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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07.05.2025
NCCR DFAB alumnus Dr. Matthias Leschok recently spoke to Grauzone, the Swiss online magazine for sustainable construction with precast concrete products, about SAEKI’s mission and how it was shaped by his experience within the NCCR Digital Fabrication.
14.04.2025
MAS ETH DFAB alumnus Shaun Wu is now working in Singapore’s dynamic construction and engineering sector, applying his expertise in digital fabrication and computational design. He reflects on how the experience of exploring, experimenting, and discovering his passions has been pivotal in shaping…
13.03.2025
How do women navigate careers in robotics? What challenges and opportunities shape their journeys? These were the key questions at the latest Women in Robotics event, hosted by NCCR DFAB, where speakers shared their career paths and insights with fellow women in the field.
12.03.2025
A new Digital Building Technologies centre opens in Mulegns, Switzerland. Led by the Origen Foundation, ETH Zurich, NCCR Digital Fabrication, and industry partners, it will showcase sustainable, innovative construction methods.
11.03.2025
The NCCR DFAB spin-off, SAEKI, has secured $6.5M in seed funding to accelerate the development of its digital fabrication platform and to expand its business capabilities and operating model. This funding round marks a pivotal step in transforming cutting-edge research into market-ready technology.
07.03.2025
Helen Oleynikova is a senior researcher at the Autonomous Systems Lab at ETH Zurich. When she started her research, she was often the only woman in the room. Over the years, she has witnessed a shift as more women enter the field of robotics. But while progress is being made, challenges remain.
04.03.2025 - 05.02.2025
On its tenth anniversary, The D-ARCH ETH Parity Talks aims to reflect on where the parity and diversity project stand - and – equally important, what is yet to be done? The extended programme of Lectures, Plenary programmes an workshops take place at ETH Hoenggerberg on March 4 and 5, 2025.
14.11.2024
On the morning of 14 November 2023, ETH Zurich will open the doors to the world of science for children! They will have the opportunity to discover a range of interesting projects as part of the NCCR DFAB programme.Please note that the places in the NCCR DFAB programme are already fully booked this year.
05.11.2024 - 07.11.2024
The Future of Construction Symposium 2024 is taking place 5–7 November 2024 at the Academy of Architecture in Mendrisio, Switzerland. This year, the symposium will be themed “Making the Past Productive” and it is organised by the professorship on Fabrication and Material Aware Architecture at the USI Università della Svizzera italiana and the Chair of Construction Heritage…
14.09.2024 - 15.09.2024
Construction, as any act of making, can suffer from unpredictability, thus, requiring on-the-fly adjustments. Recent advancements in construction robotics are mostly limited to predefined construction plans with few breakthroughs for unstructured environments.…
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 highlight the important…
11.06.2024
Innovative technologies are revolutionising the construction industry. This is why Innovation Zurich, ETH Zurich and NCCR Digital Fabrication are inviting visitors to the "Innovative Bautechnologien" event at the Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich.Digitalisation is progressing rapidly and is not stopping at the construction industry. But what technologies are…