Built Environment Research Strategy 2030
The Department of the Built Environment has launched its Research Strategy 2030, providing a shared direction for our research ambitions in the years ahead. Building on our department's unique strengths and interdisciplinary culture, the strategy outlines how we will continue to contribute to scientific excellence, societal impact, and innovation at regional, national, and international levels.
At the heart of the strategy is a clear and ambitious mission: Driving sustainability transitions.
As researchers and educators, we aim to contribute to a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive built environment. Whether through curiosity-driven discoveries or mission-driven innovation, our work is guided by a commitment to serving society and creating impact.
The strategy reaffirms our role in educating responsible engineers and designers, advancing scientific knowledge, empowering professionals, and supporting sustainable innovation. It also strengthens our position within the Brainport region, while contributing to challenges and opportunities across the Netherlands, Europe, and beyond.
What makes BE unique?
The Department of the Built Environment occupies a distinctive position, nationally and internationally. Few departments bring together such a broad spectrum of expertise under one roof, combining engineering and technology with design, planning, and human behavior perspectives.
Collaboration across these disciplines is part of our identity. From the scale of materials and components to buildings, neighborhoods, and cities, we work together to address complex societal challenges that cannot be solved from a single disciplinary perspective.
Our research spans multiple disciplines, including:
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Architecture and urban design
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Urban planning and development and Real estate management
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Building physics and building services
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Structural design and applied mechanics and Construction technology
Four strategic research themes
At the Department of the Built Environment we take a broad view of sustainability, bringing together environmental, economic and socio-technological perspectives. Our research contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and focuses on four interrelated strategic research themes.
Research themes
- Net-Zero Cities
Research aimed at accelerating the transition towards climate-neutral cities through integrated solutions for energy, infrastructure, mobility, and the built environment.
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Circular Futures
Developing knowledge and innovations that enable the responsible use and reuse of materials, resources, and buildings, supporting a circular economy.
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Future-Proof Construction
Advancing construction methods, technologies, and systems that increase resilience, adaptability, efficiency, and long-term value.
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Healthy, Inclusive Environments
Creating built environments that promote health, well-being, accessibility, and social inclusion for diverse communities.
Together, these themes provide a framework for addressing complex sustainability challenges and supporting a more sustainable future.
Across all four themes, Responsible Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence are identified as key enabling technologies that can help us address complex challenges while ensuring ethical and responsible implementation.
Working together across research units
The strategy builds on the complementary strengths of the department's four units:
- Architectural Urban Design and Engineering (AUDE)
- Building Physics and Services (BPS)
- Structural Engineering and Design (SED)
- Urban Systems and Real Estate (USRE)
By strengthening collaboration across these units, the department aims to create new opportunities for interdisciplinary research, attract strategic partnerships and funding, and increase the visibility and impact of our work.
Over the coming months, we will share more stories, initiatives, and examples connected to the four strategic themes and the role they play in shaping the future of our department.