Demand-driven Life Cycle Management

The demand-driven scheme for life-cycle management was developed and tested for municipalities on the basis of a target group model and other analysis tools.

Research approach

In many municipalities, post-war residential districts constitute a considerable proportion of housing. ISOE carried out an empirical survey of relocation motives and housing wishes of residents who had recently moved to urban districts built in the 1950s to the early 1970s. Based on the empirical findings and further development of analysis and planning instruments, a precautionary modular system for municipalities was developed and tested: the scheme for demand-driven life-cycle management. The research group worked with the municipalities of Göttingen, Kiel and Braunschweig. With their help the concepts were put to the test.

Target group model

ISOE scientists used the empirical surveys to develop a target group model. It describes the needs and demands of potential demand-side clienteles. The target group model thus provides important pointers regarding the demands of the residential market in this segment.

Usage cycle management

In the demand-oriented scheme for usage cycle management, municipalities have a precautionary instrument at their disposal. It serves as an instrument for analysis, communication and control in strengthening the substance of settlements. Via a staggered monitoring process, local authorities are able to identify any need for action in good time. Participatory instruments allow the development of various options with which to tackle the maintenance, modernisation and on-going development of existing residential districts.

In carrying out the analysis it is important to monitor constructional and social developments within urban districts over time. The integrative approach links planning, economic and communicative instruments. Actors such as housing associations/construction companies, property owners, tenants and investors are included in the process.