Portrait

The National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Digital Fabrication was a Swiss initiative to lead the development and integration of digital technologies within the fields of architecture and construction. Operating from 2014 to 2026 this NCCR engaged over 500 interdisciplinary researchers and participants and produced significant innovations and projects to validate the seamless combination of digital technologies and physical building processes in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction sectors. Research developed within the NCCR DFAB has positioned  Switzerland in a leading position within the global field of digital fabrication.

Towards a Digital Building Culture

Initiated at ETH Zurich, the NCCR DFAB was partnered with EPF Lausanne, the Hochschule für Technik Rapperswil, the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the Bern University of Applied Sciences, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) and Empa. To fully leverage the potential of digital fabrication, the following seven disciplines collaborated intensively within the NCCR Digital Fabrication: architecture, civil engineering, mechanical and robotics engineering, materials science, computer science, control systems engineering and work and organisational psychology.

Due to the complex and interdisciplinary nature of the architecture and construction disciplines, great emphasis was placed on collaboration in research and projects. By engaging experts across many fields - including robotics, engineering, material science, computer science and design -  research was developed robustly and competently to respond to the complex requirements of real-world applications and industry partners.

All research projects within the NCCR Digital Fabrication engaged designers, engineers and scientists. NCCR Demonstrator projects were developed to validate innovations in materials, technologies and processes Such full scale implementation projects are made possible through engaged collaborations with our wide range of external partners from both industry and society.

The National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCRs)

NCCRs are cross-disciplinary research networks funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). NCCRs support research in areas of strategic importance for the future of Swiss science, economy and society. NCCRs may be funded for a period of up to 12 years, and engage researchers and external partners from across Switzerland.