Digital Fabrication in the age of COVID

The challenges of the national COVID lockdown have affected all aspects of academic and everyday life across Switzerland and the world. Despite our focus on the digitisation of construction, most research within the NCCR Digital Fabrication is intrinsically physical, requiring strong interdisciplinary and interpersonal collaborations. Researchers of the NCCR Digital Fabrication have been working remotely since mid-March, and are now planning a slow and well-coordinated resumption of on-site, in-person experimentation work that follows all guidelines for safety and physical distancing.

As we now move forward, our academic context and the way that the world operates has changed. Potential for a new paradigm of work is emerging; one where digital tools and remote collaborations are vital parts of the workplace, but also where social and economic stabilities can be steadied against unforeseen impacts. Through our innovations in science, technology and creativity, we are confident that NCCR Digital Fabrication research, and its researchers, will contribute strongly to support the development of architecture and society as we emerge into the “new normal”.

At this time, we thank all our researchers, staff, and partners for their support and hard work in keeping the NCCR‘s network strong, and we extend our wish that all of our members and friends remain healthy and safe.