Making Data Visible
On September 24, 2025, the Ursulinenhof in Linz became a place of exchange, inspiration, and collective reflection. Under the motto AIR & WATER – TWO FOR ALL, the central question was how we can shape our natural resources as a common good. Especially in light of climate change and rapid technological developments, the focus was on finding ways that respect ecological limits while also ensuring social justice.
The congress opened with the project Mapping Upper Austria, which had already been presented at the Climate Summit. On a gigapixel viewer, high-resolution aerial images unfolded alongside interactive layers and infographics, revealing vibrant landscapes and striking interconnections: land use, climate change, renaturation projects, flood risks, or light pollution became visible, tangible, and open to discussion. Visitors could immerse themselves, explore, understand, and actively engage.
One session was dedicated to the question of how environmental education can go beyond the mere transmission of facts. The focus was on approaches that connect knowledge with emotions and practice, in order to foster a deep understanding of ecological interrelations – and to empower a new generation of learners to act responsibly and with global awareness.
Michael Mondria spoke about ESA as a long-standing client and emphasized that it is not only about turning data into stories, but about understanding why these stories matter. Ars Electronica Solutions pursues the goal of reaching diverse target groups and creating interactive, immersive spaces in which facts are not only presented but become truly experienceable.
