Welcome to the WinterSchool.2025

17. - 21. February 2025 | WinterSchool @ FH Kufstein Tirol
Sustainable Urban & Community Development

Course Information

	Details
Level of Course Unit	Introduction & Consolidation
Credits	ECTS credits are awarded depending on the scope of the tasks completed: 6 ECTS with all pre-research + follow-up tasks 5 ECTS with the essential (50%) pre-research + all follow-up tasks 3 ECTS with the essential (50%) pre-research tasks and no submission of follow-up tasks
Learning outcomes	At the end of the WinterSchool the participants will be able to: Create and present ideas and concepts for sustainable projects and problems develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles of sustainability and their practical implementation design creative solutions and approaches to real-world sustainability issues; Communicate concepts effectively through structured reports, multimedia presentations and written documents critically evaluate and modify ideas based on feedback and critical analysi Work in interdisciplinary, international teams collaborate effectively with peers from diverse academic backgrounds and cultural perspectives collaborate efficiently with persons from varying academic backgrounds and cultural perspectives utilize a range of knowledge and perspectives to tackle problems recognize and manage potential challenges and conflicts that could arise when working in interdisciplinary teams contribute actively to team projects and respect the contributions of others. Reflect internationally on different approaches and possible solutions and derive personal knowledge and expertise from this analyse and compare sustainability approaches across regions and cultures critically reflect on personal biases and assumptions concerning sustainability synthesize international insights to enhance personal knowledge and expertise apply the lessons learned to future sustainability projects and problem-solving endeavours
Prerequisits	Basic knowledge of sustainability management, energy management, facility management or real estate management
Course content	Pre-Research: analysis and reflection of literature sources on the topic research and analysis of case studies on the topic market & location analysis for the specific project situation Face-to-face compact block week in small groups with international students: introduction, deepening, background and examples in the thematic complex of the project research and analysis of general conditions and possibilities development and visualization of ideas and concepts presentation of results to stakeholders and experts Follow-Up: reflection and summary of the results self-reflection on the learning process and peer evaluation of teamwork
Assessment methods	Pre-Research - individual task: analysis of given sources; research of projects in which car-free zones have been implemented; market and location analysis Kufstein; project and presentation (workload: 50h; mandatory requirement for participation in the block week is the completion of the essential (50%) tasks; submission one week before the block week) Project Block Week - group work: presentations and posters with results (workload: 50h - one week compulsory attendance; grade weighting: 100%) Follow-Up - individual task: Analysis of all results produced during the project week; self-reflection on the skills acquired; portfolio (workload: 50h)
Evaluation & Grading	100% - 90% 89% - 80% 79% - 70% 69% - 60% 59% - 0% = failed
Language of Instruction	English
Compulsory attendance	During the block week, attendance is mandatory for successful participation
Learning Activities & Teaching Methods	Self-Directed Learning Project & Problem Based Learning Group Work

Join us this winter in the alpine region of Kufstein ^

The alpine region serves as the backdrop for our WinterSchool, a place known for its balance between city development and environmental sustainability.

Explore relevant questions about public spaces and their relevance to current and future challenges. During this WinterSchool, you will work together in inter- and intra-disciplinary teams for a week. Real-world examples of sustainability, energy, and real estate will be presented in the alpine setting of Kufstein. The WinterSchool offers the opportunity to explore these area in depth and make international contacts. With online research components prior to participation and a post-week summary, this program offers a comprehensive blend of virtual and on-site learning experiences.

The workload can vary individually. When participating in all tasks, the wokload corresponds to 150 hours. This includes approx. 50 hours for the block week, 50 hours for preparatory online research, and an additional 50 hours on average for follow-up activities. Upon successful completion of all components, you will be issued a certificate of attendance.

Time Schedule

Start: 17.02.2025: 12:00 = 12 a.m. (CET)
Final: 21.02.2025: 15:30 = 03:30 p.m. (CET)

Intradisciplinary project & international expertise ^

During the WinterSchool, a wide range of topics is covered, including sustainability and energy management, real estate management, financing and investment, and technical and social aspects. With more than 200 students from international partner universities, you will work for a week in small groups on a project task. Experts and coaches support you in learning about new ideas and approaches, researching, analyzing, sharing experiences, learning from each other, and expanding your skills. You will present your ideas in interim presentations and receive feedback on them. At the end, you will present a sustainable concept in front of a jury that will evaluate the project and provide feedback.

Be part of the award-winning WinterSchool ^

In 2014, our WinterSchool was awarded the Austrian Sustainability Award for the structural anchoring of the project. The award was given by the Ministry of Life and the Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy. In 2014, the Austrian UNESCO Commission awarded the WinterSchool for sustainable education as an Austrian UN Decade Project. In 2018, our WinterSchool received again the Austrian Sustainability Award as an award in the field of sustainable cooperation from the Federal Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism and the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research.

Sustainable education ^

Your participation in the Winterschool is free of charge. At the same time you commit yourself with your registration to the obligatory participation. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration so that we can adjust the group allocation. Please organize your journey and accommodation in Kufstein independently and at your own expense in time. The cheap guesthouses are booked up very quickly. Kufstein and the University of Applied Sciences are very easy to reach by train. So please travel as ecologically as possible. In Kufstein you have many possibilities to get food: in the cafeteria of the university, many restaurants and snack bars around and of course we have a microwave to heat up your own food during the daily lunch break.

WinterSchool is a sustainable & green event ^

We are very proud that the WinterSchool has been recognized and certified as a sustainable event by Green Event Tirol.

Sustainability is not only important to us in teaching and research, but we also put this into practice. The drinks at our entire university of applied sciences and at the WinterSchool are offered in reusable containers. The food we offer at the WinterSchool evening event is vegetarian and vegan. We pay attention to waste separation and . save water. Our paper is recycled paper and we use it as sparingly as possible at the WinterSchool. We generate part of our electricity ourselves via photovoltaic elements on the roof. Our buildings have a good insulation standard and consume little energy. We are part of the biogenic district heating network in Kufstein and our cooling system uses cold groundwater. We also pay attention to energy-saving devices in our IT components. These are just some of the measures we take as a university to set an example for our students and the region.

Essential working material ^

The tasks are to be created digitally. Please bring an internet enabled device (laptop or tablet) with the ability to edit presentations, share data via MS Teams, and communicate. Also have a headest with you! Warm clothes and waterproof and snowproof shoes are important, even though we don't know what the weather will be like today. We will spend some time together outdoors and on excursions. Please budget for some spending money as well. We are planning evening events together to get to know each other and socialize.

Kufstein - great place in the alpine region whre eyou ^

Kufstein is surrounded by high mountains with a breath-taking panorama. The contrast between the historic old town, the fortress and the nearby mountains strongly contribute to the atmosphere and attraction of Kufstein. Thus the city’s nickname is “The Pearl of the Tyrol”. Kufstein and our Fachhochschule Kufstein Tirol - University of Applied Sciences welcomes you for the WinterSchool. 47.58396 / 12.17332 Fachhochschule Kufstein Tirol, Austria

Kufstein & our University is very well connected - take advantage of a sustainable arrival ^

In the context of sustainability, we look forward to your support and ask you to use environmentally friendly public transportation - the train station is a 5-10 minute walk away and is also fully barrier-free. Overall, the sustainable journey to the WinterSchool in Kufstein by public transport offers an excellent opportunity to take part in the WinterSchool.

Getting to the WinterSchool by public transport is very easy:

Munich or Rosenheim: there is a regular train connection every hour between shortly before 5:00 a.m. and midnight.
Salzburg and Vienna: are also well connected with the Westbahn, RailJet or BRB local transport.
Innsbruck: You have up to two train connections per hour, where trains run from shortly before 5 a.m. until after midnight.
Zurich: You also have regular, fast train connections via Innsbruck
interantional connections: You can easily get to Kufstein by train from Munich, Salzburg, Vienna and Innsbruck airports. If you have any questions about your travel route, please contact us. We support your sustainable journey!

Direct links to public transportation services:

If public transportation is not possible due to the connection to your starting point, form carpools and carpooling options!

WinterSchool is an accessible event ^

All relevant areas of the WinterSchool are barrier-free.
There will be sufficient spaces available for wheelchair users and their companions.
An orientation system for blind and visually impaired people leads from important points in the city of Kufstein to our university. Our university buildings are equipped with a tactile guidance system including university lecture hall signage.
Portable induction loop system with microphone and headphones are available at our Infopoint in the main entrance.

Further information can be found on the university's homepage

Have questions about the Winter School? We are here for you! ^

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Get Inspired: Discover stories of student success, faculty achievements, and exciting highlights from our dynamic learning community.

Connect with Peers: Engage with fellow students, alumni, and faculty members, share your experiences, and join the conversation about topics that matter to you.

How to Connect

Instagram: fhkuf_sustain_estate

For any inquiries regarding registration, the program or other questions, please feel free to contact us using the contact details below:

Contact: Asc. Prof. (FH) Dipl.-Ing. Christian Huber [he/his #CallMeByMyFirstName]
Email: christian.huber@fh-kufstein.ac.at
Phone: +43 5372 71819 0
Address: Andreas Hofer-Strasse 7, 6330 Kufstein, Austria

We're here to assist you and provide you with the information you need to make the most of your Winter School experience. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us - we look forward to hearing from you!

And that was our WinterSchool.2024: ^

How can we combine green solutions & sustainable infrastructure while optimizing functionality and aesthetics?
What innovative strategies can we adopt to ensure that our spaces can withstand the emerging challenges of climate change?
How can we design public spaces that encourage real social interaction in our digital age?
How can we ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income, ability or background, feels welcome and included?
What building uses & infrastructure support the Economy for the Common Good?

In this topic, we focus on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations and more specifically on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) #11 Sustainable Cities and Communitie, #13 Climate action as well as #10 Reduced Inequality.

Public Spaces - Fit for the Future

Creative Commons 4.0 International Licence [CC BY 4.0] | Welcome to the WinterSchool.2025 - Christian Huber |
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