Building is one of the oldest of human endeavours. Through the centuries this craft has required knowledge and creativity, and civil engineers are of pivotal importance in this regard. They plan, build and operate homes, stadiums and industrial facilities, as well as bridges, tunnels, airports, roads and railway facilities. In a world without civil engineers we could neither drive, fly, live in houses, work nor produce things; the material basis for a sustainable civilisation and human dignity would simply be missing.

Still, building techniques continue to evolve. Modern buildings today are highly complex entities. Transport and infrastructures are networked on a world-wide basis. New materials and construction methods give way to new opportunities. Computer-supported methods for modelling and manufacturing characterise our daily work routine. And lastly the restoration and upgrading of existing structures and cultural heritage necessitate highly specialised strategies; this area alone currently accounts for half of all construction work in Germany.