On 17 November 2025, FH Salzburg welcomed Chien-Ke Cheng from the National Taipei University of Technology (Taipei Tech). The visit marks the beginning of an intensive collaboration within the KA171 project, which has been in place since August 2025 and is expected to run until at least 2028. Together, the partners aim to develop strategies for sustainable urban development and climate adaptation.
Project Goals: Sustainable Urban Development and Climate Change
The project addresses key challenges faced by both countries: climate-resilient construction methods, densification of existing neighbourhoods, and the integration of sustainability strategies into urban planning. Austria contributes its expertise in civic participation, while Taiwan offers its experience in high-density urban planning – an ideal foundation for mutual knowledge exchange.
Planned Activities: Workshops in Kuchl and Taipei
Chien-Ke Cheng’s visit marks the starting point for a series of practice-oriented workshops. In February 2026, programme director Stefan Netsch (Smart Buildings in Smart Cities) will travel to NTUT in Taipei with six students to work together on sustainable concepts. In April, a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) will take place in Kuchl, involving the University of Applied Sciences Rotterdam and Hochschule Düsseldorf. Students from NTUT will also participate in the project, which is funded through the KA171 programme of the European Commission.
International Exchange
Back in February 2025, Stefan Netsch travelled to Taiwan for a research exchange. During his stay, he delivered lectures on topics such as urban densification and the importance of public spaces, while gaining valuable insights into sustainable building practices on site. Alongside academic findings, he was also deeply influenced by personal and cultural impressions.
Campus Visit
During his stay, Chien-Ke Cheng visited the Urstein and Kuchl campuses, met FH Salzburg Rector Dominik Engel, and worked with Stefan Netsch and the department to define the next steps of the project. The focus is on practice-oriented workshops, which will be held twice a year in Austria and Taiwan.
Also see: Bridges to the world: FH Salzburg expands international partnerships
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