The Institute of Structures and Design

The Institute of Structures and Design has set itself a major goal: to lighten the future. At our sites in Stuttgart and Augsburg, we develop high-performance structures for the aerospace, automotive engineering and energy technology sectors that go above and beyond the standards set by conventional developments and deliver real technological advances.

Our work is based on the interplay between high-performance, temperature-resistant materials and the very latest digital technology. This combination allows us to develop new construction methods that open up previously unimagined possibilities in lightweight construction in the areas of assembly, system integration and recycling.

In our five departments and our close, strategic cooperation with the Institute of Materials Research, we push forward technical progress on a daily basis. From the materials we use through to the demonstrators we construct and the automated production processes we develop, we always rely on solutions that are climate friendly, efficient and conserve resources.

INNOVATION IS THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN PEOPLE AND TECHNOLOGY. WE COMBINE AN INSPIRATIONAL TEAM SPIRIT WITH FORWARD- LOOKING INFRASTRUCTURE. THIS ALLOWS US TO ALWAYS STAY ONE STEP AHEAD.

Our mission

Where conventional developments hinder progress in high-risk areas, we open up previously unimagined paths in lightweight construction. Thanks to our unbridled enthusiasm for research, revolutionary approaches and uncon ventional construction methods, we help our industrial partners to achieve technological breakthroughs. In this way, we help to increase Germany's competitiveness and make aerospace, like other areas of technology, more resource-efficient, climate-friendly, and efficient – and thus more sustainable for the future.

Our vision

Revolutionary technologies for aerospace, mobility and energy technology are created because we as an organisation provide optimal conditions for them. When expanding our technical capabilities, we include the entire process chain – starting with the material, through the production of lightweight structures, to full-scale prototyping and integrated data management. We develop our own working methods and digital tools, thereby promoting an open, inspired and lively institute culture. By harmonising technology, people and our organisation, we create a place where we play a decisive role in addressing the great challenges facing the aerospace industry. With this vision, we integrate ourselves into the programmes and strategies of the German Aerospace Center.

We lighten. Everything.

Departments

Social Media

Contact

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Heinz Voggenreiter

Head of Institute
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Structures and Design
Pfaffenwaldring 38-40, 70569 Stuttgart

Nicole Lützenburger

Managing director
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Structures and Design
Pfaffenwaldring 38-40, 70569 Stuttgart

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Kupke

Vice Director
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Structures and Design
Pfaffenwaldring 38-40, 70569 Stuttgart

Maike Busch

Head of Marketing
German Aerospace Center
Institute of Structures and Design
Pfaffenwaldring 38-40, 70569 Stuttgart