Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) has consolidated its research and service activities in the Department of Architecture, Wood and Construction. Unlike classical university institutes, the university focuses on practice-oriented projects that directly address the needs of the construction industry. What specific research fields does BFH work on, and how do the results flow into daily planning and construction practice?
Three research areas: From construction to process
BFH divides its research into three central areas. The first focus is on wood and timber construction. Here, engineers and researchers work on topics such as timber structures, new connection techniques, and prefabrication of building components. The Institute for Timber Construction and Wood Technology, for example, develops solutions for multi-story timber buildings, which are increasingly in demand in urban contexts as well.
The second area covers architecture and building culture. Researchers investigate, among other things, energetic renovation of existing buildings, climate-appropriate design strategies, and building culture issues in the alpine region. One focus is on façade systems that combine aesthetics, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Such projects are particularly relevant for architects dealing with serial renovation of existing buildings.
The third research area covers construction management and digital processes. Building Information Modeling (BIM), Lean Construction, and digital planning tools are at the center. The university develops methods that help accelerate construction processes, reduce costs, and improve collaboration between planners, clients, and executing companies. Such approaches are also of interest to companies like Implenia, which realize major infrastructure and building projects.
Application orientation: Research for practice
BFH emphasizes the application orientation of its projects. Many research projects emerge in cooperation with regional construction companies, planning offices, and building material manufacturers. One example is developments in the field of prefabricated timber building modules that are used on Swiss construction sites. Such modules reduce construction time and lower error rates on site because large parts of the construction are already manufactured under controlled conditions in the plant.
The university also works in a practice-oriented manner in the field of energetic renovation. Researchers develop concepts for the modernization of post-war buildings, which characterize the building stock in many Swiss cities. This involves insulation strategies that take into account building physics, fire protection, and monument protection requirements. Those dealing with a focus on sustainable construction will find directly implementable approaches here.
Who benefits from the research?
The target audiences for BFH research are diverse. Architecture and engineering offices use the findings for planning demanding projects. Construction companies implement new construction methods and digital processes to work more efficiently. Building material manufacturers benefit from material and product developments that are tested and validated at the university.
Public clients and municipalities also draw on BFH's expertise, for example when it comes to energetic renovation of public buildings or sustainable urban development. The university also operates its own testing hall where structures and building components are tested under realistic conditions. This infrastructure is an advantage for project partners who want to test prototype solutions before they go into mass production.
Digitalization and BIM as research focus
Another focus of BFH is on the digitalization of planning and construction processes. The university develops BIM-based workflows that bring together architects, specialized planners, and site managers in shared data models. The goal is to avoid information loss and ensure quality across all project phases.
The research is also aimed at smaller offices that often face the challenge of implementing BIM with limited resources. BFH develops lean implementation strategies and offers training tailored to the needs of Swiss SMEs. Those looking for entry into digital planning methods will find practical support here.
Timber construction as a strategic field
Timber construction plays a central role in BFH's research agenda. The university investigates not only static and building physics aspects, but also the value chain from forest to finished construction. Projects address the digitalization of cutting and prefabrication, new wood-based materials, and the reuse of structural timber in line with circular economy in building construction.
For planning offices and building clients who want to realize multi-story timber buildings, BFH offers consulting and feasibility studies. The university has laboratories for wood testing and experience in fire protection assessment of timber structures – topics that are often crucial when obtaining approvals for complex projects.
Research with regional anchoring
BFH is firmly anchored in the Swiss construction landscape. Many projects are created in collaboration with regional partners, which accelerates knowledge transfer. The university works, for example, with Swiss timber construction companies and planning offices that are looking for innovative concepts for residential and commercial projects.
The proximity to practice is also evident in teaching: BFH students work on real projects and bring research findings directly into construction practice. This linking of research, teaching, and practice is a unique feature of the university of applied sciences. Those who want to learn more about the architecture program at BFH will find further insights into the university's orientation there.
Outlook: What does the future hold?
BFH is continuously expanding its research capacity. Planned projects include adaptive façade systems that respond to weather conditions and modular renovation solutions for existing buildings. The integration of BIM with artificial intelligence is also on the agenda. Such developments could change planning practice in a few years and provide offices with new tools for AI-supported building planning.
For companies and planners interested in cooperation, BFH offers various entry points – from joint research projects to contract research to continuing education. The university sees itself as a bridge between science and practice and relies on long-term partnerships that bring concrete benefits to both sides.
