Living in wise surroundings

The fridge that autonomously recognises when you’re running out of milk and places a fresh order for you is one example of the vision of smart homes. However, it also helps to demonstrate the limitations of the concept: If I am unwell and don’t feel like drinking coffee, the order for milk will still be placed. Gerhard Leitner has explored how to move from “smart homes” to “wise homes”, which are able to give due consideration to the distinctiveness of the individual and her or his respective current situation.

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Organising energy at home

Energy management systems are designed to support people’s efforts to consume less electricity. However, as Smart Grids expert Wilfried Elmenreich explains, these systems are still grappling with a range of issues. Together with his team of researchers he is looking at simple ways to ensure that anyone can use these systems.

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Art as midwife for a new Europe

The idea of Europe has run its course. But how can a viable new European idea be established? Klaus Schönberger believes it should be pluralistic and brought about by the means of art. The cultural scientist based in Klagenfurt is leading the three-year Horizon2020 project TRACES, collaborating with eleven partners in ten European countries. ad astra invited him to an interview.

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Moderne ErzählerInnen


Mode, Reisen, Lifestyle und Essen zählen zu den beliebtesten Themengebieten von Bloggerinnen und Bloggern. Die mehr als 1.300 Blogs in Österreich belegen, dass Geschichten erzählen im Trend liegt. Laura Gentile, Studentin der Medien- und Kommunikationswissenschaften, betreibt seit Juli 2013 einen Blog, der das Leben einer Rollstuhlfahrerin dokumentiert.

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