New professor for circular building at the Institute for Sustainability and Energy in Building at the FHNW
The circular economy is an important key to environmentally and resource-friendly construction. The Institute for Sustainability and Energy in Building at the FHNW University of Architecture, Building and Geomatics is therefore strengthening its position in this area with a highly qualified and specialized professor for circular building.
The Institute for Sustainability and Energy at the University of Architecture, Building and Geomatics FHNW is actively involved in research, training and further education as well as services in the areas of energy-efficient and climate-neutral construction, integral building technology, sustainable construction and operation, resource-efficient and circular construction as well as health aspects in buildings. One of the fundamental concerns of this strategy is to strengthen building in the circular economy. In the area of training and further education as well as in research, the institute makes an important contribution to ensuring that more energy- and resource-efficient and sustainable construction methods are implemented in Swiss building practice. The expertise of the researchers working at the FHNW is in demand both nationally and internationally as well as within the FHNW.
In order to strengthen this highly qualified team, the Institute for Sustainability and Energy in Building has succeeded in recruiting Andrea Klinge from ZRS Architekten Ingenieure Berlin as professor for circular building.
Andrea Klinge studied architecture at the Technical University of Berlin and specialized in sustainable building at the London Metropolitan University. She worked in various architectural offices in London, Rome and Berlin, and has been with ZRS Architects since 2013, where she established the research department. Her main research interests are a holistic approach to building and include circular, low-tech building as well as the use of natural building materials (clay, wood, natural fibers) to improve the quality of the interior space in buildings.
Due to her background as a carpenter, Andrea Klinge always works practically to bring research results into direct application. To this end, she has implemented several projects with wood, clay and bamboo with students from different universities but also with international colleagues.
At the FHNW University of Architecture, Building and Geomatics, Andrea Klinge wants to make a difference: “What I associate with the professorship and want to address are the current challenges in the construction sector. This is one of the most resource-intensive economic sectors in the world and contributes significantly to climate change. In order to meet the Paris climate goals, consistent approaches are urgently needed to implement the necessary building turnaround in the construction sector. “
Andrea Klinge has been a member of the Life Cycle and Circular Building Advisory Board of the German Society for Sustainable Building since September 2021. Since October 2021, together with Eike Roswag-Klinge, she has also headed the DIN Circular Economy Standardization Roadmap working group, Structures and Municipalities working group .
Prof. Barbara Sintzel, Head of the Institute for Sustainability and Energy in Buildings, is looking forward to working with Andrea Klinge: “Andrea Klinge stands for the turnaround in construction. She brings the enthusiasm and versatility that this topic needs. She has technical expertise to help the use of ReUse components and renewable building materials in practice with applied research to achieve a breakthrough and thus make the building turnaround possible. We look forward to your active support in research and teaching. “