Scheduled to run until 2025, the Digital findet Stadt platform has been set up to facilitate networking among digital pioneers from the construction industry. Above all, it aims to enable small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to acquire expertise in digital working methods and infrastructures such as Open BIM (Building Information Modelling).  BIM uses software to link up the planning, construction, operation and maintenance processes for buildings and other physical structures, creating digital models that contain all important data about a building or structure.

Open BIM then enables all kinds of data to be exchanged among different models, allowing multiple partners to work out basic guidelines for reusable and recyclable buildings and develop common quality standards. The principal objective is to prolong the useful life of built structures and make them more energy efficient. Digital findet Stadt therefore focuses on Open BIM and Smart Buildings, i.e. buildings whose technical installations are digitally networked to allow automated control. The ultimate goal of the platform is to increase productivity in the Austrian construction and property development sector.

Working together to drive innovation

The platform makes digital infrastructures available to its participating organisations and provides expertise and advice on (subsidised) pilot projects and research programmes. Other key activities include targeted training events and forums for knowledge transfer. 109 companies, research institutions and public bodies have expressed an interest in joining the platform.

Digital findet Stadt thus faces the challenge of representing a highly non-homogeneous sector across building phases, crafts and trades. As an ecosystem of this kind, Digital findet Stadt is also tasked with creating synergies between national and international project stakeholders in the years ahead.

Enhancing competitiveness

In this endeavour, the City of Vienna is cooperating with partners including the Austrian Insitute of Technology (AIT), the Austrian Association of Civil Engineers and Engineering Companies, Smart Construction Austria, Facility Management Austria, TU Vienna, the Trade Association of the Austrian Construction Industry at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, Austrian Standards International, Aspern Smart City Research and the interest group IG Lebenszyklus Bau.

As a headline project of the strategy “Vienna 2030 – Economy and Innovation” (in German), which ties in with the Smart City Wien Framework Strategy, the prime objective of Digital findet Stadt is to enhance the competitiveness of the local SMEs that account for around 90% of Austria’s construction and property development sector. Digital findet Stadt is funded by the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology.

Contact

E-Mail: steffen.robbi@digitalfindetstadt.at

Website: www.digitalfindetstadt.at