What Does the Future of Construction Look Like? Thuringian Minister of Economics Visits IAB Weimar

Institute Director Robert Fetter, University President Prof. Peter Benz and Vice President Dr. Ulrike Kuch also attended the meeting. During a tour of the »IAB-Recycling-Technikum«, Fetter demonstrated how practical research is currently being implemented in the building materials sector and supporting a circular economy: Construction waste is being used as raw materials for innovative recycled products. The Minister was given insights into the research conditions at the Institute, as well as into the processes and materials used there.

Later on, the IAB Library served as the location for a round of discussions focussing on the »Innovationszentrums Bau Weimar«. The Centre is planned to serve as an intermediary point between universities, research institutions, and businesses, providing incentive for sustainable, resource-friendly, digital construction. What makes this even more special is that each of these stages can be completed in Weimar, from basic research to application, product development, and commercial application.

Fetter emphasises that, »The ›Zukunft des Bauens‹ will allow us to pool our expertise and create a continuous cycle of innovation for building materials research in Weimar. Around 400 to 500 scientists are already carrying out building materials research at the three participating institutions – the IAB, the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, and the MFPA – and this is unique in Germany.«

Over the next few months, a new building will be constructed for the Innovationszentrum, which will provide optimal conditions for this collaborative research work. Establishing a federal research centre for climate-neutral and resource-friendly construction was another topic discussed during the meeting with the Minister. Weimar’s Innovationszentrum Bau could send a strong message and provide a decisive locational advantage.

Photos: Thimo Hennig, IAB Weimar gGmbH and Luise Ziegler, Bauhaus-Universität Weimar