Lecture Series: Building in Diversity - Interculturality and Diversity in Architecture and Civil Engineering
IFMB2 - International Professionals for the Berlin-Brandenburg Metropolitan Region. Promoting international talent for integration into studies and the labour market.
Innovation in the construction industry often arises where different perspectives, experiences and cultural backgrounds come together. Architecture and Civil Engineering benefit in a special way from international experience, diverse competences and interdisciplinary perspectives. They expand planning approaches, promote innovative solutions and contribute to shaping a sustainable and future-proof building culture.
The series thus offers a platform for understanding interculturality and diversity in the construction industry as a resource. It combines current issues with future-oriented solutions and opens up international comparative perspectives. The involvement of alumni and representatives from business, politics and science creates a dialogue between research, practice and social development.
Find out more about the IFMB2 project here.
Funded by: FIT - Förderung internationaler Talente zur Integration in Studium und Arbeitsmarkt - Funded by the DAAD with funds from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).
15/04/2026, 5.00 pm – 7.00 pm
Strategies for attracting and retaining Female Specialists in the Construction Industry
Using examples from German construction companies, approaches are presented that aim to specifically increase the attractiveness of the industry for women. The lecture will provide insights into the key findings of qualitative interviews as well as practical recommendations for action for companies in the construction and engineering sectors.
Dr Mohamed El-Asmer, CBB Construction Building Brandenburg GmbH
29/04/2026, 5.00 pm – 7.00 pm
Working in Germany: Experience Reports from International Students and Graduates in the Field of Civil Engineering
International Students and Graduates provide Insights into their Practical Experiences in Germany.
13/05/2026, 5.00 pm – 7.00 pm
Transculturality in Architecture and Construction - celebrating Empowerment and Diversity!
How can we successfully and authentically meet the cultural challenges of starting a career in architecture and construction as international employees? What competences and strengths do we need in a world in which cultures are constantly and rapidly changing and multinational work teams are a new standard?
We want to address these questions together and gain new insights as a result.
Keynote speech and workshop
Jasmine Ghandtchi - Lecturer in German and intercultural communication, author
27/05/2026, 5.00 pm – 7.00 pm
Making Accessibility attractive - The "Design for All" Concept
How can equal access be designed without deficit-orientated special solutions and as attractive added value for everyone? The "Design for All" concept offers the opportunity to rethink architecture, open space and mobility and to meet people in their diversity at eye level. Practical examples show the potential for accessibility and inclusion.
Mathias Knigge, grauwert, office for inclusion and demographically sound solutions
10/06/2026, 5.00 pm – 7.00 pm
The Importance of Networks and Trade Unions for Architecture and Civil Engineering
Networks and trade unions, especially those with a focus on women or other structurally marginalised groups, can enable cohesion, empower and influence professional policy developments.
Which such networks and trade unions exist in architecture and Civil Engineering in Germany and internationally? What work do they do and where do they start? How can we get involved and what do we need for the future?
Hannah Dziobek, Alumna Architecture and Urban Design (BA), Urban Studies (M.Sc.)
24/06/2026, 5.00 pm – 7.00 pm
Railway Construction among Northern European neighbours - Cultural Differences and Similarities
Two specific projects in Norway (tendering) and Denmark (realisation) are used to describe the cooperation with local partners. Complex projects in the state railway systems of BANENOR and Banedanmark require exact coordination and precise execution within tight time frames.
The lecture focuses on coordination and cooperation in international teams as a critical success factor - empathy/expertise/professional execution.
Torsten Völker, SPITZKE SE
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Department of Civil Engineering
