FUS at the 4th DBE Research Day in Groningen

The annual Research Day on Digitalisation in the Built Environment is a joint initiative of the four Dutch technical universities (4TU) and fourteen universities of applied sciences (14UAS), united in the national platform for professors of applied sciences in the built environment (NL-GO). While the third edition took place last year at The Hague University of Applied Sciences on the TU Delft campus, the fourth edition was held this year on April 9, 2025, and hosted by Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen and the University of Groningen on the Zernike Campus in Groningen.

The Hague University of Applied Sciences was prominently present at the research day, with contributions from the Future Urban Systems research group, part of the Centre of Expertise Mission Zero and the faculty TIS. Moderated by Rizal Sebastian, researchers Tyra Polderman, Daniëlle Strydom, and Lucas Mastenbroek presented their work on digitalisation and sustainability.

Digitalisation of the Built Environment

The built environment is under pressure due to climate change, housing shortages, and societal challenges such as ageing populations. Large-scale sustainable transitions are needed — including renewable energy, circular materials, and smarter infrastructure maintenance. Digitalisation accelerates these transitions thanks to available data, advanced technologies, and broad societal acceptance.

Yet, many knowledge gaps remain regarding AI, Digital Twins, mixed reality, and data exchange. Effective collaboration and open standards are crucial to ensure data can be easily shared and used across different systems and stakeholders. Dutch technical universities and universities of applied sciences complement each other in this area with both applied and academic research. Cooperation between students, researchers, and educators stimulates innovation and impact. This research day provided an ideal opportunity to bring these institutions together and share knowledge about the digital future of the built environment.

Keynote Speakers and Demos

The morning program of the research day opened with two inspiring keynote speeches. Saskia Hesselink from the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) spoke about the role of data in policy-making and legislation concerning the built environment. She highlighted the importance of reliable data, transparency, and cooperation between governments and knowledge institutions.

Next, Professor Jakob Beetz from RWTH Aachen University shared his vision on the practical applications of digitalisation, such as the use of open standards and BIM in international research projects. His talk offered a clear picture of how data integration can enable innovation in design and construction processes.

Following the keynotes was the first round of demonstrations, spread across three campus locations. In the Smitsborg building, visitors could explore interactive projects, including AI applications in design optimisation and digital participation tools. At the Reality Theatre in the Mercator building, a mixed reality installation showcased how such technologies can support gauging public opinion in new developments. Meanwhile, the Atlas Lab of the University of Groningen offered a look into the world of Digital Twins, remote sensing, and mixed reality — where researchers demonstrated their tools and prototypes live, including a VR model of the Zernike Campus.

Presentations at BuildinG

The day continued at BuildinG, the circularly constructed innovation hub. A notable highlight was the focus on AI and other innovative methods for early detection and monitoring of structural damage — such as cracks — in the earthquake-prone region of Groningen. BuildinG also features a unique shaking table, developed by TNO, that simulates the specific vibrations caused by gas extraction-induced earthquakes and their impact on building materials.

The Hague University was strongly represented during the plenary presentation sessions and demo market. Rizal Sebastian acted as moderator in one of the plenary sessions. Junior researchers Tyra Polderman and Lucas Mastenbroek from Future Urban Systems demonstrated a serious game focused on the Open Government Act (Woo) and participatory urban development. The game was developed in collaboration with the Municipality of The Hague and the Civic Technology research group (previously playable in The Hague City Hall, and now hosted in the Experience Centre at the Innovation Playground). Tyra explained the development of the game during her presentation, highlighting it as an example of the interactive and immersive research installations in the Experience Centre, introduced by Lucas Mastenbroek. Daniëlle Strydom, researcher in the same group, presented her research on digital data acquisition in circular construction projects. Her work focuses on integrating BIM and digital innovations to support the realisation of climate-neutral cities.

A day to connect

The Research Day made it clear that the major challenges in the built environment — from climate adaptation to housing and circularity — require a joint effort of science, applied research, and technological innovation. Digitalisation not only acts as an accelerator, but also as a connecting force between disciplines, institutions, and sectors. By sharing knowledge and experiences — as done during this event — new networks are forged and the path is paved for concrete solutions and a sustainable, inclusive living environment.

Want to Learn More?

Curious about the research presented by The Hague University of Applied Sciences and partner institutions? The publicly accessible proceedings include extended abstracts of all the featured studies. In particular, see:

• Immersive experience of public data for inclusive urban development: Case of The Hague, The Netherlands
  by Klaas Jan Mollema, Rizal Sebastian, Jos van Leeuwen, Lucas Mastenbroek and Tyra Polderman
• Establishing an Experience Centre at The Hague University of Applied Sciences
  by Lucas Mastenbroek, Rizal Sebastian and Tyra Polderman
• Research on the interoperability of circular construction material data
  by Daniëlle Strydom and Rizal Sebastian