Nico Reinhardt

Dr. Nico Reinhardt is a researcher at the Offenbach am Main University of Art and Design, affiliated with the School of Design and Department of Design. His work explores the role of materials in product design processes, focusing on how material properties can trigger creative action and influence form, function, and sustainability strategies. His research draws on historical design movements such as the Deutscher Werkbund, Bauhaus, and HfG Ulm, emphasizing the enduring relevance of material-driven design despite shifting paradigms in aesthetics and industrial production.

Supervised by Prof. Dr. Bernhard E. Bürdek and Prof. Dr. Markus Holzbach, Reinhardt’s doctoral thesis investigates pathways for sustainable design by analyzing the interplay between material systems, processing techniques, and their impact on the entire design cycle. His work bridges theoretical discourse with practical applications, addressing contemporary challenges in material innovation and ecological responsibility.