Advancing digital innovation in the built environment.
The Building and Urban Informatics Lab is an interdisciplinary research hub advancing the digital transformation of the built environment. Bringing together expertise across architecture, construction, engineering, and urban and regional planning, the Lab develops new approaches to the design, construction and management of buildings, infrastructure and cities.
Our research focuses on digital tools, analytical methods and design approaches that support more sustainable, efficient and resilient built environments. Through expertise in computational design, urban analytics, digital construction and immersive technologies, we investigate complex built-environment systems and support more informed decision-making across the design, construction and planning lifecycle.
Working closely with industry, government and communities, the Lab translates research into practical solutions addressing critical challenges such as housing supply, sustainable construction, infrastructure planning and the future of cities.
Our work integrates computational and parametric design, artificial intelligence and GIS-based urban analytics, digital modelling and simulation, immersive technologies (VR/AR/XR), and digital prototyping and fabrication, supported by specialised facilities that enable researchers and students to prototype ideas, test scenarios and analyse complex spatial systems.
Research in the Lab focuses on several interconnected themes:
- Artificial intelligence and urban analytics for cities and infrastructure
- Built environment sensing and Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring
- Computational design and design cognition
- Construction safety and training
- Digital heritage and virtual environments
- Digital twins and data-driven built environments
- Healthy, inclusive and resilient communities
- Housing systems, policy and urban development
- Human experience and sensory environments in architecture and cities
- Immersive technologies for design, construction and planning (VR, AR and XR)
- Infrastructure, mobility and road safety
- Modern methods of construction and digital construction
- Sustainable and circular construction and decarbonisation
Through interdisciplinary collaboration and advanced digital technologies, the Lab aims to shape the next generation of sustainable, intelligent and human-centred built environments.