mobility specific, but also interdisciplinary research projects.