Hands-On Concrete: Sustainable Construction with SFB 1683
On the town hall plaza, the Collaborative Research Center (SFB) 1683 “Modular Reuse” invited visitors to an interactive station to explore concrete as a building material from a new perspective. Under the title “Concrete—Diversity Meets Sustainability,” visitors could try out various experiments and learn about the diverse applications of concrete. The focus was specifically on the question of how concrete can be used and reused more sustainably. The hands-on station also addressed the associated consumption of resources and the growing scarcity of key raw materials.

Science in Direct Dialogue
Visitors got an even closer look at research through the “Let’s Talk! Science Direct – LIVE” format at the Centre for City Futures, formerly Blue Square on Kortumstraße. In 30-minute one-on-one conversations, visitors could talk directly with scientists and ask their own questions. Representing the faculty, Dr.-Ing. Tito Gehring from the Chair of Urban Water Management and Environmental Engineering provided insights into his research on the sustainable development of urban water infrastructure and on how wastewater can be more fully integrated into circular systems.

Science with a Festival Vibe
In addition to the numerous research activities on offer, encounters and spontaneous conversations also contributed to the special atmosphere of “Geistesblitz.” Of course, Lily, the faculty’s dachshund, couldn’t be left out. Together with RUBy, the robotic dog from the Institute for Integrated Information and Automation Technology (IIB), she provided a moment that was both animal-like and high-tech—including some mutual, decidedly critical sniffing.