Main research topics
Comprehensive assessment and evolution
Existing knowledge will be expanded in order to better understand how the built environment functions and to better predict evolutionary trends. This will make it possible to elaborate or improve suitable concepts and models for the development of the built environment.
The central issues are the following:
- How can the way the built environment functions be understood, explained, described and modelled?
- What strategies should be applied to the development of the built environment?
- How can all aspects of sustainability be integrated into an holistic approach to the development of the built environment?
Creative and integrated design and planning
The goal is to develop and test methods, techniques, organisational forms and incentives that will help to integrate the principles of sustainability into the design and planning of the built environment.
Central issues:
- How does the existing development process, including the roles and strategies of architects, engineers, developers, planners, the construction sector and infrastructure providers, determine the design and planning of the built environment?
- What impact does the development process have on sustainability?
- What influence do politics and regulatory and social changes have?
Effective operation and management
The goal is to optimize processes and methods in order to integrate the principles of sustainability into the operation and management of buildings and facilities.
Central issues:
- How can buildings and facilities be managed efficiently based on the principles of sustainability? What effect do financial aspects have on the sustainability of management?
- How can modified conditions and requirements for wellbeing be taken into account in the management of buildings and facilities?
- How can natural resources and waste be taken into account in the management of buildings and facilities?
Programme structure
In order to look at these issues individually, NRP 54 is divided into three modules - space, infrastructure and materials + energy.
Module Space
The main questions posed in this module are the following:
- How can the function and evolution of the built environment be described, explained, understood and modelled?
- How do architects, planners, the construction industry and infrastructure providers impact on the development of the built environment?
- How can organizations - whether institutional, legal or informal - incorporate the principles of sustainability in the planning and design of the built environment?
Module Infrastructure
This module poses the following main questions:
- How can the principles of sustainability be integrated more effectively into the operation and maintenance of the built environment?
- How should the built environment be adapted to changing needs in order to preserve the wellbeing and prosperity of the population?
Module Materials + energy
The main questions posed in this module are the following:
- How do the principles of sustainability affect the management of resources (land, water, energy and materials)?
- In what ways should resources be integrated into planning, construction, maintenance and waste management in the built environment?
Research projects have been selected in a tow step procedure. Details about this procedure here...
Implementation Plan
With this document the Swiss National Science Foundation describes the aims and the framework of NRP 54 (April 2004). PDF 328 kB
