Future of Construction Insight with Russell Loveridge

The Future of Construction Symposium explores how technological innovations are reshaping design and building. Its fourth edition will be held at ETH Zurich, co-hosted by the NCCR DFAB and Design++. Ahead of the event, Russell Loveridge, Managing Director of NCCR DFAB and coordinator of FoC26, reflects on this year’s theme: Construction of Future/s.

Russell, what does the end of the NCCR DFAB mean for the FoC Community?

The Future of Construction Symposium was initiated by postdocs, including those from the NCCR DFAB - specifically an architect, a civil engineer, and a roboticist - reflecting DFAB’s interdisciplinary roots. Since 2022, DFAB alumni have hosted the symposium: first at ETH Zurich, then TU München with Prof. Kathrin Dörfler, and most recently at USI Mendrisio with Prof. Ena Lorett-Fritschi. In 2026, the series returns to ETH Zurich as the final event of the NCCR DFAB. Its continued success demonstrates the strength of our alumni network and the engagement of the Future of Construction community. This network is robust, and we are already in discussions regarding the venue and topics for Future of Construction 2028.

How is the conclusion of the NCCR DFAB tying in with the topic of convergence?

The NCCR DFAB concludes its 12-year mandate in May. When we began, robotics and large-scale 3D printing were only emerging in construction practice; today these topics are widely established in research and startups and industry adoption of innovations are established and successful. The focus of “over the horizon” innovation has now since shifted toward AI, ML, XR, and advanced human–machine collaboration. Design++ (the Center for Augmented Computational Design in Architecture, Engineering and Construction) was established at ETH Zurich to address these topics and has become a mature and valued research partner of DFAB. As the NCCR concludes, digital fabrication is converging with these emerging technologies, generating new augmented processes that redefine design and making. The FoC26 symposium explores this convergence and the new potential it creates for creative, sustainable, and effective architecture and construction.

What do you look forward to personally during the symposium?

I’m excited to reconnect with our community. The people of NCCR DFAB are the most important outcome of our 12 years of research, forming an exceptional alumni network across academia, practice, and industry that extends our impact well beyond Switzerland. Beyond our alumni, the NCCR DFAB has had a huge influence on other researchers, programmes and industry experts in this field for over 12 years. This broader community forms the FoC network, united by a shared interest in innovative research for AEC. The FoC symposia brings us together, and it will be a pleasure to reconnect with the many friends and collaborators we have met over the years.

Until the symposium begins in May, we will be regularly asking the organisers questions on topics surrounding Construction of Future/s. Those interviewed are each affiliated with either the NCCR DFAB or Design++. Find more information on the symposiums website.