When did you study Civil Engineering at the University of Stuttgart?
I studied from 2000 to 2006 in the diploma program, before the transition to the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree system.
Which field did you specialize in during your studies?
During my studies, I realized that I was particularly interested in traffic and road construction. As a road user, I was already familiar with the related problems – such as confusing traffic layouts or missing bike lanes – from personal experience, and I found it exciting to explore such issues in more depth from a professional perspective. I chose the specializations “Road Planning and Road Construction” and “Traffic Planning and Traffic Control Technology.” Unlike the static structure of a building, traffic is something very dynamic that constantly changes due to the behavior of road users. I like that.
How did your career progress after finishing your studies?
After graduating, I worked at the University of Stuttgart for two years: from 2006 to 2008, I was a research associate at the Institute for Road and Transport Science, where I taught courses for students at the Chair for Transport Planning and Traffic Engineering and was involved in research and project work.
Then I felt the need to be more involved with practical work and implementation, so in 2008 I joined the Civil Engineering Department of the City of Stuttgart as a project engineer for road and traffic planning. Until 2010, I helped oversee the major Stuttgart 21 project. My first assignment was the development – specifically, the planning of new road construction – for the so-called A1 area, where the Stuttgart City Library and the Milaneo shopping center now stand. That was very interesting! From 2010 to 2013, I assisted the head of the department and oversaw overarching topics, such as the implementation of a quality management system for the Civil Engineering Department. Since 2013, I have been the head of the Roads and Traffic Planning unit (team leader) in Stuttgart.
What exactly does the Civil Engineering Department of the City of Stuttgart do?
The Civil Engineering Department is responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of roads, pathways, and squares, as well as bridges and tunnels, and ensures the smooth flow of traffic. The city’s drainage system is also part of the Civil Engineering Department. In this role, we navigate the delicate balance between citizens and political authorities. Our projects not only involve implementing political decisions and priorities but also actively engaging citizens in the planning process, aiming for outcomes that ideally satisfy both sides. This is, of course, often a challenge. Think, for example, of Stuttgart 21.
What is your role in this project?
I ensure that all new and revised planning projects within my area of responsibility in the City of Stuttgart are properly planned and prepared from a technical perspective. This includes, for example, the planning of roundabouts, the redesign of public squares, pedestrian zones, bicycle lanes, as well as bus stops and bus lanes.
And what exactly is your role in this process?
Take, for example, the planning of a roundabout: It is first important to review and have the existing areas measured. Then we assess the current traffic load and base our planning on the types of vehicles using the area. In this process, the largest vehicle always serves as the determining factor. But it also involves considering pedestrians and cyclists, as well as the design of the center – whether there are trees and green spaces is also part of this. In this, I take on responsibility for project management, meaning I monitor costs, timelines, and quality. In my team, engineers, draftsmen, and construction technicians work together, and I provide them with technical guidance and support throughout the project.
When do you need to use the knowledge you gained during your studies?
On a daily basis. For example, when I want to calculate the performance of roundabouts or design roads, I need my knowledge from the fields of road construction and traffic engineering. These are, for example, mathematical formulas or tables from the relevant regulations.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
In fact, no two days are the same. A typical day for me might look like this: In the morning, I arrive at the office and start with an internal meeting with my team members, who update me on their planning discussions with other departments. Together, we then coordinate the next internal steps for the respective project. After that, I have a meeting with the police about an intersection where accidents have been occurring more frequently. We will look at the plans together and consider how we can optimize the sight lines for pedestrians to reduce the risk of accidents. In the afternoon I have an appointment at the city hall: there we will discuss the “city logistics concept”. This is about improving logistics processes in downtown Stuttgart and exploring whether and how the delivery of goods to shops can be done without cars, in order to reduce emissions in this area.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Of course, it’s always nice when one of my projects is completed. Knowing what contribution I have made makes me proud. In my role as a team leader, I also greatly enjoy supporting my employees in their daily work and observing their development. It’s great to see them grow through the projects when they are given the freedom to do so.