The Built Environment Futures (BEF) Research Group
Our vision
The Built Environment Futures (BEF) research group is dedicated to shaping the future of the built environment through transformative research and innovation. The BEF team aspires to establish itself as a global leader in built environment research, recognised for its groundbreaking contributions to sustainable design, intelligent construction, and impactful urban development. BEF focuses on advancing the built environment by exploring sustainable design practices, harnessing the power of digital technologies, and fostering values-driven education and research.
BEF mission statement
BEF is committed to advancing the Built Environment by exploring sustainable design practices, harnessing the power of digital technologies, and fostering values-driven education and research. We strive to create a sustainable and resilient future for the Built Environment through research, innovation, and collaboration.
- Pioneering sustainable building practices: Develop innovative approaches to building design, construction, and operation that minimise environmental impact and achieve net zero carbon emissions.
- Harnessing digital transformation: Champion the integration of AI, digital technologies, and advanced data analytics to revolutionise the built environment industry.
- Advancing built environment education: Nurture future generations of built environment professionals through innovative teaching methods and immersive learning experiences.
- Embedding social value: Promote the integration of social value considerations into all aspects of built environment development to create positive impacts on communities and society.
Our research sits within the School of Engineering and the Built Environment and we conduct our research under three main themes:
Building and Asset Management theme
A multidisciplinary network comprising of Planners, Architects, Engineers, Technologists and Construction Professionals that promotes research and collaboration on policies, principles, technologies and design solutions to healthy buildings and high energy performance. Researchers in this network seek to engage with policy makers and industrial partners to develop and implement carbon-free renewable energy solutions and technologies with the potential to improve energy efficiency in buildings.
Built Environment and Construction Intelligences theme
Including:
- Transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Built Environment professions and their practices
- Adaptability of digital construction technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and virtual reality (VR)
- Management systems that enhance productivity, efficiency, and safety of construction projects
- Use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and offsite construction techniques
- Design of intelligent and cognitive buildings to optimise energy use
Built Environment Values and Contemplations theme
This covers areas such as:
- Use of active learning methodologies in BE to enhance student engagement and professional development
- Application of vernacular architecture techniques in addressing environmental challenges
- Role of architectural theory and practice in developing urban narratives that encompass sustainability, cultural identity, and spatial representation
- Physical transformations in urban spaces - drivers and impacts & tool and technologies
- Integrating social value requirements in planning and procurement of construction supply chain
These themes are indicative, but our research is integrative of historical and contemporary theories, policies, practices, tools, and techniques that can shape the future of our built environment.
