Refuel in Langau
Development Concept for Vacancy Activation of the Gas Station in Langau – Horn District, Waldviertel
The project in Langau aims to revitalize a vacant former gas station as a vibrant community space. It is part of the local development strategy, involving residents and young people from the "landuni" developed vacancy strategies in a participatory process. The goal is to create an inclusive meeting place for planingworkshops that fosters social, cultural, and economic life, strengthening community ties and setting an example for rural innovation. Refuel is a metapher for the former gas station.
Austria
The market town of Langau in the Horn district in the Waldviertel – Austria – Langau 215, former gas station, and neighboring municipalities with a need for vacancy activities (Drosendorf, Geras, Weitersfelden), a very rural region.
Prototype level
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
31113: Langau (AT)
Langau REFUIL "AUFTANKEN"
Development Concept for the Activation of the former Gas Station in Langau, Waldviertel, Austria – Continuation and Integration
The project for vacancy activation is an integral part of Langau’s strategic development plan and was implemented with strong citizen involvement and in collaboration with students from the Vienna University of Technology, Department of Spatial Planning. It follows an ambitious participatory approach that actively involves the local population in all project phases while harnessing the expertise of young planners.
Langau, a market municipality in the Horn District, Waldviertel, Austria, faces typical challenges of rural areas, such as demographic change and the migration of young people. As initiators, pioneers, and members of the landuni and the Research Association for Rural Landscapes, we have been working closely with the community for two years, supporting its local development strategy. Participation and community engagement are already visible through cultural projects and environmental initiatives, but they could be further strengthened through participatory planning processes, especially in public space design.
Inclusive spaces are still lacking. Accessible meeting places and flexible co-working spaces could foster social encounters and intergenerational exchange. Sustainable architecture and village design, seen in actions like tree-planting initiatives, could gain greater visibility through vacancy revitalization—such as transforming the former gas station into a vibrant hub or creating a pocket park. These transformations would enhance local aesthetics and identity, symbolizing Langau’s renewal. By creating spaces that connect nature, culture, and community, the village can showcase a new quality of rural life, becoming a model for innovative and sustainable rural development.
The gas station project exemplifies this approach: transforming vacancy into a creative, multifunctional hub.
Development Concept for the Activation of the former Gas Station in Langau, Waldviertel, Austria – Continuation and Integration
The project for vacancy activation is an integral part of Langau’s strategic development plan and was implemented with strong citizen involvement and in collaboration with students from the Vienna University of Technology, Department of Spatial Planning. It follows an ambitious participatory approach that actively involves the local population in all project phases while harnessing the expertise of young planners.
Langau, a market municipality in the Horn District, Waldviertel, Austria, faces typical challenges of rural areas, such as demographic change and the migration of young people. As initiators, pioneers, and members of the landuni and the Research Association for Rural Landscapes, we have been working closely with the community for two years, supporting its local development strategy. Participation and community engagement are already visible through cultural projects and environmental initiatives, but they could be further strengthened through participatory planning processes, especially in public space design.
Inclusive spaces are still lacking. Accessible meeting places and flexible co-working spaces could foster social encounters and intergenerational exchange. Sustainable architecture and village design, seen in actions like tree-planting initiatives, could gain greater visibility through vacancy revitalization—such as transforming the former gas station into a vibrant hub or creating a pocket park. These transformations would enhance local aesthetics and identity, symbolizing Langau’s renewal. By creating spaces that connect nature, culture, and community, the village can showcase a new quality of rural life, becoming a model for innovative and sustainable rural development.
The gas station project exemplifies this approach: transforming vacancy into a creative, multifunctional hub.
Vacancy Activation
Participatory Planning
Rural Development
Community Hub
Sustainable Revitalization
The development concept for the vacant property in Langau in Lower-Austria near the CZ border, a former coal mining area until the 1980s pursues various factors to promote sustainability. The focus is on a participatory approach that actively involves the citizens in all project phases and thus strengthens social cohesion and a sense of belonging. The identification and mapping of vacant properties was carried out through direct contact with the population. This emphasizes local participation and increases the acceptance of the measures.
The activation of vacant properties, such as the former gas station, aims to develop innovative usage concepts that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Particular attention is paid to modern spatial concepts, such as the Mobility LAB, a co-working space and a multifunctional room that revitalize the rural area. The integration of artistic means and the design of vacant shop windows create awareness of the issue of vacancy and promote creative solutions.
The intercommunal cooperation with neighboring communities strengthens regional networking and synergies. The scientific support by local institutions ensures well-founded reflection and documentation of the processes and forms the basis for long-term development.
Future participatory formats, such as dialogue forums and workshops, are planned to continue to involve citizens in the development and deepen regional cooperation. The project is an example of a forward-looking vacant property development that considers sustainability, inclusion and building culture together and can serve as a model for other rural regions.
The activation of vacant properties, such as the former gas station, aims to develop innovative usage concepts that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Particular attention is paid to modern spatial concepts, such as the Mobility LAB, a co-working space and a multifunctional room that revitalize the rural area. The integration of artistic means and the design of vacant shop windows create awareness of the issue of vacancy and promote creative solutions.
The intercommunal cooperation with neighboring communities strengthens regional networking and synergies. The scientific support by local institutions ensures well-founded reflection and documentation of the processes and forms the basis for long-term development.
Future participatory formats, such as dialogue forums and workshops, are planned to continue to involve citizens in the development and deepen regional cooperation. The project is an example of a forward-looking vacant property development that considers sustainability, inclusion and building culture together and can serve as a model for other rural regions.
The Langau vacancy activation initiative has key objectives in terms of building culture and experience quality. A key objective is to create an appealing, multifunctional environment that promotes positive emotions and offers cultural benefits. This is achieved through interdisciplinary collaboration involving various disciplines.
In the area of transport, accessibility to the new facility is optimized. Measures such as improving cycle paths, integrating e-charging stations and optimizing bus connections promote environmentally friendly mobility and facilitate access, which positively influences the user experience.
Landscape planning contributes to the greening of brownfield sites and well-being by creating green retreats and natural greening. These promote the microclimate and offer users a natural environment that invites relaxation and strengthens biodiversity.
The architectural design of the former gas station respects its historical significance and integrates modern, sustainable solutions. The use of environmentally friendly materials and barrier-free access ensure aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces. Flexibly designed interior spaces enable uses such as co-working, planning workshops, meeting places, exchanges and art projects, which promotes cultural diversity.
The spatial planning harmoniously links private and public areas. Meeting rooms and "green corridors" offer space for interaction and strengthen social cohesion.
The interdisciplinary approach promotes approaches to creating a sustainable, aesthetically pleasing and experience-rich environment that takes the needs of the community into account and has long-term positive effects on rural areas.
In the area of transport, accessibility to the new facility is optimized. Measures such as improving cycle paths, integrating e-charging stations and optimizing bus connections promote environmentally friendly mobility and facilitate access, which positively influences the user experience.
Landscape planning contributes to the greening of brownfield sites and well-being by creating green retreats and natural greening. These promote the microclimate and offer users a natural environment that invites relaxation and strengthens biodiversity.
The architectural design of the former gas station respects its historical significance and integrates modern, sustainable solutions. The use of environmentally friendly materials and barrier-free access ensure aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces. Flexibly designed interior spaces enable uses such as co-working, planning workshops, meeting places, exchanges and art projects, which promotes cultural diversity.
The spatial planning harmoniously links private and public areas. Meeting rooms and "green corridors" offer space for interaction and strengthen social cohesion.
The interdisciplinary approach promotes approaches to creating a sustainable, aesthetically pleasing and experience-rich environment that takes the needs of the community into account and has long-term positive effects on rural areas.
The Langau vacancy activation initiative has key goals related to inclusion that focus on accessibility, affordability and the creation of inclusive spaces. A key objective is to create a barrier-free space that is accessible to all, be it as a meeting place, co-working space or planning workshop. This is in line with the inclusive goals of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) and promotes a just and inclusive society.
The initiative relies on the “design for all” principle by ensuring that the new spaces are both physically and socially accessible. Barrier-free access ensures that people with different needs, including the elderly and people with disabilities, can use the facilities.This is achieved by incorporating sustainable building materials and innovative architectural solutions that meet accessibility requirements. Another aspect of inclusion is the active participation of the population in the planning.Through workshops and dialogue formats, the needs of all citizens, including artists and students, are taken into account.
These participatory processes strengthen the sense of belonging and promote inclusive decision-making that integrates different perspectives and ideas.The creation of meeting spaces and "green corridors" also promotes social exchange between different groups and increases the sense of community. Such spaces are not only meeting points for local actors, but also platforms for cultural events and creative projects. Overall, the initiative is exemplary as it creates an inclusive environment by combining accessibility, participatory planning and interdisciplinary collaboration.
This approach not only promotes social cohesion, but also ensures that the benefits of vacant space activation benefit the entire community, contributing to a fairer and inclusive society in the long term.
The initiative relies on the “design for all” principle by ensuring that the new spaces are both physically and socially accessible. Barrier-free access ensures that people with different needs, including the elderly and people with disabilities, can use the facilities.This is achieved by incorporating sustainable building materials and innovative architectural solutions that meet accessibility requirements. Another aspect of inclusion is the active participation of the population in the planning.Through workshops and dialogue formats, the needs of all citizens, including artists and students, are taken into account.
These participatory processes strengthen the sense of belonging and promote inclusive decision-making that integrates different perspectives and ideas.The creation of meeting spaces and "green corridors" also promotes social exchange between different groups and increases the sense of community. Such spaces are not only meeting points for local actors, but also platforms for cultural events and creative projects. Overall, the initiative is exemplary as it creates an inclusive environment by combining accessibility, participatory planning and interdisciplinary collaboration.
This approach not only promotes social cohesion, but also ensures that the benefits of vacant space activation benefit the entire community, contributing to a fairer and inclusive society in the long term.
In the "AUFTANKEN" initiative, citizens and civil society played a central role in shaping the revitalization of the vacant gas station in Langau. Their involvement was integral to ensuring the project reflected local needs and values while fostering community ownership and participation.
1. **Initial Engagement**:
Citizens were directly involved through public consultations, surveys, and interviews. These interactions helped identify the community’s needs and aspirations for the space, from public services to leisure activities. This early involvement ensured that the project was grounded in the local context, with a strong focus on the needs of residents.
2. **Design and Co-Creation**:
In collaborative design workshops, citizens, alongside students from Landuni University, developed concepts for the space’s transformation. This participatory approach allowed local residents to influence the layout, functionalities, and aesthetic of the revitalized gas station, ensuring that it catered to the desires of the community and incorporated innovative ideas. Their input directly shaped the design process and ensured the creation of spaces that would be well-used and embraced by the local population.
3. **Ongoing Participation**:
Throughout the implementation phase, local residents were invited to participate in workgroups, construction site visits, and regular updates on project progress. This constant interaction built a sense of ownership and pride in the project, ensuring that the community felt empowered and engaged.
4. **Long-Term Impact**:
By involving citizens at every stage, the initiative created a platform for sustainable community engagement. The project’s success lies in the strengthened bonds between residents, local authorities, and civil society organizations. It fostered a sense of shared responsibility and ensured that the revitalized space would continue to serve the community’s needs in the long run.
1. **Initial Engagement**:
Citizens were directly involved through public consultations, surveys, and interviews. These interactions helped identify the community’s needs and aspirations for the space, from public services to leisure activities. This early involvement ensured that the project was grounded in the local context, with a strong focus on the needs of residents.
2. **Design and Co-Creation**:
In collaborative design workshops, citizens, alongside students from Landuni University, developed concepts for the space’s transformation. This participatory approach allowed local residents to influence the layout, functionalities, and aesthetic of the revitalized gas station, ensuring that it catered to the desires of the community and incorporated innovative ideas. Their input directly shaped the design process and ensured the creation of spaces that would be well-used and embraced by the local population.
3. **Ongoing Participation**:
Throughout the implementation phase, local residents were invited to participate in workgroups, construction site visits, and regular updates on project progress. This constant interaction built a sense of ownership and pride in the project, ensuring that the community felt empowered and engaged.
4. **Long-Term Impact**:
By involving citizens at every stage, the initiative created a platform for sustainable community engagement. The project’s success lies in the strengthened bonds between residents, local authorities, and civil society organizations. It fostered a sense of shared responsibility and ensured that the revitalized space would continue to serve the community’s needs in the long run.
The "AUFTANKEN" initiative engaged stakeholders at local, regional, national, and European levels to ensure a holistic approach to revitalizing the vacant gas station in Langau.
Local Level:
Citizens: Langau’s residents were central to the initiative, participating in consultations, workshops, and design sessions. Their input shaped the vision for the space, ensuring it met local needs.
Municipal Authorities: The local government facilitated connections between the community, developers, and other stakeholders, ensuring the project adhered to local planning regulations.
Local Entrepreneurs: Local businesses provided insights into how the space could support the local economy, helping identify potential uses that would benefit the community.
Regional Level:
Regional Agencies: Regional development and planning bodies reviewed land-use plans, zoning, and provided expertise on integrating the project with regional strategies. They also helped with sustainable land-use integration.
Universities: Students from landuni University contributed fresh perspectives through workshops and research in urban planning, sustainability, and cultural heritage, enriching the design process.
National Level:
National Authorities: Government bodies, including cultural heritage and rural development ministries, ensured the project complied with national regulations. They also helped secure funding and technical support.
NGOs: National NGOs in sustainable development and heritage preservation guided the project to align with national goals, helping raise awareness and advocate for it.
European Level:
New European Bauhaus (NEB): The initiative aligned with the EU’s sustainability and design goals, with support from NEB representatives who helped integrate art, culture, and sustainability into the design.
European Funding: European programs provided financial support for eco-friendly practices and renew
Local Level:
Citizens: Langau’s residents were central to the initiative, participating in consultations, workshops, and design sessions. Their input shaped the vision for the space, ensuring it met local needs.
Municipal Authorities: The local government facilitated connections between the community, developers, and other stakeholders, ensuring the project adhered to local planning regulations.
Local Entrepreneurs: Local businesses provided insights into how the space could support the local economy, helping identify potential uses that would benefit the community.
Regional Level:
Regional Agencies: Regional development and planning bodies reviewed land-use plans, zoning, and provided expertise on integrating the project with regional strategies. They also helped with sustainable land-use integration.
Universities: Students from landuni University contributed fresh perspectives through workshops and research in urban planning, sustainability, and cultural heritage, enriching the design process.
National Level:
National Authorities: Government bodies, including cultural heritage and rural development ministries, ensured the project complied with national regulations. They also helped secure funding and technical support.
NGOs: National NGOs in sustainable development and heritage preservation guided the project to align with national goals, helping raise awareness and advocate for it.
European Level:
New European Bauhaus (NEB): The initiative aligned with the EU’s sustainability and design goals, with support from NEB representatives who helped integrate art, culture, and sustainability into the design.
European Funding: European programs provided financial support for eco-friendly practices and renew
The "AUFTANKEN" initiative integrates multiple disciplines to revitalize the vacant gas station in Langau, ensuring a comprehensive and sustainable approach.
Urban Planning and Architecture: Urban planners and architects led the spatial design, ensuring the redevelopment of the gas station. Their focus on functional design helped create spaces that are both practical and contextually relevant. They collaborated with local citizens through participatory workshops to ensure acceptance and relevance.
Landscape Architecture: Landscape architects designed public open spaces around the gas station, emphasizing green infrastructure and ecological sustainability. Their expertise in outdoor design fostered spaces for community interaction while enhancing environmental quality.
Cultural Heritage and Sociology: Local historians and sociologists explored the cultural significance of the site, ensuring that the redevelopment respected Langau’s heritage. Their insights helped integrate the history of the gas station into the new design, fostering community pride and connection.
Environmental Science and Sustainability: Environmental experts guided the project toward sustainable practices and renewable resources. They worked with architects to ensure the design met environmental goals, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the site.
Sociologists and community organizers facilitated engagement with local citizens, gathering input via surveys, focus groups, and workshops. Their involvement ensured the project met social needs, fostering an inclusive space for all residents.
The interdisciplinary collaboration brought together diverse expertise, ensuring that the project balanced environmental, cultural, and social goals. This integration led to innovative, inclusive, and sustainable solutions, resulting in a revitalization project that benefits Langau’s residents and the environment.
Urban Planning and Architecture: Urban planners and architects led the spatial design, ensuring the redevelopment of the gas station. Their focus on functional design helped create spaces that are both practical and contextually relevant. They collaborated with local citizens through participatory workshops to ensure acceptance and relevance.
Landscape Architecture: Landscape architects designed public open spaces around the gas station, emphasizing green infrastructure and ecological sustainability. Their expertise in outdoor design fostered spaces for community interaction while enhancing environmental quality.
Cultural Heritage and Sociology: Local historians and sociologists explored the cultural significance of the site, ensuring that the redevelopment respected Langau’s heritage. Their insights helped integrate the history of the gas station into the new design, fostering community pride and connection.
Environmental Science and Sustainability: Environmental experts guided the project toward sustainable practices and renewable resources. They worked with architects to ensure the design met environmental goals, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the site.
Sociologists and community organizers facilitated engagement with local citizens, gathering input via surveys, focus groups, and workshops. Their involvement ensured the project met social needs, fostering an inclusive space for all residents.
The interdisciplinary collaboration brought together diverse expertise, ensuring that the project balanced environmental, cultural, and social goals. This integration led to innovative, inclusive, and sustainable solutions, resulting in a revitalization project that benefits Langau’s residents and the environment.
The AUFTANKEN initiative in Langau distinguishes itself through its integrated, community-driven approach to rural revitalization and vacancy reuse—offering forward-looking alternatives to standard rural development strategies:
From Vacancy Mapping to Storytelling:
Unlike conventional vacancy assessments that focus on data collection, AUFTANKEN humanizes the issue. The project documents personal stories about vacant buildings’ social impact, creating an emotional connection and raising community awareness.
Pop-up Landuni Office as a Participation Hub:
The project set up a highly visible Pop-up Office at a key village entrance. It acts as a continuous interface between residents and planners, encouraging spontaneous participation and bottom-up idea development—far beyond typical town hall meetings.
Multi-Use Transformation
While rural revitalization often emphasizes tourism or housing, AUFTANKEN envisions a multifunctional community space. The former petrol station becomes a co-working hub, cultural venue, and meeting point, reflecting the needs of a modern, diverse rural society.
Early-Stage Visualization and Experimentation:
The initiative employs exhibitions, prototypes, and sketches to visualize future scenarios.
Sustainability as a Design Principle:
AUFTANKEN integrates renewable energy, eco-friendly materials, and green public spaces like a “Pocket Park” from the outset. This holistic ecological approach contrasts with retrofit solutions common in rural projects.
6. Knowledge Transfer Through Regional Partnerships:
The collaboration with Landuni Drosendorf embeds scientific research into local practice. This rural “innovation lab” approach bridges the gap between academia and grassroots action challenging the urban focus of innovation ecosystems.
AUFTANKEN thus redefines rural development as a participatory, creative, and sustainable process.
From Vacancy Mapping to Storytelling:
Unlike conventional vacancy assessments that focus on data collection, AUFTANKEN humanizes the issue. The project documents personal stories about vacant buildings’ social impact, creating an emotional connection and raising community awareness.
Pop-up Landuni Office as a Participation Hub:
The project set up a highly visible Pop-up Office at a key village entrance. It acts as a continuous interface between residents and planners, encouraging spontaneous participation and bottom-up idea development—far beyond typical town hall meetings.
Multi-Use Transformation
While rural revitalization often emphasizes tourism or housing, AUFTANKEN envisions a multifunctional community space. The former petrol station becomes a co-working hub, cultural venue, and meeting point, reflecting the needs of a modern, diverse rural society.
Early-Stage Visualization and Experimentation:
The initiative employs exhibitions, prototypes, and sketches to visualize future scenarios.
Sustainability as a Design Principle:
AUFTANKEN integrates renewable energy, eco-friendly materials, and green public spaces like a “Pocket Park” from the outset. This holistic ecological approach contrasts with retrofit solutions common in rural projects.
6. Knowledge Transfer Through Regional Partnerships:
The collaboration with Landuni Drosendorf embeds scientific research into local practice. This rural “innovation lab” approach bridges the gap between academia and grassroots action challenging the urban focus of innovation ecosystems.
AUFTANKEN thus redefines rural development as a participatory, creative, and sustainable process.
Citizens and civil society have been and will continue to be actively involved in the "AUFTANKEN" initiative through a variety of participatory methods, ensuring their direct influence on the revitalization process of the vacant gas station in Langau and the surrounding public spaces.
Stakeholder Dialogues and Public Consultations: Regular meetings with local citizens, municipal authorities, entrepreneurs, and students from the landuni University have provided a platform for discussion. These dialogues allowed community members to voice their concerns, aspirations, and ideas for the future.
Collaborative Design Workshops: Community members and students participated in co-design workshops, where they worked together to develop design proposals for the space. This ensured that the redevelopment reflected the needs, desires, and creativity of those who will ultimately use the space. Citizens provided valuable local knowledge, while students brought fresh, innovative ideas.
Needs Assessments and Mapping: Through surveys, interviews, and participatory mapping exercises, citizens identified the key functions and features they would like to see in the space. This involvement helped to fine-tune the design and the overall approach, ensuring that the revitalization was aligned with the community’s needs.
Pop-Up Events and Temporary Uses: During the early phases of the initiative, temporary cultural events and pop-up activities, such as art installations, workshops, and concerts, were organized. These events actively engaged the community, drawing attention to the vacant site and fostering a sense of ownership and pride among the locals. The impact of citizen involvement on the initiative has been profound. As a result, the revitalization of the vacant gas station is not just a physical transformation but also a social one. By embedding community-driven decisions into the design and development process, the initiative has strengthened social cohesion.
Stakeholder Dialogues and Public Consultations: Regular meetings with local citizens, municipal authorities, entrepreneurs, and students from the landuni University have provided a platform for discussion. These dialogues allowed community members to voice their concerns, aspirations, and ideas for the future.
Collaborative Design Workshops: Community members and students participated in co-design workshops, where they worked together to develop design proposals for the space. This ensured that the redevelopment reflected the needs, desires, and creativity of those who will ultimately use the space. Citizens provided valuable local knowledge, while students brought fresh, innovative ideas.
Needs Assessments and Mapping: Through surveys, interviews, and participatory mapping exercises, citizens identified the key functions and features they would like to see in the space. This involvement helped to fine-tune the design and the overall approach, ensuring that the revitalization was aligned with the community’s needs.
Pop-Up Events and Temporary Uses: During the early phases of the initiative, temporary cultural events and pop-up activities, such as art installations, workshops, and concerts, were organized. These events actively engaged the community, drawing attention to the vacant site and fostering a sense of ownership and pride among the locals. The impact of citizen involvement on the initiative has been profound. As a result, the revitalization of the vacant gas station is not just a physical transformation but also a social one. By embedding community-driven decisions into the design and development process, the initiative has strengthened social cohesion.
The AUFTANKEN project in Langau demonstrates a model approach to vacancy activation in rural areas, which holds strong potential for transferability and replicability to other municipalities, regions, and socio-economic contexts facing similar challenges. Several key elements of the methodology, process design, and collaborative approach can serve as a blueprint for other communities:
Participatory Planning and Co-Creation Processes:
The intensive involvement of local residents, combined with the input from students and experts, is a universally adaptable model. It fosters local ownership, strengthens social cohesion, and ensures that development aligns with the community's needs. This participatory methodology can easily be transferred to other rural or urban contexts, enabling municipalities to activate their citizens and co-create innovative solutions.
Vacancy Mapping and Activation:
The systematic identification and mapping of vacant properties as a starting point for revitalization processes is a practical tool that can be replicated across different regions. This method empowers municipalities to better understand underutilized spaces and to unlock their potential for social, cultural, and economic revitalization.
Flexible and Multi-Functional Use of Spaces:
The concept of transforming a former gas station into a flexible, multi-purpose community hub (e.g., co-working spaces, cultural events, learning spaces) showcases a scalable and adaptive reuse strategy. This approach can be applied to a range of disused buildings (e.g., barns, small factories, shops) in rural and peri-urban settings.
Micro-Interventions and “Quick Wins”:
Temporary uses, pop-up events, and the gradual development of spaces as low-threshold interventions lower the barriers for activation and stimulate local interest.
Participatory Planning and Co-Creation Processes:
The intensive involvement of local residents, combined with the input from students and experts, is a universally adaptable model. It fosters local ownership, strengthens social cohesion, and ensures that development aligns with the community's needs. This participatory methodology can easily be transferred to other rural or urban contexts, enabling municipalities to activate their citizens and co-create innovative solutions.
Vacancy Mapping and Activation:
The systematic identification and mapping of vacant properties as a starting point for revitalization processes is a practical tool that can be replicated across different regions. This method empowers municipalities to better understand underutilized spaces and to unlock their potential for social, cultural, and economic revitalization.
Flexible and Multi-Functional Use of Spaces:
The concept of transforming a former gas station into a flexible, multi-purpose community hub (e.g., co-working spaces, cultural events, learning spaces) showcases a scalable and adaptive reuse strategy. This approach can be applied to a range of disused buildings (e.g., barns, small factories, shops) in rural and peri-urban settings.
Micro-Interventions and “Quick Wins”:
Temporary uses, pop-up events, and the gradual development of spaces as low-threshold interventions lower the barriers for activation and stimulate local interest.
The initiative in Langau addresses global challenges by developing local solutions rooted in the community’s needs and resources. These challenges include rural depopulation, lack of infrastructure, climate change, and the need for inclusive development. By transforming a disused petrol station into a multifunctional hub called “AUFTANKEN,”(REFUEL, Brath) the project shows how local action can address global issues:
Rural Depopulation:
Global Challenge: Rural areas worldwide face population decline as young people migrate to cities.
Local Solution: AUFTANKEN revitalizes Langau by offering co-working spaces and cultural activities, attracting young professionals and families.
Economic Stagnation:
Global Challenge: Rural regions often lack economic opportunities, causing stagnation.
Local Solution: The initiative fosters entrepreneurship and innovation through co-working spaces and university partnerships, creating local job prospects.
Infrastructure Deficiency:
Global Challenge: Outdated infrastructure and a lack of communal spaces hinder rural social life.
Local Solution: AUFTANKEN transforms an abandoned site into a public and work space, promoting social interaction and cultural exchange.
Environmental Sustainability: Combating climate change requires a transition to sustainable energy and eco-friendly development.
Local Solution: AUFTANKEN integrates renewable energy, promotes green mobility, and creates a “Pocket Park” as a new meeting place for the community with a rich ecological diversity of site-appropriate perennials and climate-resilient trees.
Inclusive Development: Rural populations often lack influence over their development.
Local Solution: Participatory planning ensures residents shape Langau’s future, fostering cohesion and local democracy.
AUFTANKEN exemplifies how local interventions can tackle global challenges by combining sustainability, inclusion, and economic renewal.
Rural Depopulation:
Global Challenge: Rural areas worldwide face population decline as young people migrate to cities.
Local Solution: AUFTANKEN revitalizes Langau by offering co-working spaces and cultural activities, attracting young professionals and families.
Economic Stagnation:
Global Challenge: Rural regions often lack economic opportunities, causing stagnation.
Local Solution: The initiative fosters entrepreneurship and innovation through co-working spaces and university partnerships, creating local job prospects.
Infrastructure Deficiency:
Global Challenge: Outdated infrastructure and a lack of communal spaces hinder rural social life.
Local Solution: AUFTANKEN transforms an abandoned site into a public and work space, promoting social interaction and cultural exchange.
Environmental Sustainability: Combating climate change requires a transition to sustainable energy and eco-friendly development.
Local Solution: AUFTANKEN integrates renewable energy, promotes green mobility, and creates a “Pocket Park” as a new meeting place for the community with a rich ecological diversity of site-appropriate perennials and climate-resilient trees.
Inclusive Development: Rural populations often lack influence over their development.
Local Solution: Participatory planning ensures residents shape Langau’s future, fostering cohesion and local democracy.
AUFTANKEN exemplifies how local interventions can tackle global challenges by combining sustainability, inclusion, and economic renewal.
The further development and implementation of the AUFTANKEN initiative will continue to prioritize participatory processes. Regular dialogue forums, workshops, and thematic events will involve residents, local businesses, and cultural actors in shaping the Mobility LAB, the co-working spaces, and the public areas. Collaborations with neighboring municipalities will be expanded to create synergies and promote sustainable regional development.
The transformation of the petrol station into a multifunctional hub symbolizes “recharging” in a broader sense. Beyond refueling vehicles, the site becomes a space for social, creative, and intellectual rejuvenation. This metaphor drives the design and programming of AUFTANKEN:
1. **Recharging People:** The hub will be a gathering place where individuals exchange ideas, collaborate, and work on cultural, artistic, and scientific projects.
2. **Revitalizing Public Space:** The repurposed site counters the loss of communal spaces in rural areas. The creation of a “Pocket Park” with climate-resilient trees and site-specific perennials will serve as a green retreat and an open-air meeting point, promoting ecological diversity and enhancing local quality of life.
3. **Sustainability and Innovation:** The project emphasizes renewable energy, green mobility, and circular economy principles, positioning the site as a model for future-oriented rural infrastructure.
The NEB values of sustainability, inclusion, and aesthetics have guided the process from the outset. Local voices have been integral to design decisions, ensuring accessibility and social equity. Moving forward, the design will embrace eco-friendly materials, energy efficiency, and flexible spaces to accommodate diverse uses. Partnerships with universities will foster interdisciplinary solutions, ensuring AUFTANKEN reflects NEB principles while addressing Langau’s specific needs
The transformation of the petrol station into a multifunctional hub symbolizes “recharging” in a broader sense. Beyond refueling vehicles, the site becomes a space for social, creative, and intellectual rejuvenation. This metaphor drives the design and programming of AUFTANKEN:
1. **Recharging People:** The hub will be a gathering place where individuals exchange ideas, collaborate, and work on cultural, artistic, and scientific projects.
2. **Revitalizing Public Space:** The repurposed site counters the loss of communal spaces in rural areas. The creation of a “Pocket Park” with climate-resilient trees and site-specific perennials will serve as a green retreat and an open-air meeting point, promoting ecological diversity and enhancing local quality of life.
3. **Sustainability and Innovation:** The project emphasizes renewable energy, green mobility, and circular economy principles, positioning the site as a model for future-oriented rural infrastructure.
The NEB values of sustainability, inclusion, and aesthetics have guided the process from the outset. Local voices have been integral to design decisions, ensuring accessibility and social equity. Moving forward, the design will embrace eco-friendly materials, energy efficiency, and flexible spaces to accommodate diverse uses. Partnerships with universities will foster interdisciplinary solutions, ensuring AUFTANKEN reflects NEB principles while addressing Langau’s specific needs
