Student project Neckarstadt KliMA has been awarded the Sustainability Prize by Mannheim’s Department of Economic Development. Developed by students Lisa Balsen, Fabian Hoppe, Romeo Türemis, Julian Wernz and Manuel Wirth in the Summer 2024 course “Introduction to Data Visualization” at Technische Hochschule Mannheim and under the supervision of Prof. Till Nagel, the project explores the cooling effects of urban greenery and the impact of land sealing through interactive data visualizations.
Students Romeo Türemis, Manuel Wirth, Fabian Hoppe, and Julian Wernz (from left to right; with team member Lisa Balsen not pictured) celebrate their Sustainability Prize at the award ceremony, joined by Economic Mayor Thorsten Rhiele, and Education Mayor Dirk Grunert. (Photo: Stadt Mannheim / Thomas Tröster).
Using open data from the Smart City Mannheim’s urban climate network and in collaboration with the research project Smart Roots and the Human Data Interaction Lab, the web-based prototype helps raise awareness for climate-adapted urban development. The project supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Combining React, D3.js, and Leaflet with narrative data storytelling, Neckarstadt KliMA offers an engaging and accessible way for planners, researchers, and the public to explore temperature dynamics in Mannheim’s Neckarstadt district. The award highlights the project’s contribution to a healthier urban climate and its potential to inspire similar efforts in other cities.
The award ceremony took place on 6 May 2025 in the council chamber of the City of Mannheim, where the students proudly presented their work and received the prize in the presence of local officials and fellow innovators.
Read more about the project (in German) at Neckarstadt KliMA