Research Training Group “BioBuild” is launching its work

The Research Training Group (RTG) GRK 3123 BioBuild – Bioinspired Materials and Systems for Responsive Building Components, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), focuses on adaptive components for the building envelope that respond to changing environmental conditions such as temperature, light and humidity. The envelope’s ability to adapt to fluctuating external conditions and changing indoor requirements is crucial for reducing the energy consumption of buildings. As the starting point for these adaptive building components, the Research Training Group is investigating the folding patterns of plants and insects, which exhibit a wide range of complex yet resource- and energy-efficient principles of movement.

The Research Training Group spans disciplines ranging from architecture and engineering to polymer chemistry and biomechanics. It builds on the long-standing successful collaboration between the University of Stuttgart and the University of Freiburg in the field of bio-inspired architecture and brings together the complementary expertise of both institutions in these areas. The spokespersons are Prof. Jan Knippers at the Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE) of the University of Stuttgart and Prof. Jürgen Rühe at the University of Freiburg.

Funding for the GRK began on April 1. After an initial phase of structuring and networking, the first ten doctoral candidates from eight countries have now begun their research. This group will be joined by eight additional doctoral candidates from associated projects. In the GRK, architects, engineers, and natural scientists conduct research in close interdisciplinary collaboration. At the boot camp in mid-May at the University of Freiburg’s Botanical Garden, the early-career researchers networked with one another and received important information to help them get started. Over the course of their doctoral studies, they will participate in a structured training program that includes not only a wide range of specialized seminars but also modules on important “soft skills” such as interdisciplinary communication.