The DigiBE group aims to address the major challenges of the built environment through applications of state-of-the-art digital technologies. However, the research undertaken by this group is not just technology-centric but also aims to develop innovative processes that could be facilitated by digital technologies. The research group’s work spans a wide spectrum of research topics impacting design, construction, operations, and management.
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Welcome to the Digital Built Environment (DigiBE) Research Group
Located within the School of Architecture and Built Environment at Northumbria University, the DigiBE research group is dedicated to pioneering advancements in the built environment through cutting-edge digital innovation and sustainable practices. Research in DigiBE spans the full lifecycle of built assets across Architecture (A) and Engineering (E), Construction (C), Operation (O) and Deconstruction (D) - AECOD—and scales from individual buildings to urban and city-wide initiatives.
Multi- and inter-disciplinary team of academics (around 23) and PhD researchers (about 10) explore key themes in green design, construction management, digital design and engineering, facilities management, sustainable materials and smart technologies to foster a sustainable built environment where people live and work.
Key areas of expertise include
Digital twins
Blockchain
Smart contracts
Building Information Modelling
IFC standards
Sustainability
Circular economy
Green infrastructure and eco-friendly buildings
Climate resilience
IoT (Internet of Things)
Machine learning and deep learning.
Inclusivity in AECOD is prioritized in DigiBE, with research into homes designed for aging population and allergen-free materials. The DigiBE group is committed to bridging the gap between the new theories and knowledge generation and the society and industry, via research and innovation on the top of information dissemination, training, education, and knowledge transfer
DigiBE’s influence is extended through partnerships with major organizations, governmental bodies, and industry leaders worldwide. Researchers in DigiBE have led several UK, EU and international research projects and have been consultants for governments, city councils and other public and private entities nationally and internationally.
The group activities are to support and enhance the economic, environmental, and social performance of the built environment. The DigiBE group invites you to explore its work and engage with its vision of a digitally enabled, resilient, and inclusive built environment.
Research and Innovation Domains are:
1. Construction Management & Process Innovation
Construction management
Contract administration
Digitalization of contractual processes
Procurement processes
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)
Quality Assurance and Control
Data integrity and compliance.
Workflow orchestration
2. Digital Design and Construction
BIM (Building Information Modeling) and IFC (Industry Foundation Classes)
Blockchain and smart contracts
Reality capture and digital technologies
Design visualization
Digital navigation of design processes
Digital twins
IoT (Internet of Things)
Machine learning
Computer networks
Human-data interaction
Decision Support Systems
3. Sustainability & Circular Economy
Sustainability
Circular economy
Climate change
Carbon footprint
Energy efficiency
Water management
Waste reduction and management
Critical Infrastructure Resilience
4. Urban Development & Smart Cities
Urban mobility
Public participation in urban planning
Smart and connected buildings
Digital management of infrastructure assets
Urban regeneration and real estate planning
Asset and Facility Management (Maintenance Operations)
5. Inclusive Living & Health
Inclusive living (homes for the aging population)
Non-allergen construction processes and materials
Healthcare facility management
6. Advanced Data Science & Analytics
Cognitive digital twins
Deep learning
External Collaborators Include:
Class Of Your Own Limited
Construction Blockchain Consortium
The International Centre for Connected Construction (IC3)
Okana, (UK)
Space Architects UK
CESI (France)
PTEC (Spain)
Uni New Brunswick (Canada)
Simsoft (Turkiye)
Costain Group (UK)
Group leadership and contacts
Academic team
Group Postgraduate Members:
Research relationships
This group is a part of the University’s multi-disciplinary research into the theme of Digital Living.
Research from this group will be submitted to REF2028 under UoA 13: Architecture, Built Environment and Planning.
We are co-founder of an award winning global consultancy, BIM Academy Enterprises Ltd, a recognised centre of excellence in BIM and Digital Construction providing consultancy, research, software development, training and education in the UK and worldwide.
To view research papers emanating from this group, please click here to view Northumbria Research Link, our open access repository of research output from Northumbria University.
