In November last year, the German Research Foundation announced the approval of the Collaborative Research Center 1683 “Methods of interaction for the modular reuse of existing load-bearing structures”. Today, on April 1, 2025, the new CRC 1683 will start its research work under the leadership of Prof. Peter Mark as spokesperson and Dr. David Sanio as scientific coordinator.

Over 50 researchers from the fields of civil and environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, architecture and computer science will be working together over the next few years towards one goal: to make construction processes more resource-efficient and lower in emissions. 

The idea is as simple as it is ingenious: Instead of demolishing existing load-bearing structures, entire components are to be reused for new structures as part of a closed-loop principle. They are removed as modules, examined, refurbished, logistically recorded using digital methods and finally assembled into new load-bearing structures.

In addition to the Ruhr University Bochum, the University of Stuttgart, the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing in Berlin and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology are also involved.

More information can be found on the SFB website.