Workshop Subprojects B2, C2 und D2 – “Network Theories “

On November 25, 2022, a one-day workshop was held at the Technical University of Munich, which focused on an introduction to actor-network theory and the limits of its applicability in network research in the history of civil engineering. It was open to all SPP members and was jointly organized by the subprojects Plank Trusses (D2), Historic Concrete Repairs (B2) and Physical Models in Civil Engineering (C2).

The invited speakers presented examples from their research practice and introduced their methodological approach in relation to theories such as actor-network theory (ANT).

After a descriptive introduction to ANT, the engagement with concrete examples enabled the discussion of necessary prerequisites, limitations and extensions of this and related theories with a view to the elaboration of a research methodology. In addition, the workshop dealt with the difficulties and possibilities of visualizing and communicating the results of network research. Limits and advantages of actor-structure models and the use of graph databases were the thematic focus here.

The final panel discussion addressed, in a broader sense, the potential of engaging with theories such as ANT: the focus here was on the connectivity of engineering research projects to other disciplines.

The aim of the workshop was to acquire a basic understanding of actor-network theory and its applicability to research projects with a focus on the history of building technology, the visualization and communication of network research results, and to enable participants to exchange ideas on the basic principles and challenges of network research in their respective subprojects.

In preparation for the workshop, selected texts were sent to the participants as PDF files so that an introduction to the topic was possible in advance.

Speakers:
– Dr. Thomas Schuetz (University of Stuttgart; SPP subproject Innovation System of the Steel Industry/ C1)
– Dr. Franziska Klemstein (Bauhaus University Weimar, Digital Humanities)
– Dr. Tobias Möllmer (Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck)
– Dr. Christa Kamleithner (University of Konstanz)

Moderation:
– Dr. Christa Kamleithner (University of Konstanz)
– Dr. Tino Schlinzig (ETH Zurich, ETH Housing Forum)

Venue and date of the event:
Technische Universität München
Friday, 25. November 2022; arrival the day before
Start: 9:30 / End: approx. 16:00

Further Veranstaltung, Workshop Aktivitäten