Researchers have tested innovative approaches to water-sensitive urban development in Oschatz. The results will be presented at the project’s conclusion
Through the ‘Oschatz Blau-Grün’ project, the town of Oschatz, the Institute for Hydraulic Engineering and Urban Water Management (IWS) at HTWK Leipzig and StadtLand GmbH have spent the past three years investigating how towns can tackle the challenges posed by heavy rainfall, heatwaves and increasing land sealing. This model project, funded by simul+, demonstrates how rainwater can be utilised as a resource and how water-sensitive urban development can be permanently embedded in local planning processes. The results will be presented on 25 June 2026 at the closing conference ‘Blue-Green Infrastructure for Saxony’.
The project centred on the so-called ‘sponge city’ principle. Rainwater should, wherever possible, be stored, allowed to infiltrate or utilised locally, rather than being discharged directly into the sewerage system. This helps to relieve pressure on sewerage networks, irrigate green spaces and better adapt cities to the consequences of climate change.
Conference on ‘Blue-Green Infrastructure for Saxony’
To mark the conclusion of the project, representatives from local authorities, specialist departments, associations and academia will meet in Oschatz on 25 June 2026. Under the theme ‘How can the “sponge city” principle be established as a basis for planning in the Free State of Saxony?’, they will discuss experiences from pilot projects and prospects for further implementation.
The programme includes specialist presentations, case studies from the towns of Oschatz, Taucha and Zittau, as well as workshops on urban development, climate adaptation and project implementation. In addition, a joint position paper containing recommendations for action in Saxony will be presented. Afterwards, the town of Oschatz invites participants to a guided tour of the measures implemented as part of the 2026 Small Garden Show.
Event at a glance
Conference: Blue-Green Infrastructure for Saxony
Date: 25 June 2026, 9.00 am–4.00 pm
Venue: Thomas-Müntzer-Haus, Altmarkt 17, 04758 Oschatz
Organiser: ‘Oschatz Blau-Grün’ research project in cooperation with the IWS at HTWK Leipzig, StadtLand GmbH and the town of Oschatz
Registration: veranstaltung (at) iws.htwk-leipzig.de
