Stephan Engelsmann

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stephan Engelsmann is Professor of Structural Design and Structural Mechanics in the Department of Architecture at the State Academy of Fine Arts Stuttgart since 2002 and Deputy Chairman of the Architecture Study Commission. He also serves as President of the Baden-Württemberg Chamber of Engineers since 2014 and co-founded Engelsmann Peters GmbH Consulting Engineers in 2006. His career uniquely bridges academic excellence and professional engineering practice across multiple disciplines.

His educational journey includes:

• Civil Engineering degree from Technical University of Munich (Dipl.-Ing., 1991)
• Research assistant at University of Stuttgart (1993-1998), earning Dr.-Ing. with dissertation on 'Integral concrete bridges'
• Architecture studies at University of Bath, UK (1998-1999), completing Master of Arts in Architectural Design with dissertation 'Rethinking the urban bridge as public space'

Prof. Engelsmann's research focuses on the creative intersection of structural engineering and architectural design, where he emphasizes that 'constructive design is a controlled interaction between reason and emotion.' His work spans structural theory, innovative construction methods, and the integration of artistic expression with technical precision. He specializes in lightweight structures, bridge design, and the use of advanced materials including plastics, glass, and concrete, with particular emphasis on sustainable building practices and resource efficiency.

His recent publications reveal a strong focus on innovative structural solutions for public infrastructure, particularly gridshell structures for shopping centers, elegant bridge designs, and sustainable construction methods. His work consistently explores the potential of unconventional materials and construction techniques, demonstrating how aesthetic considerations can be seamlessly integrated with structural efficiency in projects ranging from bus stations to cultural buildings.

His numerous awards reflect excellence across engineering and architectural design disciplines:

• Multiple Hugo Häring Auszeichnungen (2020) for library and military facility projects
• Staatspreis Baukultur Baden-Württemberg (2020, 2016)
• German Design Gold Winner (2018)
• Preis des Deutschen Ingenieurbaus (2016)
• Iconic Design Award (2016)
• Red Dot Award (2015)
• Elias-Holl-Preis (1986)

Throughout his career, Prof. Engelsmann has guided numerous student projects that bridge theory and practice, from the AKA seesaw (2011) to the UC°A Mobile climate adaptation project (2023). His teaching methodology emphasizes hands-on learning, with students developing and constructing innovative structures using materials ranging from traditional wood to advanced plastics. He has secured significant funding from organizations including the Baden-Württemberg Foundation to support research in sustainable construction and climate-adaptive architecture.

Prof. Engelsmann leads the 'Class for Structural Design and Structural Engineering' at the State Academy of Fine Arts Stuttgart, where he and his team explore the boundaries between architecture and engineering. His consulting firm, Engelsmann Peters GmbH, works on sophisticated structural projects worldwide. Current research focuses include pneumatic structures for sun protection systems, experimental clay construction, and innovative approaches to urban climate adaptation through structural design, continuing his decades-long commitment to merging artistic expression with engineering precision.