The research concept consists of four modules:

HRC II is focused on the further systematic investigation of a wide range of residential buildings with regard to their vulnerability to summer heat and the provision of building type-specific adaptation measures. The transferability of the adaptation concepts developed in the first funding phase will be examined for other regions and cities in Germany. Furthermore, the developed model chain urban climate simulation - building simulation will be used to analyse the influence of measures in the open space on the microclimate in the quarter and also its effect on the heat load in the building.

Indicators requested by practitioners will be developed to assess the effectiveness of heat adaptation measures and to communicate them in a way that is appropriate for different target groups. The indicators are determined on the basis of scientific and technical variables and indices as well as area-related data on population and ecosystem services. They are transferred into application-specific categories. The indicators will be integrated into a digital support tool for planning and implementing climate adaptation measures at quarter level. The tool helps users to identify deficit spaces in the planning area by specifying climate and planning reference maps. The potential effects of certain measures can be visually mapped and assessed. The scientific findings and methodological approaches on urban climate, buildings and ecosystem services gained in the first HRC funding phase are integrated into the tool and thus made available for implementation processes.

In terms of climate governance, new role understandings are established and consolidated within the city administrations of Erfurt and Dresden. Qualifications focus on enabling decision-makers, advisors and implementers in municipalities and the housing industry to integrate heat and health prevention into their areas of responsibility in a knowledge-based manner. Based on needs analyses and the preliminary work of the first funding phase, specifically tailored communication tools for awareness-raising, motivation and qualification are designed and implemented by experienced partners.

With regard to the health aspect of heat in cities, a handbook on quarter-based early intervention in heat events will be developed. The handbook is to bundle expert knowledge on the topic of health risks due to heat, contain a flow chart for early intervention and present "good practice" examples from other municipalities. A health network is to be established.

HeatResilientCity (HRC) - Heat resilient development of cities and urban districts - knowledge generation with a focus on local residents and implementation in Dresden and Erfurt (10/2017-01/2021)

At the project’s heart is the quality of life of local residents in districts and buildings as well as the interaction with innovative and easy-to-implement adaptation options for building (re)construction as well as optimization of the capacities of urban open spaces (see figure).

In its trans- and interdisciplinary approach with the focus on the perceptions of local citizens, the project is devised as a living lab. Such a living lab approach integrates (a) close exchange with practice partners (state capitals of Dresden and Erfurt as well as other local partners) and scientific partners as well as (b) concrete application of scientific and other technical expertise in matters affecting civic society at district level, e.g. by simulating the impact of various forms of climate adaptation for testing by local residents, interactive exhibitions and dialogue-oriented presentations. The living lab approach serves to disseminate expert knowledge amongst local residents and relevant actors. The perspectives of local residents are incorporated by means of participatory events in science and practice in order to jointly develop, discuss and prioritize pilot measures with all relevant actors. In this way the living lab constitutes a marketplace of ideas and exchange between various scientific disciplines, decision-makers (primarily within municipal authorities and from the building sector) as well as members of civil society, with the aim of enabling generally agreed forms of action that anticipate future conditions and needs.