“Structural preservation is the lever for the turnaround towards a sustainable construction industry”
Prof. Dr. Lukas Henze is the new professor at TU Hamburg
08.06.2026
When concrete meets water, when historic buildings tell stories beyond steel and cement, that is where the story of structural preservation and sustainable construction technology begins. At this interface, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Lukas Henze serves as the new Professor for Structural Engineering at the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH). Henze comes with the clear goal not only to preserve buildings but also to strengthen the dialogue between engineering sciences and society. For him, sustainability is more than just a buzzword. Prof. Henze’s research focuses on one of the most pressing issues for the construction industry and climate protection: the structural preservation of existing buildings. The construction sector is a major contributor to CO₂ emissions and resource consumption. “The greatest leverage lies in what already exists,” says Henze. Instead of demolition and new construction, he relies on innovative methods to assess the actual load-bearing capacity of existing structures and uncover optimization potential. His research group works with real buildings as “living labs,” combining experimental investigations with state-of-the-art measurement technology and numerical simulations to reliably determine the safety and usability of existing buildings. Lukas Henze, born and raised in Herford (North Rhine-Westphalia), completed his studies in civil engineering and environmental technology with a focus on structural engineering at TU Hamburg (2002–2008). After initial professional years as a structural engineer and project manager at WP-Ingenieure in Hamburg, he returned to TU Hamburg in 2013 as a research associate. He demonstrated his passion for resilient structures also as the technical director for the new construction of the Lüneburg lock. Following a period as senior engineer at the Institute of Structural Engineering at TUHH, he then held a professorship for structural engineering and structural mechanics at the University of Oldenburg (2023–2026). Now Henze returns to his alma mater with fresh ideas.
Exchange with Sociology, Psychology, and Transformation
Research Another research focus of Lukas Henze is massive hydraulic engineering: he investigates the complex interaction between water and structures, particularly how water acts within cracks in hydraulic engineering structures. The findings aim to help better assess, preserve, and extend the lifespan of existing infrastructure such as locks and weirs. But Henze is not only concerned with technology. A transdisciplinary approach is important to him: “Anyone who really wants to change the construction sector must seek exchange with sociology, psychology, and transformation research.” To achieve effective change, he sees it as his task to combine engineering knowledge with a societal, holistic perspective. With his appointment to TUHH, Prof. Henze returns not only professionally to Hamburg — his family also benefits from the geographical proximity: “The constant commuting to Oldenburg is now over, creating new freedom and better focus.” Privately, despite the intensive development of his professorship, he tries to actively integrate sports into his daily routine. A challenge in times of change, which also motivates him. For Prof. Henze, TU Hamburg is not only a familiar place but also a stage for new paths. He looks forward to developing innovative research approaches together with students and colleagues and setting impulses for a sustainable construction culture. All with the knowledge that behind every building stand people, society, and the environment.
More information: https://www.tuhh.de/mb/home
TUHH - Public Relations Office
Elke Schulze
E-Mail: elke.schulze@tuhh.de
Phone: +49 30601 4040
