Munich Startup: Who are you and what do you do? Please introduce yourselves briefly!
Urbanistics: We are Michael Mühlhaus (35), Nils Seifert (34), and Marc-Christian Hodapp (33). For a long time, Michi and Nils designed teaching at the Chair of Architectural Informatics and, at the same time, researched tools for digital city models. They were repeatedly confronted with the question of a commercial solution, until one day they turned the tables and asked the questioner a counter-question:
“If you believe in our solution so much: Would you give up your great, highly paid project development job to work with us Urbanistic to found?"
Marc said yes.
“Faster processes with better results”
Munich Startup: What problem does your startup solve?
Urbanistics: The early architectural planning phases, in particular, are a complex problem on an urban planning scale, requiring consideration of a multitude of different factors. It is at the very beginning of a project that the key decisions are made that significantly determine the subsequent course of events. Today, this planning phase is a lengthy and iterative process, and decisions are often ultimately made based on incomplete information.
This is precisely where Urbanistic comes in: Based on digital city models, planning variants can be interactively generated, evaluated, and communicated. Automatic monitoring of building regulations and other framework conditions simultaneously minimizes planning risk and monitors the achievement of targets.
Thanks to its modular approach, the solution is used by urban planners, architects, project developers and municipalities, who can use the platform as a planning tool as well as a communication tool.
The result is faster processes with better results!
“We are experts in German and Central European construction law”
Munich Startup: But that's been around for a long time!
Urbanistics: Of course there is competition, it would be a bad sign if that were not the case!
As scientists, we have spent the past six years investigating how urban models can support planning and planning communication, always critically questioning the existing tools and models.
It was always clear to us that planning is not a linear process, but a communicative one in which the actual planning questions and challenges only emerge during the planning process.
And this is precisely where we differ from the competition: our solution isn't based on adapting individual functions in a predominantly static model. Our technology combines dynamic city models with an adaptable and extensible toolbox that allows planners to respond to new challenges.
At the same time, we are finally bringing many things that have long proven successful in other areas, such as software development, into the planning world: version control (How do my planning variants build on each other?), unit testing (Is my planning feasible?), issue tracking (Who is responsible for dealing with which problems?).
But perhaps most importantly for our entry-level market: We are proficient in German and Central European construction law!
Munich Startup: What have been your three biggest challenges so far?
Urbanistics: One challenge was getting to grips with HR and corporate law. Fortunately, our learning curve is steep, and we can draw on our network when specific questions require a quick answer.
The second and third challenges are clear: COVID-19! This has virtually brought our office table tennis matches to a standstill. These are incredibly important, since 94.83 percent of our work is done sitting in front of a computer.
The third challenge is to utilize the range of personal conversation, which is only possible with telemedia support.
Urbanistic is looking for reinforcements
Munich Startup: How are things going?
Urbanistics: Our headcount has doubled in three months: from three to six. And we're looking for more urban planners, developers, and startups. So if you're reading this and are motivated, please get in touch!
Munich Startup: How do you rate Munich as a startup location?
Urbanistics: Munich is a very vibrant city in this area and has nothing to hide from Berlin or Barcelona. The universities and colleges have been investing heavily in creating a good environment for some time now. We are proud to be a Munich startup!
Munich Startup: Wilhelminian-era quarter or smart new development area?
Urbanistics: Both have their appeal. Architects often choose to work with older buildings to reflect on which buildings are worth experiencing multiple life cycles.
However, there are also many arguments in favor of new housing developments. Especially in Munich, for example, the "young building cooperatives" offer very livable approaches.
In addition, demands and needs are being confounded again: private outdoor space, large balconies in new development areas vs. flexible room layout in Wilhelminian-era floor plans.
