During her visit to Weimar, Roma Agrawal will share how small, simple inventions have evolved and continue to influence humanity today. The civil engineer will explain how a nail led to the world's tallest skyscrapers, how the clothes we wear came to be thanks to Neanderthals, and how a simple lens enabled her to become a mother. The event is being organised by the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar Equal Opportunity Office in cooperation with the Institute of Structural Engineering (IKI) as part of the 70th anniversary of the Faculty of Civil and Environment Engineering. The event is also part of the »Queens of Structure« travelling exhibition, which is on campus in Weimar until 14 July.

From London to the world

Roma Agrawal was born in Mumbai, India. At the age of 20, she decided to pursue a career as a civil engineer. After having worked in London and the USA, she became the Associate Director for the American engineering company AECOM in 2017. One of her biggest projects has graced London’s skyline since 2012. »The Shard«, a glass, pyramid-shaped skyscraper comprises 72 storeys used for housing, working and shopping. The solid, stabilising concrete core extends from the centre across each floor.

Queen of Structure

There were very few women to serve as role models for Roma Agrawal, but now, she herself is a role model. With lectures at universities, schools and organisations around the world, as well as numerous television, radio and podcast programmes for the BBC, Channel 4 and Discovery, she has reached tens of thousands of people. Her first book »BUILT« was published in 2018 and was the recipient of numerous awards. In 2021, she published a  successful children's version of the book titled »HOW WAS THAT BUILT?«. Her third book, »NUTS & BOLTS«, was published in early 2023 and is already in its third edition.

»How a nail built the world«
Lecture by Roma Agrawal
30 May 2024, 5 tp 6.30 pm
Bauhaus-Universität Weimar,
Marienstr. 13, Lecture Hall A

For questions on the exhibition, please contact programme organiser Christin Sirtl, Deputy Equal Opportunity Officer, by phone: +49 (0) 36 43 / 58 44 38 or by e-mail christin.sirtl[at]uni-weimar.de or Prof. Guido Morgenthal, Institute of Structural Engineering Director by phone: +49 (0) 36 43 / 58 44 18 or via e-mail to guido.morgenthal[at]uni-weimar.de.