iPkW Interactive simulation game for municipal heat transformation

Funding reference  | 005-2302-0017

Project duration  | 15.05.2023-14.05.2025

Initial situation:

The concept of heat transformation necessitates a fundamental re-evaluation of the heating network, which has historically relied predominantly on non-renewable resources. In the context of planning, homeowners are required to evaluate both individual and communal solutions. One such solution is the option of connecting to a communal district heating network, as opposed to installing their own heating system.

The project:

The iPkW research project is developing an interactive toolkit that supports the stakeholders involved in the heat transformation in cooperatively deciding on solutions. Stakeholders, comprising local authorities, politicians, energy companies, the housing industry and private owners, are invited to participate in gamified workshops, where they are encouraged to share their motivations and perspectives. Game elements, data visualisations of the neighbourhoods and future scenarios are used to initiate discussions on issues.

The objective of the present initiative is twofold: firstly, to promote dialogue and cooperative action, and secondly, to facilitate effective decision-making. The project is characterised by regular test runs of the workshop concept and an iterative development process.

Our contribution to the project:

The iPkW project is a collaborative endeavour that unites the proficiency of three distinct departments. The energy industry (FB10) is responsible for the technical aspects of heat transformation, while architecture and sustainable neighbourhood development (FB1) addresses urban planning considerations and stakeholder requirements. Design (FB4) is importance in ensuring a coherent and comprehensible overall picture and the clear communication of informationAll three departments are working together on the design of the workshop and toolkit.