ProZirkulär – Endowed Chair for Process Innovation and Circular Construction

This page contains automated translations.

The construction industry is one of the largest sources of CO₂ emissions and waste worldwide. In Austria, it accounts for over 50% of the annual waste volume. Against the backdrop of the European Green Deal and Vienna’s “DoTank Circular City Vienna 2020–2030” strategy, circular and resource-efficient construction methods are becoming increasingly important. Campus Wien University is addressing this challenge with the endowed professorship “ProZirkulär – Process Innovation and Circular Construction,” which is funded as part of the MA 23 call for proposals (Call No. 39 – Endowed Professorships and Competence Teams for Teaching and Research) and will be integrated into the Architecture – Green Building and Civil Engineering – Construction Management degree programs from June 2026 through January 2030.

Research Center

Research Center Building and Design

Department

Building and Design

The focus is on integrative process models, agile project management and the use of digital tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and artificial intelligence. Circular design, the reuse of building materials and the use of bio-based and regional raw materials such as timber, clay, hemp and straw are further key areas of focus. Through methods such as Lean Construction, SCRUM and Kanban, students are prepared in a practical manner for the challenges of sustainable construction projects. Research-led teaching links theoretical principles directly to their practical application in planning and construction processes.

Project Goals

Establishment of a key interdisciplinary position in the circular economy
Promoting digitized planning and construction processes using renewable materials and innovative procurement models
Strengthening the links between academia and practice
Involving students in research projects and preparing them for the demands of a resource-conscious construction industry

Expected Project Outcomes

As part of the project, new and existing courses are to be developed and refined, Research Results published in international academic journals, and partnerships established with universities and businesses. Through the close integration of academia and practice, as well as its links to municipal and national sustainability strategies, the project helps to strengthen Vienna’s position as a centre of innovation for sustainable and circular construction.