“Gorbitz Makes You Smart!” – Our Faculty Wows the Crowd at the Westhangfest

Opportunities to give the general public exciting insights into the day-to-day work of civil engineers are invaluable. On June 13, 2026, we had just such an opportunity: at the long-standing Westhangfest in Dresden-Gorbitz.

© Stefan Gröschel

Under this year’s motto , “Gorbitz Makes You Smart!,” the neighborhood festival transformed into a colorful promenade full of hands-on activities and informational offerings for young and old alike. Right in the middle of it all was the booth for the Faculty of Civil Engineering, which quickly proved to be a real crowd-pleaser.

Hands-On Science and Interactive Experiences

Our institutes specializing in building construction, concrete structures, and construction materials had prepared a variety of hands-on activities for the occasion. Visitors were able to not only see research in action but also experience it firsthand:

• Hands-on load testing: Using a carbon-fiber-reinforced concrete beam, we demonstrated how strain gauges detect even the tiniest deformations, thereby contributing to the intelligent monitoring of structures.

• For the little researchers: A lovingly designed “touch box” invited children to playfully feel and compare different insulation materials.

• Action with the CARE Cluster of Excellence: The CARE team was on hand with a paper-thin concrete trampoline, a tricky building materials quiz, and a concrete canoe splash pool—a quirky highlight for young and old alike.

© Stefan Gröschel

Conclusion: Even the weather played along—or perhaps not: Despite a heavy downpour at the start, our booth was packed with people all day long. It was a blast to share our enthusiasm for our research topics. A heartfelt thank you to the organizers (especially Omse e. V. and EWG Dresden), everyone involved, and the curious guests—we’re already looking forward to next time!

The Westhangfest: More Than Just a Tradition in Gorbitz

The Westhangfest is far more than just a typical neighborhood festival—it’s a true community project. Since 2007, a wide variety of stakeholders from Dresden-Gorbitz have been contributing their ideas here. With its family-friendly, cozy, and diverse atmosphere, the festival has developed over the past nearly two decades into a staple highlight on Dresden’s calendar of events, attracting over 7,500 guests annually. The annual theme, which changes every year, is the festival’s special highlight, sparking a huge wave of creativity among organizers and participants each time.