Focus on Digitalisation: The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar Presents Three Innovation Projects
As part of the »So digital ist Thüringen« roadshow, Carsten Feller, State Secretary in the Ministerium für Wirstschaft, Wissenschaft und Digitale Gesellschaft (TMWWDG), paid a visit to the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar on 22 April 2022. Along with a visit to the Digital Bauhaus Lab, the programme included presentations of projects from the Faculties of Civil Engineering and Media, as well as a lively exchange on Thuringia’s digital strategy.
»Digitally is a common thread in research at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar«, says Prof. Dr. Jutta Emes, President (interim) of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, at the reception for State Secretary Feller in the Medienvilla at Albrecht-Dürer-Straße 2. »Digitalisation is the focal point at the interface between our Faculties of Architecture, Civil Engineering, Media and Art and Design«, continues Prof. Dr. Emes. Three of the numerous interdisciplinary projects presented to the State Secretary were from the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.
Digital Science Journalism
To start things off, Jr. Prof. Dr. Chistoph Buschow, head of »Organisation und vernetzte Medien« in the Faculty of Media, presented insights into the recently launched »Transformative Innovationsforschung für den Wissenschaftsjournalismus« (TRANSFORM) project. The significance of this joint project between the Wissenschaftspressekonferenz e.V. (WPK) and the Bauhaus- Universität Weimar was made very clear. »We understand ourselves as a conduit between science and journalistic practice«, says Jun. Prof. Buchow. The following lively exchange, which involved members of the Thuringian media as well as various other experts, focussed on perspectives of digital science communication: How can those participating in innovative science journalism network better? How can science journalism remain crisis-proof? But also – what does innovative even actually mean? Will a new form of journalistic storytelling emerge in the future? Will new payment models prevail? And can new target groups be tapped?
Digitally Preserving Historical Monuments
The digital transformation is also generating new potential for the skilled trades: This was demonstrated by Prof. Dr. Guido Morgenthal, Chair of »Modelling and Simulation of Structures« in the Faculty of Civil Engineering, when he presented his research on the renovation of historical buildings in accordance with monument preservation requirements using drone technology. The »HeriTech – Digitale Technologien für Handwerk und Kulturgut« research project investigates how new technologies can be used in monument renovation. »The project aims to increase productivity of the craft by making new digital technologies available and developing new methods for reproducing historical building elements«, explains Prof. Dr. Morgenthal. Following a short walk across the university campus to the Digital Bauhaus Lab, the opportunities opened up by the project were expanded upon in a lecture on the topic of »Digitale Denkmalpflege«. This made clear how digital technologies can benefit traditional craftsmanship and support the restoration of historic buildings.
Immersive Wikipedia
The »MetaReal« research project aims to enrich detailed digital 3D models of the real word with the complex knowledge available on the internet. It seeks to make them accessible using plain language and with the help of virtual or augmented reality technologies. This has created a walk-in Wikipedia of sorts, in which knowledge can be accessed and acquired through physical movement and spoken utterances. Towards the end of the opening event, the work group led by Prof. Dr. Bernd Fröhlich, Chair of »Virtual Reality Systems« in the Faculty of Media, showed State Secretary Feller the Virtual Reality Lab in the Digital Bauhaus Lab. They then went together to the office of Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius and explored the room.
»So digital ist Thüringen«
The visit kicked-off a Thuringia-wide tour set to last several weeks to recognise the Thuringian digital strategy launched by the Thuringian State Government, which aims to determine a strategy for a digital Thuringia. State Secretary Fuller hopes to get an idea of innovative digital solutions in Thuringia and to talk to those involved about possible applications. The »So digital ist Thüringen« roadshow will be stopping at various institutions in the upcoming weeks. Find out about all the stops by using the hashtag #thueringendigital on Facebook and Twitter.
