Initiated in 2014, the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Digital Fabrication aims to revolutionise architecture through the seamless combination of digital technologies and physical building processes. Over 60 researchers from six different academic disciplines collaborate to develop ground-breaking technologies for tomorrow’s construction. Their research allows Switzerland to take a leading position within the global field of digital fabrication. The NCCR Digital Fabrication is the first NCCR focused on architecture and construction funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). Initiated at ETH Zurich, it is partnered with EPF Lausanne, the Hochschule für Technik Rapperswil, the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the Bern University of Applied Sciences and Empa.
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24.11.2023
Researchers within the NCCR DFAB used an autonomous excavator to build a six metre high and sixty-five metre long dry stone wall. The wall is embedded in a digitally planned and autonomously excavated landscape and park named Circularity Park.
15.11.2023
The NCCR DFAB supported the organisation and implementation of this year's Swiss Robotics Day in Zurich and presented numerous research projects to the visitors.
14.11.2023
The Swiss National Future Day has a long tradition at the NCCR Digital Fabrication. Every year, we invite children aged 10 to 13 to explore the world of digital fabrication together with our researchers and employees.
13.11.2023
At the latest NCCR DFAB Sustainability Workshop, researchers immersed themselves in the world of sustainability in digital fabrication. The aim of the workshop was to provide participants with the knowledge and tools they need to integrate LCA into their projects.
07.11.2023
The Block Research Group’s low carbon circular floors can be seen in the 3sat documentary film about the future of construction.
30.10.2023
Cadenza, the helical concrete stair of the STEP2 Unit, has been installed at NEST in Dübendorf, Switzerland. This innovative architectural feature is a product of collaborative research led by the Chair of Digital Building Technologies at ETH Zurich.
21.05.2024 - 24.05.2024
Philippe Fleischmann is Head of the Industrial Robotics and Automation Department in the Robotic Fabrication Lab (RFL). This summer, he travelled to Ottawa (Canada) for a sabbatical to help set up the Carleton Sensory Architecture and Liminal Technologies (CSALT) Lab at Carlton University. This…
26.08.2024 - 30.08.2024
The NCCR Digital Fabrication, in collaboration with ETH Zürich, is pleased to host the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS) annual symposium on 26-30 August 2024. The theme of IASS 2024 is “Redefining the Art of Structural Design” which will…
09.11.2023
On the morning of 9 November 2023, ETH Zurich will open doors to the world of science for kids! They will have the opportunity to discover an array of interesting projects within the NCCR DFAB.Please not that places on the NCCR DFAB programme are already fully booked this year.
03.11.2023
Swiss Robotics Day is Switzerland’s premier exhibition on robotics for service sectors. It brings together professionals and enthusiasts, fostering connections, sharing ideas, creating business opportunities, and attracting talent.
26.10.2023
Swissnex in San Francisco is celebrating its 20th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the centre is launching a new initiative on the future of cities with a series of events on future thinking. The aim of the initiative is to develop new solutions for healthier and more successful living in cities. An event will be held in Zurich on 26 October.…
14.09.2023 - 16.09.2023
HIGH-TECH HERITAGE: (IM)PERMANENCE OF INNOVATIONThe conference focuses on High-Tech Architecture of the 1970s to the 1990s as heritage, aiming to create an architectural-historical basis for further research on their preservation. This offers the opportunity to discuss the examples that have already been…