Areas/ Themes

Built Environment (BE) and construction management

Building Information Modelling, Digitalization, Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing for BE, Productization and products for BE (modular construction, building accessories and equipment)

Design and design management

Design computing and cognition (Decision making, Decision Support Systems, Learning technologies, Design methodology), Elements and principles of design, Dimensions of designs

Innovation and innovation management

Innovation ecosystem (Product development and entrepreneurship), Multidisciplinary collaboration, Systemic innovation (Product Service Systems, Sharing in design), Thinking paradigms (Design thinking, computational thinking, systems thinking)

TOPICS

Digital infrastructure for the built environment
Future of spaces, modular construction, and industry 4.0 in construction
Situation Awareness in built environment and construction projects
Developing BIM thinking/ thinking for digitalization in construction
Thinking paradigms: design thinking, systems thinking, computational thinking
Developing an understanding of the dimensions of design
Methodologies for ‘Design for X’, e.g., Design for sharing and resource efficiency, Design for persuasion, etc.
Algorithmic design
Agent-based modelling of social systems for what-if studies
Information and knowledge management

METHODOLOGY

The research group applies a range of research methodologies, depending on the problem context. Some of the common methodologies used across different projects include
Data Collection Procedure
  • Ethnographic and qualitative studies, including action research, habitat studies and market research
  • Model and design-driven studies, including simulations and proof of concepts
  • Data-driven studies and insights
  • Studies based on theoretical arguments, abduction, reflective models, and thought experiments
Data Computation & Modelling
  • Field-based studies and observations
  • Controlled Lab experiments
  • Computer-based simulations and what-if studies
  • Design Science Research Methodology
  • Scenario modelling
  • Agile Software Development Methodology
Data Computation & Modelling
  • Statistical methods such as regression trend analysis, ANOVA, factor analysis, etc.
  • Verbal Protocol Analysis/ Video Protocol Analysis
  • Text Analysis/ Content Analysis/ Thematic analysis/ Sentiment Analysis
  • Various machine learning techniques

Infrastructure

Computing resources
BIM and engineering design software
Smart interactive boards
Biosensing and EEG kit
Eye-tracking glasses
HTC VIVE Pro VR Headsets
Eye-tracking add-ons HTC VIVE
Audio-video recording devices
2-Ton overhead crane
Engineering hand tools and safety gear