Studies show that air in inner-city and densely built-up areas, in addition to the problem of heat islands, is often heavily polluted. There is a significant correlation between exposure to particulate matter and health effects on humans: From impairments of lung function, the development of Alzheimer’s by (ultra-) fine dust particles that can enter the bloodstream, all the way to deaths due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. For these reasons, ventilation systems are used in many buildings. Pre-treating (e.g., filtering) the air prevents pollutant particles from the outside air from entering the interior of the building. In addition to their effects on building physics parameters, building greenery and plants also have an effect on the pollutant particle concentration of the surrounding air.

In the course of the ecological renovation of an old building it is being investigated, among other things, whether it is possible to determine or measure a positive effect on air quality with regard to particulate matter as well as temperature and humidity through the targeted integration of greenery into the building and ventilation technology in the field of air intake. The climate-resilient remediation measures with ecological and healthy materials are led by Professor Azra Korjenic from the TU Wien research unit, Ecological Building Technologies.

Promotion: EUR 198,000

“Maintaining the functionality of buildings and the quality of life in the buildings and cities of the future requires innovative system solutions using multifunctional, sustainable and environmentally friendly construction technologies. I am actively working with my team on the criteria of ecological construction technology. They are very broad areas: from the optimization and development of ecological building materials and constructions, construction and renovation with minimal use of energy and resources, optimization of the circular economy in building construction, improvement of comfort and microclimate in our built environment, building greenery, multifunctionality all the way to smart and green cities.”

Azra Korjenic