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)