Anja Markwart, Civil Engineer

 

"​​It's so simple, just do it."

 

 This is one of the key notes from Architect Thomas Kauertz and Civil Engineer Anja Markwart, both assistant lecturers at the HAWK (University of Applied Sciences and Arts) in Hildesheim, Germany, since 2000. Anja and Tom encourage students to think outside the paper and attempt unique and unusual designs. They are a living example of how the teamwork between Architects and Civil Engineers should be part of any working environment — creative, with mutual respect and trust. There is no other way. Architects and Civil Engineers need each other. Many of their projects start with the aim to be built at the end — and with the idea that nothing is impossible: Paper Bridge Project – Architect / Civil Engineer student teams should design a 1.5 meter bridge out of newspapers, fastened only with strips of tape. The bridges are to be built in front of a live audience. The winning bridge could carry a weight of 320 kg. Paper Boat Project – Same team composition, the same material set up, but a different goal — for a boat race in a public pool the teams should design and build paper boats that can be used several times