The BUWOG podcast is a discussion format with interviews on topics from the construction and real estate industry. Every two weeks, Michael Divé talks to people who share our passion for urban and neighborhood development. With clever and creative minds from business, research and the public sector who approach the topic of building and living from very different perspectives.
What is new, what is important in the fields of architecture, sustainability, mobility, diversity, climate protection and the energy transition? What does the future of building look like? Informative and in-depth interviews for anyone interested in real estate and urban development.
Theresa Keilhacker, freelance architect and President of the Berlin Chamber of Architects
In the latest episode of Glücklich wohnen - der BUWOG Podcast, Michael Divé talks to Theresa Keilhacker, freelance architect and president of the Berlin Chamber of Architects, about building type E and its potential for sustainable construction. Keilhacker explains how this type of building can lead to affordable yet functional living space by reducing comfort standards, such as sound insulation or the number of power sockets. She shows how creative solutions - such as flexible floor plans or the use of reused components - can bring about lasting change in construction. Although the legal implementation is still uncertain, building type E has already provided important food for thought. Keilhacker emphasises that innovation is often associated with risk and calls on building owners to boldly break new ground.
Prof Dr Mazda Adli, Chief Physician at the Fliedner Clinic Berlin and Head of the Affective Disorders Research Unit at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Photo: Annette Koroll
Stress researcher Prof Dr Mazda Adli is Chief Physician at the Fliedner Klinik Berlin and Head of the Affective Disorders Research Unit at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. We talk to him about the emotional impact of cities on our well-being and about the field of research he founded, ‘neurourbanism’ - the study of the influence of urban living spaces on our psyche. In the interview, he describes the psychological challenges of city life and how cities can cause illness through social stress. His research project ‘Your emotional city’ investigates how the environment affects emotional well-being. At the same time, it offers insights into how urban planning and architecture can reduce stress and strengthen mental well-being, for example through meeting spaces, mixed use and green spaces.
Daniel Riedl, Member of the Management Board of Vonovia SE
In the finale of the 8th season, we look back on the podcast highlights from 2024 together with Daniel Riedl, Member of the Management Board of Vonovia SE. How has the property sector developed over the past year and what are the forecasts for the future? In this bonus episode, Daniel Riedl takes stock and provides an outlook on the opportunities and challenges. We also discuss topics such as urban density, diversity in management positions and innovative approaches such as ‘Housing First’ to combat homelessness. Another key topic is the digital transformation of the construction industry and its impact on the sector.
Karin Barthelmes-Wehr is Managing Director of the Institute for Corporate Governance in the German Real Estate Industry
In this episode, we talk to Karin Barthelmes-Wehr, Managing Director of the Institute for Corporate Governance in the German Property Industry (ICG). An interview about the S and the G in ESG, about ‘good governance’ and responsible corporate management in a property sector in the midst of upheaval.
The three letters ESG stand for Environmental, Social and Governance and are regarded as guidelines for sustainable corporate management. While the E, i.e. ecological issues in planning and construction, are already very well developed in many companies, the S and G - social and governance - are often perceived as less clear. The Institute for Corporate Governance is Germany's leading platform for exchange, knowledge transfer and further training for value-orientated corporate culture in the industry.
Angeliki Krisilion is a member of the Management Board of Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB). Photo: BUWOG/Hahn
In this episode, we use the 100th anniversary of Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB) as an opportunity to shed light on IBB's role in promoting residential construction projects in the capital. Our guest is Angeliki Krisilion, Board Member for Back Office COO/CIO at IBB.
We discuss how development banks like IBB support the financial system and contribute to the housing supply in Berlin. Founded in 1924, IBB has adapted to Berlin's economic and social challenges over the years and today covers three central development areas: Real estate, economic and labor market promotion. In view of the high demand for housing, 20,000 new apartments will be required each year over the next ten years. Krisilion explains the challenges and the important role of the private real estate industry for the future of Berlin.
Dr. Anna-Vera Deinhammer, Endowed Professor for Sustainable Real Estate Development at FHWien.
In this episode, host Michael Divé talks to Dr. Anna-Vera Deinhammer, Endowed Professor for Sustainable Real Estate Development at FHWien der WKW. She discusses the important role of research in the sustainable real estate industry and outlines her vision for future neighborhood developments in which buildings use their individual strengths to create sustainable solutions.
Dr. Deinhammer emphasizes the need to view sustainability as a business case and describes the challenges and opportunities arising from current changes in legislation and the tangible effects of climate change. The episode offers exciting insights into the close link between basic research and practical application, as well as the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for sustainable neighborhood development.
STADT.RAUM.MENSCH: The third edition of the dialog format by BUWOG and publisher Der Tagesspiegel. Photo: Tagesspiegel
In this live episode of “GLÜCKLICH WOHNEN - Der BUWOG Podcast”, everything revolves around the digital transformation in the construction and real estate sector and its contribution to more liveable, sustainable cities.
At the STADT.RAUM.MENSCH event, in cooperation with Der Tagesspiegel, top-class experts from politics, business and science, including Daniel Riedl (Vonovia SE), Eva Weiß (BUWOG Bauträger GmbH), Stephan Kögl (Siemens Real Estate), Christian Gräff (CDU) and Michael Müller (SPD), will discuss the topic. The focus will be on the automation of building applications, digital administrative processes and type approvals as well as the use of modern technologies in urban development.
Highlight topics include the “52 Grad Nord” district as a model for sustainable construction and the innovative approaches in Siemensstadt, where honey bees monitor biodiversity as “natural drones”. Finally, Emanuel Lucke from Architects for Future will provide inspiring ideas for the future of construction.
Isabella Jandl, Head of Division at Wohnservice Vienna
In the latest episode of “GLÜCKLICH WOHNEN”, Michael Divé talks to Isabella Jandl from Wohnservice Wien about the unique Viennese model. This model stands for over 100 years of successful social housing in Vienna and is unparalleled in Europe. You will learn more about the Vienna Housing Ticket, which provides access to municipal housing and SMART apartments, as well as the role of Wohnberatung Wien in supporting people looking for housing. Special topics include SMART apartments and the 65 Plus campaign, which helps older people move into barrier-free apartments. There are also insights into land policy and future urban development projects such as the Nordbahnhof site. Listen in to find out more about this pioneering model!
Sarah Dungs from the Greyfield Group and the Verband Bauen im Bestand
In the first episode of the new season, Sarah Dungs, Managing Director of the Greyfield Group and first Chairwoman of Bauen im Bestand e.V., is a guest on the BUWOG podcast. Sarah Dungs explains why the revitalization of existing buildings is both ecologically and economically indispensable and how the industry must develop from the logic of new construction to the logic of existing buildings. She talks about the challenges of refurbishment, the role of the new BiB Check and her vision for sustainable buildings of the future. She also talks about how her many years of experience in field field hockey have shaped her career. Listen in and find out why “Building in Existing Contexts” is an important focus for the construction and real estate industry.
Corinna Müncho from the Federal Association Housing First e.V.
In this episode, we look at the concept of “Housing First”, an initiative that helps to overcome homelessness and homelessness by focusing on immediate access to stable housing. Our guest is Corinna Müncho from the federal association Housing First e. V., who provides insights into the association's work and goals.
We also talk to Federal Minister Klara Geywitz about the relevance and implementation of Housing First in Germany. Find out how this strategy contributes to overcoming homelessness and what challenges exist.
Dr. Joseph Frechen, Branch Manager and Head of Retail at Bulwiengesa
Dr. Joseph Frechen is co-author of the “Ground Floor 5.0” study on the future and challenges of first floor use. In the interview, the Branch Manager and Head of Retail at Bulwiengesa talks about new usage concepts, the integration of nature and the importance of mixed-use properties. End-of-trip facilities also play a role here, offering cyclists showers, changing rooms and a café for the start of the day. The revitalization and flexible use of first floors are key to the revitalization and economic resilience of urban districts. The discussion also reveals how basement apartments can become more attractive again.
Architect and professor Almut Grüntuch-Ernst. Photo: Bernd Bauerochse
In this episode, we delve into the topic of hortitecture - the integration of vegetation into architecture to bring cities closer to nature. Our guest, Almut Grüntuch-Ernst, is a professor at the TU Braunschweig and co-founder of Grüntuch Ernst Architekten.
We discuss the opportunities and challenges with her, looking at national and international examples and the importance of green roofs and façades. We talk about how these concepts can help to make our cities more sustainable and how hortitecture not only changes the cityscape, but also improves the well-being and quality of life of people in urban environments.
Dr.-Ing. Felix Bentlin, urban researcher and scientific project manager at the Technical University of Berlin
Dr. Felix Bentlin is a research project manager at the Institute for Urban and Regional Planning at the Technical University of Berlin. We talk to him about the influence of property owners on a neighborhood and neighborhood development.
The focus is on the “How2Kiez” study, which sheds light on the influence of property owners on the development of neighborhoods. Find out how the owners of smaller properties can make a significant contribution to the attractiveness and sustainability of neighborhoods and why their participation is essential for the transformation of neighborhoods.
The podcast also discusses what will happen to first floors in the future and how these areas can be specifically designed to achieve social, economic and cultural goals.
BUWOG Managing Director Kevin Töpfer
This episode is all about sustainability and digitalization in property management. Our guest is Kevin Töpfer, Commercial Managing Director of BUWOG Group and Managing Director of BUWOG's real estate management in Austria. With over 30,000 residential units, including more than 20,000 of its own apartments, BUWOG is successful in the sustainable and digital management of real estate portfolios. In addition to managing its own portfolio units, BUWOG now also offers its services to other real estate owners and institutional investors, thereby further expanding its role as a leading provider in the Austrian residential and real estate market.
Expert Anne Tischer from FRAUEN !N FÜHRUNG
In the opening episode of season 7 of the podcast, presenter Michael Divé and expert Anne Tischer from FRAUEN !N FÜHRUNG talk about the challenges faced by women in management positions, particularly in the real estate industry. How can traditional appointment mechanisms for top jobs be broken and what measures can companies take to promote women in management? The discussion will also shed light on the role of male allies and present a successful initiative to make strong women visible: FRAUEN !N FÜHRUNG's pool of female speakers. Because: everyone benefits from more diversity - and not least the companies themselves, as recent studies have shown.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frauke Gerder-Rohkamm
Green building is about more than just green façades and roofs. Green building is a comprehensive concept in the construction industry that aims to design and operate buildings in a more environmentally friendly and resource-efficient way.
The interview with Prof. Dr. Frauke Gerder-Rohkamm from the Institute of Civil Engineering at Kiel University of Applied Sciences provides insights into various aspects of sustainable building. In addition to the importance of sustainable materials and energy-saving technologies, the reuse of building materials in the context of green building is also discussed. It will also discuss why the refurbishment of existing buildings and redensification are important levers for sustainability and why the expert recommends a deposit system for building materials.
Architect and urban planner Oliver Seidel
The current episode offers insights into the future development of urban living spaces. Architect and urban planner Oliver Seidel, visiting professor at Jade University Wilhelmshaven and partner at CITYFÖRSTER architecture + urbanism, talks about various aspects of urban planning and development, including the historical division between urban areas and the promotion of sustainable construction.
Topics such as the “Productive City”, circular economy, cradle-to-cradle, and the importance of Building Information Modeling (BIM) will be covered. Critical views on the smart city and the need not to view homes as products will also be discussed.
Feddersen architects Jörg Fischer and Stefan Drees from Feddersen Gesellschaft von Architekten mbH.
There is a shortage of around 2.2 million age-appropriate apartments in Germany. An ageing society therefore also presents planners and builders with new challenges. How can social participation succeed in old age? How can suitable living spaces be created for every stage of life? And what solutions can architecture offer?
In this podcast episode, Michael Divé discusses innovative solutions for living in old age with architects Jörg Fischer and Stefan Drees from Feddersen Gesellschaft von Architekten mbH. Universal design and future-oriented neighborhood development offer an opportunity to enable self-determined living at all stages of life. The discussion will address the current challenges of social legislation and building law as well as the need for new interim solutions for people with care needs.
At the STADT.RAUM.MENSCH event, experts from politics, science and practice spoke and discussed
As part of the STADT.RAUM.MENSCH event series organized by the publisher Der Tagesspiegel, the podcast is on location with this live episode. This time, the focus is on the questions of how affordable and sustainable construction can succeed and how the recycling of materials can be improved and, ideally, a circular economy in construction can be achieved. The climate-neutral city - affordable and sustainable, is it possible?
Experts from politics, science and practice will speak and discuss: Daniela Billig (Member of the Berlin House of Representatives, Green Party), Dominik Campanella (Managing Director of Concular, the digital ecosystem for circular real estate), Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Endres (Head of the Institute for Building Climatology and Energy of Architecture, TU Braunschweig), Dr. Jan-Marco Luczak (Member of the Bundestag and member of the Committee on Housing, Urban Development, Construction and Municipalities, CDU) and Sybille Mai (Leading Consultant at EPEA Environmental Protection Encouragement Agency at the consulting firm Drees & Sommer). Michael Divé and journalist Stephan-Andreas Casdorff, editor of Der Tagesspiegel, will moderate the discussion.
Prof. Dr. Andreas Knie, sociologist, mobility researcher and head of the research group “Digital Mobility and Social Differentiation” at the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB).
For cities to be liveable, it would make sense to reorganize transport and mobility in particular. How should such a mobility turnaround be designed and to what extent should the population's changing demands on a city be taken into account? How should space on the roads be distributed differently?
In this episode, sociologist, mobility researcher and head of the “Digital Mobility and Social Differentiation” research group at the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB) Prof. Dr. Knie provides us with answers to these questions.
