Efficiency vs. Creativity
Discussion Panel

Professor & Section Leader of Concrete Structures at TU Delft

Max Hendriks

Professor Hendriks has had an impressive journey through academia and research. He earned both his MSc. and PhD. from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology, setting the stage for a career focused on innovation and excellence. His love for math, evident in his teaching certification from the Faculty of Mathematics at the same university, shows his commitment to blending different fields.

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Today, Professor Hendriks is a respected figure in the world of concrete structures. He holds the title of Professor and Section Leader of Concrete Structures at TU Delft, serves as Editor-in-chief of the renowned trade journal Cement, and acts as Scientific Director of 4TU.Built Environment. His influence is felt not only in academia but also in industry. Additionally, his role as a professor at NTNU further cements his reputation as a leading expert in the field.

Team Lead and Senior Advisor Structural Design & Engineering at Arcadis

Meint Smith

With a focus on both public and private buildings, spanning from offices to stadiums and industrial structures, Meint Smith has carved out a reputation for excellence in his field. His specialties lie in the realms of steel and concrete design, progressive collapse analysis, non-linear calculations, and dynamic simulations, showcasing a multidisciplinary approach to solving complex engineering challenges.

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Among his notable projects stands the sustainable transformation of the Johan Cruijff ArenA, a testament to Meint's commitment to marrying structural integrity with environmental consciousness. Through meticulous design and engineering, the stadium underwent a substantial renovation, incorporating energy-efficient technologies such as solar panels while maintaining its iconic features and expanding its capacity for future generations of spectators.

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Furthermore, Meint's dedication to sustainable urban development shines through his involvement in the Urban Woods project in Delft. Recognizing the urgent need for environmentally friendly construction methods in rapidly growing cities, he has championed the use of innovative wooden structures as a viable alternative to traditional concrete buildings. This pioneering approach not only reduces carbon emissions but also fosters social cohesion among residents, illustrating Meint's holistic approach to engineering solutions.

Computational Architect and Structural Designer at TU Delft

Mariana Popescu

Mariana brings a wealth of expertise and a deep passion for innovation in construction methods and material usage to our discussion. Her journey has been marked by significant contributions to sustainable design, cutting across the fields of architecture, engineering, computational design, and digital fabrication.

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Before joining us here at TU Delft, Mariana honed her skills at the Block Research Group at ETH Zurich, where she earned her doctoral degree. Her pioneering research on KnitCrete, a groundbreaking formwork system using 3D knitting for intricate concrete shapes, has gained global recognition. Notably, her work on the KnitCandela shell showcases her innovative drive and commitment to pushing the boundaries of construction possibilities.

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Today, we are privileged to delve into her insights, exploring the transformative impact of her research and envisioning the future of sustainable construction.