Under the term ‘smart’ in the concept of ‘smart cities’ – it usually implies better integration of technologies in construction, especially regarding the collection and analysis of data using Internet of Things (IoT) systems, as well as sustainability and efficiency reflected primarily in energy savings and solutions for modern waste disposal and reuse requirements.
However, smart can also refer to construction, as well as the deconstruction of buildings, and also monitoring the lifespan of a building through so-called digital twins that can show managers in three dimensions what and how needs to be serviced, replaced, or repaired. Architect and manager Dominik Philipp, one of the speakers at the recent Lider conference ‘Smart Cities’, which took place on March 18 in Zagreb, has extensive experience in sustainable construction and digital transformation.
He is the CEO and partner at the architectural firm Dietrich Untertrifaller Architekten, which has influence not only in Austria but also in Europe. In his work, he heavily relies on digitalization, primarily on BIM (building information modeling), and advocates for the use of some materials that urban centers have somewhat forgotten, such as wood. Yes, wood can be very useful in smart buildings and cities, as it contributes to reducing CO2 emissions and allows for easier disassembly and recycling of buildings. The latter is the ideal that this architect strives for. He believes that buildings should be flexible enough to be easily disassembled when their lifespan ends, rather than being demolished. We spoke with Philipp about this and other topics related to smart construction.
In your opinion, what are the most important goals of urban planning in the near future? How can architects contribute to achieving these goals?
Key goals include the development of sustainable neighborhoods that reduce dependence on cars, promoting social interaction in shared spaces, and implementing climate-friendly construction methods. Architects contribute by designing adaptable, environmentally friendly structures that promote resource efficiency at the city level.
What does a city worth living in look like to you? How would you envision that city?
A city worth living in is multifunctional, sustainable, and inclusive. Historically, neighborhoods from the Wilhelminian period integrated housing, work, education, leisure, and culture to create vibrant urban environments. We want to revive that model in a contemporary context. With the rise of remote work, housing and work can be reconnected through coworking spaces on the ground floors or pavilions in courtyards, reducing traffic and strengthening neighborhood ties. Retail and restaurants should be reintegrated into residential areas to create vibrant and safe streets. Public spaces need to be more than functional; they should be places for communication, interaction, and relaxation. Instead of efficiency-driven urban design, smaller green spaces and residents’ gardens can foster individuality and community engagement. By prioritizing durable materials and flexible urban design, we ensure sustainability and economic viability. The future of cities worth living in lies in renovation, adaptability, and a return to high architectural quality, not short-term efficiency.
When considering the projects you are working on, how do you establish a balance between the desires of investors and the needs of citizens and other users for whom the spaces being built are intended? Do you perhaps choose clients in a way that makes it easier to establish that balance and who are more sensitized to the needs of users?
We deeply understand the economic and strategic goals of our investors who seek to create high-quality residential spaces and strong communities, not just maximize short-term profits. They recognize that sustainable, user-oriented design fosters tenant loyalty, reduces maintenance costs, decreases turnover, and minimizes vacancies. Instead of focusing on low-budget construction, their priority is long-term housing in well-planned, high-quality neighborhoods. We achieve that balance by involving communities early in the process, designing flexible, adaptable spaces, and integrating vibrant public spaces at the ground level, as seen in projects like KuKu23 in Vienna.
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