Dr.-Ing. Switbert Greiner

1965

Graduation in Bad-Hersfeld "Abitur" (equivalent of A-Levels)

1967

Industrial placement in domestic and bridge building

1967-1973

Structural engineering studies at the TH Darmstadt, specializing in construction engineering

1974

Employee at Philipp Holzmann AG, Frankfurt, in the department for reinforced concrete bridge construction: development of computer programmes for the calculation of reinforced concrete, according to the DIN 1045 standard, structural analysis of reinforced concrete bridges

1982

PhD in engineering, topic of doctoral thesis: “Membrane structures made of thin sheet metal”, assessor and co-assessor being Profs. Jörg Schlaich and Frei Otto

1975-1983

Scientific employee at the University of Stuttgart in Prof. Dr.-lng. Drs. h.c. Jörg Schlaich’s institute, “Sonder-forschungsbereich 64 - wide-span surface structures“. Domain: membrane construction with special emphasis on sheet-metal membranes, development of a new metal membrane building method based on the plastic stretching capacity of sheet metal, bi-axial material experiments on stainless steel metal, development of a procedure for non-linear calculation of plastic shape forming, development of a novel welding technique for connecting very long strips of metals on construction sites, teaching experience while supervising graduate theses

1982-1984

Independent work as a consultant in Prof. Schlaich’s office: form optimization of solar reflectors with a diameter of 17m, programming of numerical analysis for the shaping of solar reflectors, calculation of the intensity of sun-ray distribution, assessment of adapted technologies in the building industry

1984-1986

Staff member of Prof, Dr.-lng. Drs. h.c. Frei Otto’s institute.

1987-1990

Continued collaboration on solar energy projects in Prof. Schlaich’s office.

1991

Development of an exterior cladding construction for a modern temple in India, paying particular attention to local building materials and techniques

1990-1993

Planning of structural space frames (in own office and in cooperation with engineering firms in Stuttgart) for industrial, domestic and public construction

1994-1996

Planning of mosque domes in Turkmenistan and Malaysia, supervision of production and on-site erection

1993-1997

Collaboration with the office of Dr. Bodo Rasch, SL GmbH in Oberaichen: leading position in the calculation and construction of foldable umbrellas up to 530m² and tent structures

1998

Founding of the engineering office in Oberaichen with emphasis on lightweight structures, complex space structures and works of art

2005

Founding of ArtEngineering GmbH