BRISE-Vienna

BRISE-Vienna sets new standards for building applications and planning permission. It can subsequently become effective in other administrative areas and in other European cities. 

BRISE stands for Building Regulations Information for Submission Envolvement, that is smart, efficient administration to accelerate the planning permissions process. Using the building permit process as an example, it makes the City of Vienna (Austria) a pioneer throughout Europe. Innovative technologies are making future building applications and planning permission digital - and therefore faster, more efficient, more transparent and more cost-effective. The digital processes can subsequently be transferred to other administrative areas. 

What SOLUTIONS did the Urban Innovative Action project offer?

The proposed solution of BRISE-Vienna makes use of the paradigm shift that can be witnessed in the planning sector, changing the construction planning from 2D paper plans towards Building Information Modelling (BIM, 3D-Building Model). A modern ICT solution based on artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR) and BIM was developed, increasing the quality level of submitted documents and shortening the approval process. The strongly social and service-related innovation of combining established construction elements with new technological methods will allow non-professionals to understand the impact of a construction project. 

What DIFFERENCE has it made at local level?

At local level, the project has resulted in closer cooperation between the city, architects, civil engineers and research institutions. The pilot operation phase has shown the potential of the system developed. Therefore, the City of Vienna wants to further improve it to be able to roll it out. 

The stakeholders appreciate the effort taken by the City, and they are willing to contribute. 

What PARTICIPATORY APPROACHES have been put in place for the project?

Two of the project’s partners oversee two main stakeholder groups: a) the Technical University Vienna is involving students as the future users of such systems; and b) the Chamber for Architects and Civil Engineers keeps in close contact with the current planners. At the same time, these planners (architects) as well as the students tested the system with real life projects to develop challenges and possibilities. The public has been involved at local events with an AR device to visualise the planned projects in their real-life surroundings. 

How does the project tackle different aspects with an INTEGRATED APPROACH?

Economic: It is commonly agreed that the digital Building Information Models have several advantages (more accuracy, more information included, etc.) that will help in the future when talking about modifications and renovations (encouraged under EU initiatives like New European Bauhaus; Energy Efficient Buildings, etc.). Therefore, many large construction companies are already working with BIM in parallel to the official 2D paper-based plans that are needed by the authority. The economy therefore appreciates such efforts to make BIM-based models possible for the building permit process. It is expected to speed up the permit process as well as the building process due to higher accuracy and less planning conflicts. 

Social and Environmental: The City of Vienna is the largest provider of social housing in Europe. Many of the buildings date back to the post-war era. Therefore, the city is putting much effort into smart and green renovation, without having to raise costs for renters. BIM is seen as a tool that could help make that process faster and more efficient - leading to lower costs. The City of Vienna has set a target of becoming a zero emissions city by 2040. The construction sector bears huge potential in reaching that goal. Therefore, a smart and networked planning (digital twin) are essential. BRISE-Vienna was a first step in that direction. 

Why should other European cities use the solution the project explored?

Every city is facing high bureaucratic burdens in the building regulation permit process. Every city is also facing big challenges in terms of decarbonisation and socially-affordable housing. The BRISE-Vienna approach is not limited to the building permit process, but it could - in a later stage - be extended to other permit processes that are administrated by the city, leading to a faster, more efficient and better networked, public government.