29.01.2026

Resilience Communication – How Cities Make Risks Understandable

Building design

Aerial view of a Swiss city with a focus on sustainable urban planning, taken by Chundy Tanz.

“Resilience communication” may sound like unwieldy bureaucratic jargon, but in reality it is the communicative compass that guides cities through crises, disasters, and climate change. Those who fail to explain risks clearly will be left to fend for themselves in the storm—but how do legal provisions and water levels actually translate into a language that reaches, mobilizes, and protects people? Welcome to the arena of urban risk communication, where information becomes a matter of survival and where urban planning meets psychology, technology, and empathy.

Definition and Significance of Resilience Communication in Urban Development
Typical Risks in Urban Areas: Climate Change, Extreme Weather, Technical Failures, and Social Crises
Communication strategies: From bureaucratic jargon to understandable, participatory language
Best practices from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
Technical tools: warning apps, digital twins, and open data platforms
Psychological aspects: trust, coping with fear, and engaging the public
Internal communication between government agencies, policymakers, and emergency responders
Challenges: Fake news, information overload, and sociocultural barriers
Opportunities through innovative formats and participation
Outlook: How resilience communication becomes the DNA of sustainable cities

Resilience Communication: What Cities Really Need to Communicate

Resilience communication is the backbone of urban safety and urban development. The term may sound abstract at first, but it refers to nothing less than a city’s ability to communicate risks and hazards in a transparent, understandable, and targeted manner. This makes resilience communication a central discipline at the intersection of urban planning, disaster management, and citizen services. The goal is not merely to react to extreme weather or technical malfunctions, but to build trust, empower citizens to take action, and foster a shared awareness of risks in advance. Anyone who views resilience communication as merely an after-the-fact PR exercise fails to recognize the enormous potential inherent in proactive, multifaceted, and empathetic communication.

Today’s urban risk landscape is more complex than ever. Cities face a multitude of challenges: heat waves, heavy rainfall, flooding, power outages, pandemics, cyberattacks, and social unrest. Each of these hazards poses its own demands in terms of information, coordination, and prevention. Resilience communication, therefore, does not mean stoking fear with shocking images, but rather providing guidance through clear language, visualizations, and understandable instructions for action. The art lies in communicating not only to warn but also to motivate—after all, the goal is not only to inform people but also to empower them to protect themselves and others.

Another key element is ensuring the message reaches the right audience. In an urban context, people from different social circles, age groups, and cultural backgrounds come together. Resilience communication must therefore be more than just a newsletter from City Hall. It must choose channels, languages, and formats in such a way that the message reaches everyone—from the retiree in an older apartment building to the startup founder in a loft. This calls for creativity and tact: An Instagram video explaining an emergency situation reaches a different audience than a flyer at the citizens’ office. Diversity in communication is not a luxury, but a survival strategy.

But internal communication is also often underestimated. City administration, emergency responders, politicians, and municipal utilities must speak with one voice in an emergency. Coordination issues or contradictory statements can be devastating, especially when the situation is already tense. That’s why regular drills, clear lines of responsibility, and a shared communication framework are among the cornerstones of modern resilience communication. Those who create clarity internally can present themselves confidently externally and build trust.

Ultimately, resilience communication is an iterative process. What works today may be outdated tomorrow. New risks, technical innovations, and societal changes require constant adaptation and reflection. Successful cities use feedback, evaluate their strategies, and learn from mistakes—true to the motto: “Resilience comes from the ability to adapt.” And this applies not only to infrastructure but also to words and images.

Recognizing Risk Landscapes: The Urban Arena of Uncertainties

Cities are hotspots of vulnerability. This is due not only to population density but also to infrastructural and social complexity. Climate change brings new and often difficult-to-predict risks: flash floods, heat waves, windstorms, and droughts. Technical disruptions such as power outages, cyberattacks, or supply shortages threaten the basic functions of everyday urban life. Added to this are societal risks—such as unrest at major events, pandemics, or social upheaval in tense neighborhoods. This diversity of hazards calls for tailored communication strategies that neither foster panic nor lethargy, but rather provide targeted information and mobilize the public.

The greatest challenge for resilience communication in urban areas is the invisibility of many risks. Climate impacts or infrastructure weaknesses are often abstract, occur rarely, or seem far removed. This is where the so-called “risk perception gap” comes into play: While experts speak of flood risks, many residents see only the peaceful river flowing past their front door. This makes it all the more important to make the invisible visible—for example, through illustrative maps, simulations, or case studies from other cities. Digital twins, such as those used in Vienna or Zurich, offer enormous opportunities here: They translate complex scenarios into understandable visuals and make abstract dangers tangible.

But even technical tools are no panacea. Warning apps, text message alerts, or push notifications rely on people being reached—and trusting the information. Especially in socially diverse cities, there are always groups affected by digital or language barriers. A resilient communication strategy must therefore think in analog terms: sirens, loudspeaker announcements, traditional media, and face-to-face communication remain indispensable. The coexistence of old and new channels is not an anachronism, but an expression of responsibility.

Another challenge is the flood of information. In times of crisis, official warnings compete with rumors, misinformation, and opinions shared on social media. Those who fail to communicate clearly and proactively run the risk of being overtaken by their own message. That is why more and more cities are relying on crisis communication teams, media training, and monitoring—so they can respond quickly, precisely, and credibly in an emergency. Professional resilience communication means making one’s own voice heard even in the midst of a digital storm.

After all, urban risks are never static. New technologies, social trends, or political developments can fundamentally alter a city’s risk profile. Smart cities with digitized infrastructures, for example, are vulnerable to cyberattacks—an issue that no one had on their radar just a few years ago. Those who take resilience communication seriously must therefore not only rely on tried-and-true methods but also constantly think ahead, develop scenarios, and anticipate new risks.

Strategies for Clear and Effective Risk Communication

The central task of resilience communication is to transform complex information into actionable knowledge. This begins with the selection of messages. What do people need to know to protect themselves and others? What is the difference between “danger” and “warning”? What options for action are available? Clear, concise, and motivating language is key. Scientific terms, technical details, or legal jargon must be translated—into everyday language, images, and concrete recommendations. A flood is not a “hydrometeorological extreme event,” but a threatening flood. When you speak this way, you are understood.

Visualization is a key to success. Maps, infographics, animations, and digital simulations make risks tangible and reduce cognitive barriers. In Hamburg, for example, the city uses interactive map portals to visualize flood zones and heat stress. In Zurich, digital twins are being used to simulate various scenarios, thereby facilitating discussion among city officials, experts, and the public. Visualization is not only a technical tool but also a communicative one—one that alleviates fear and provides guidance.

Participation is another key element. Involving the public in the development of communication strategies fosters trust and acceptance. In Vienna, for example, citizen forums are used to gather experiences and expectations regarding risks. In Munich, there are community stakeholders who act as multipliers and share information within their networks. Participation fosters a sense of identification—and identification is the best form of preparedness. Modern resilience communication is therefore always a dialogue, not a monologue.

Communication also requires a clear roadmap. Who provides information, when, and about what? Who speaks in the event of a crisis? What channels are available? Emergency plans, communication guidelines, and regular drills are essential for responding quickly and coherently in an emergency. Many cities have their own crisis management teams and press offices that are specifically trained for emergencies. The goal is not only to react to events but also to proactively provide information, address uncertainties, and highlight solutions.

Finally, the psychological aspect must not be underestimated. Resilience-based communication must build trust, alleviate fear, and encourage self-efficacy. Studies show that people are more likely to take action when they feel taken seriously and well-informed. That is why many cities rely on empathetic communication, storytelling, and positive examples. The message is: We are prepared, and you can be part of the solution. This not only strengthens the city’s resilience but also fosters a sense of community.

Technology, Tools, and Pitfalls: Modern Media in Resilience Communication

Digitalization has revolutionized resilience communication. Alert apps such as NINA in Germany, KATWARN, or Alertswiss in Switzerland make it possible to reach millions of people in seconds. Push notifications, geofencing, and automated translations help inform large audiences even on short notice. But technology alone does not guarantee effectiveness. Acceptance of such tools depends largely on trust, data protection, and user-friendliness. Anyone who receives a false alarm or is confronted with cryptic messages will tune out the next time. That is why many cities are investing in usability tests, feedback mechanisms, and transparent communication about how the technology works and its limitations.

Digital twins, which are being used more and more frequently in urban planning, offer enormous potential not only for planners but also for resilience communication. They make it possible to vividly simulate various risk and disaster scenarios, illustrate the effects of measures, and make decision-making processes transparent. In Rotterdam, for example, such systems are used to visualize flood risks and involve the public in the planning process. In Zurich, they help link transportation, climate, and infrastructure resilience and develop corresponding communication strategies.

Open data and open platforms are another trend. More and more cities are publishing risk information, water levels, weather data, and infrastructure outages in real time. This not only promotes transparency but also enables the development of innovative services by startups, research institutions, and citizen initiatives. At the same time, the responsibility to present this data in a way that is understandable, up-to-date, and reliable is growing. Open data is not an end in itself—it must be translated into concrete, actionable information.

At the same time, new pitfalls lurk in the digital world. Fake news, targeted disinformation, or technical glitches can undermine resilience communication. That is why more and more cities are relying on monitoring teams, fact-checking, and collaborations with the media and the scientific community. Those who lose control of their own communication also lose the public’s trust. That’s why the following applies: Being fast is important, but being accurate is essential. Quality trumps speed—especially during a crisis.

Last but not least is the question of accessibility. Digital tools must not exclude anyone. People with disabilities, older adults, or those without access to modern technology must be provided with alternative ways to stay informed and protected. Accessibility, multilingualism, and a personalized approach are therefore mandatory, not optional. A resilient city is only as strong as its weakest link—and that applies to communication as well.

Outlook: Resilience Communication as the Guiding Principle of Sustainable Cities

Resilience communication is not a passing fad but is becoming the guiding principle of urban development. The challenges of the 21st century—climate change, digitalization, and social upheavals—call for cities that are not only built to be resilient but also communicate in a resilient manner. This means that risks are not concealed or downplayed, but rather openly addressed and tackled together. The path to achieving this involves clear language, participatory processes, innovative technology, and a dose of courage to be open.

Successful cities are leading the way. They combine traditional and digital channels, rely on visualization and storytelling, get the public on board, and invest in education, training, and evaluation. They view communication not as a mere formality, but as a strategic tool for urban development. Those who can explain risks are better able to manage them. Those who build trust construct bridges of dialogue where others merely put up warning signs.

The future of resilience communication is hybrid, multimedia-based, and dialogic. Cities are becoming platforms for exchange, where government, experts, the media, and civil society work together on solutions. New technologies such as AI, augmented reality, and digital twins open up unimagined possibilities—provided they are used responsibly, transparently, and inclusively. The greatest innovation, however, remains the willingness to listen, learn, and evolve.

The city of tomorrow will be made resilient not only by concrete, trees, or bits, but above all by smart, empathetic, and participatory communication. Resilience communication is the invisible infrastructure that, in an emergency, can save lives, protect livelihoods, and foster community. It is not a task for times of crisis, but an ongoing responsibility for everyone who shapes the city—today and in the future.

Those who make resilience communication a top priority shape not only the city but also its urban self-confidence. And that, despite all the technology and planning, is perhaps the most important factor for a truly resilient and livable city.

In summary, it is clear that resilience communication is the communicative foundation of a sustainable city. It translates complex risks into understandable, actionable messages, builds trust, and mobilizes the population. Successful examples from German-speaking countries prove that technology, creativity, and participation are not opposites, but together form the basis for urban resilience. The challenges remain significant, but those who view communication as a central discipline of urban development can turn uncertainty into new strength—and risks into opportunities for a vibrant, resilient urban society.

20.01.2025

Design

Sculpture of the month: Stone postcard from Solingen

Building design

Bush knife: The Solingen cutting tool turned stone on the right by the hedge. On the left, an unnamed steel sculpture by Thomas Röthel

Steel products from Solingen, especially knives, are known all over the world. Even in the South American jungle, Bud Spencer warned his partner Terence Hill of a “postcard from Solingen” in his back – i.e. the switchblade in the hand of the sneaking attacker – in the 1973 cinema classic “Two Heavenly Dogs on the Road to Hell”. For the tenth anniversary […]

The Solingen trade fair focuses on the products of local industry, in the classic city of blades, of course, especially the well-known steel products. Directly opposite the venue of this largest trade fair in the Bergisches Land region – the local ice rink – is the premises of Marmor Pauly, which has been working in natural stone since 1871. “A knife doesn’t always have to be made of steel,” thought owner Armin B. Pauly, architect and graduate civil engineer.

And it doesn’t have to be handy either: together with the self-employed stone sculptor Hartmut Hegener, he created a butter knife sculpture on a scale of 10:1 to place in front of the entrance to the trade fair and point out that, in addition to the proud steel tradition, there are also many years of stone masonry activity. The knife measures 2.30 meters with a handle made of polished Anröchter Grünstein, a calcareous sandstone from the Soest region. The finely ground blade made of “Belgian granite”, the Belgian equivalent of Aachen bluestone, was made with ground-in fiberglass reinforcement. The contrast between the darker blade and the lighter handle is enhanced by the different cut, which makes the Belgian bluestone appear particularly dark. For installation, the artwork was anchored on a base stone made of black Swedish in the area of the main entrance.

Art exhibition flanked the trade fair

Because Pauly is a cosmopolitan, art-loving person and the “knife made of natural stone” contains a wink at other materials, an art exhibition with a wide variety of materials was held on his factory premises opposite the trade fair from June 8 – 10, 2018 – in addition to works by sculptors and painters, including steel sculptures by Thomas Röthel and Stephan Mensler. This created a bridge between materials and street sides.

After the event ended, however, the city of Solingen showed no interest in keeping the potential postcard motif in front of the ice rink – so the monstrous knife will soon find a new home with a well-known steelware manufacturer.

12.01.2025

Design

Museum of 1000 Places

Building design

Germany

The Federal Republic of Germany has been commissioning art in architecture for its buildings in Germany and abroad since 1950. Over the decades, around 10,000 works have been created. Natural stone works are also included. Now the Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning (BBR) is making the works of art digitally accessible – via the online platform “Museum of 1000 Places”. In conversation with Dr. Ute […]

Ute Chibidziura: It’s an online presentation for the federal government’s art in construction. In other words, art that is created in connection with construction projects. Since 1950, art in construction has been realized in federal buildings, so that over the years an internationally unique stock of post-war art has been created, which includes the works of many well-known artists in all genres and techniques. We wanted to present this collection of art, which is spread across hundreds of properties in Germany and abroad, in a bundled form.

Many works of art are not accessible to the public …

One peculiarity of art in architecture is that it is tied to the building and is realized in places that are only accessible to a few people for security reasons or, like embassies, are in geographically remote locations. As a result, there are numerous works of art that are little known or have fallen out of sight over the years. With the “Museum of 1000 Places”, we can bring them back into the public eye and make them accessible to the general public.

Why in the form of a virtual collection?

The collection comprises around 10,000 works of art in total. We couldn’t present them in an illustrated book or in an exhibition – that would go beyond any organizational and personnel framework. The “Museum of 1000 Places”, on the other hand, is structured in such a way that works of art can be added bit by bit and the museum grows continuously. In addition, changes can be made to the content at any time. Art in architecture would be difficult to show in a traditional exhibition anyway, because in order to illustrate its location in the spatial context, you would have to build a model of each room or building and prepare picture galleries and texts for it, which would mean an enormous amount of work for just a few examples. Another advantage of a virtual exhibition is that it is not tied to a specific location, but can be viewed from home via the Internet.

How does the digital museum visitor navigate through the site?

There are several ways to access the art: an intuitive one via the images of the artworks on the homepage, a systematic one via the artworks, artists or locations tabs and one via the free text search. Within the artworks, you can sort by technique or context of use.

What information can you find when you call up a work of art?

You will find detailed information about the artwork in its architectural context, about the building and the property, and of course about the artist. It explains the artist’s career, the focus of their work and where else they have realized art on buildings. All information and photos relating to a work of art are stored in the form of a PDF that can be downloaded.

How does the virtual museum build a bridge to the physical world?

The museum indicates whether a work of art is freely accessible or at least open to the public, so that you can also view Kunst am Bau as part of a Sunday stroll. In addition, all works of art will gradually be equipped with a QR code that can be used to link to the “Museum of 1000 Places” to obtain detailed information about the work of art.

Which works of art are made of natural stone?

One important example is the “Rising Phoenix” by Hannes Schulz-Tattenpach on the Old House of Representatives in Bonn. This work of art made of limestone was the first work to be selected and commissioned after the Second World War as part of an open art-in-architecture competition. The phoenix rising from the ashes was intended to refer to the situation of the Federal Republic of Germany at the time, which had to reorganize itself as a democratic state after the war. The motif was still considered so apt in 1974 that it was used as a stamp on a special postcard issued by Deutsche Post to mark the 25th anniversary of the Federal Republic.

You can take a look at the database here: www.museum-der-1000-orte.de.