BAU, the world’s leading trade fair for architecture, materials and systems, takes place in Munich every two years. This is where experts from all over the world come together to discuss the latest developments in the planning, construction and design of buildings. Once again this year, the trade fair attracted over 180,000 visitors from 58 countries. Over 2,200 exhibitors presented their innovations. A CSZ team was on site, consisting of Daniel Pister (Head of Structural Engineering), Hannah Stahl (draftswoman), Lukas Kröcker and Dominik Treu (trainee draftsman), to gather ideas and trends for the future of construction.

BAU 2025 offered a variety of highlights that supported the intensive exchange and promotion of innovations within the construction industry:

• Forum “The Future of Building”: Renowned architects such as Carlo Ratti, Satoshi Ohashi, Verena von Beckerath and Elisabeth Endres presented visionary ideas and concepts.
• Founders Fight Night: start-ups presented their innovative products in a boxing ring – the audience decided the winner by applause.
• Competitions and awards: In competitions such as “Built on IT – construction professions with a future” and the Balthasar Neumann Prize, outstanding achievements in the industry were honored.

BAU Munich 2025 provided important impetus for the construction industry. The focus was on five key topics that will shape the future of construction:

• Resilient, climate-friendly construction: In the face of climate change, it is crucial to make buildings and cities resilient to extreme weather events.
• Transformation of city, countryside and neighborhoods: Urban and rural spaces must be designed in such a way that they meet the needs of a modern society.
• Resource efficiency: The increased use of recycled materials and digital planning processes makes the construction process more sustainable and resource-efficient.
• Modular, serial, productive: The construction process can be made more efficient and faster thanks to prefabricated components and digital production.
• Economical construction: In a difficult economic environment, it is crucial to build cost-effectively without compromising quality and sustainability.

BAU Munich 2025 was an important event that presented the latest trends and innovations while also highlighting the challenges facing the construction industry. For the CSZ team, the visit was a valuable opportunity to gather new ideas and integrate them into their own work. CSZ thus supports young talents and actively contributes to the future of construction with its values of innovation and sustainability.

 📸 Photo: Munich Trade Fair

On February 18, 2025, the official go-ahead was given for the construction of Campus Chiemgau in Traunstein. Lord Mayor Dr. Christian Hümmer, District Administrator Siegfried Walch, Science Minister Markus Blume and other high-ranking representatives from business, politics and administration celebrated the laying of the foundation stone on the former railroad station site. CSZ, responsible for the structural design and planning of the excavation pit shoring, was also on site.

• Future-oriented university location.
  The Chiemgau campus will house modern learning and central buildings on a total area of 5,450 square meters by 2028/2029. A three-storey student residence for 40 residents is already planned for fall 2025. The aim of the project is to promote young talent in the region and retain it in the long term in order to strengthen innovation.
• Economic stimulus for the region.
  In addition to creating new jobs, the Campus Chiemgau will promote the networking of business and science. By focusing on key technologies such as digitalization, automation and robotics, the campus will contribute to the further development of regional industry as a driver of innovation.
• Innovations and strong partnerships.
  The project is being realized in close cooperation with the Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences, the Traunstein Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Chamber of Crafts and the district of Traunstein. These partnerships promote the integration of research and business. The partners sealed their joint path with the symbolic insertion of wooden blocks into the foundation stone. CSZ is delighted to be part of this forward-looking project and will report on progress.

📸  Photo: (from right) District Administrator Siegfried Walch, Minister of Science Markus Blume, Mayor of Traunstein Dr. Christian Hümmer, Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences President Prof. Heinrich Köster and Chamber of Crafts President Franz Xaver Peteranderl

CSZ-Darmstadt congratulates Dr.-Ing. Saied Kashkash on the successful defense of his dissertation. As a project engineer in bridge construction at CSZ, he completed his doctorate at the University of Pécs in Hungary under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Orban Zoltan. His research deals with sustainable recycled concrete, which uses recycled coarse aggregate, and provides valuable insights for concrete structures. In a short interview, he gives an insight into his work and shows the close link between science and practice.

Innovations in sustainable bridge construction
Dr. Kashkash’s dissertation is dedicated to the development of concrete made with recycled coarse aggregate. The central question is: How can recycled concrete be optimized to achieve the same performance as conventional concrete while providing environmental benefits?
One of the most important findings of his research is that high-strength concrete can be produced from recycled aggregate, which leads to a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions. Particularly exciting: by storing the recycled material for longer periods, CO₂ is naturally bound through natural carbonation. This opens up great potential for more sustainable construction.

Connection between science and practice
As a project engineer in bridge construction, Dr. Kashkash deals with the durability and resistance of concrete on a daily basis. His research makes an important contribution to the selective deconstruction planning of structures at the end of their service life. The aim is not only to recycle concrete demolition materials, but also to use them specifically for structural applications. This not only conserves resources, but also reduces the environmental impact of the construction industry.

Challenges and thanks
The biggest challenge on the way to his doctorate was balancing research, family and career. CSZ supported him by allowing him to reduce his weekly working hours in order to devote more time to his research.
We congratulate Dr. Kashkash on this great success and look forward to pursuing his innovative approaches to sustainable construction in practice. His work impressively demonstrates how scientific progress and practical engineering can go hand in hand.

Title of the dissertation:
“Sustainable Recycled Structural Concrete Design Incorporating Recycled Coarse Aggregate”