The Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD) at the University of Stuttgart is currently building teams for several new research projects and invites applications for multiple open positions:

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE: DOCTORAL RESEARCHER (E13 TVL)

We are looking for researchers in the following research areas:

• Computational design
  Detailed job post: https://lnkd.in/drGg_Dpv
• Human-machine collaboration
  Detailed job post: https://lnkd.in/d589HCcT
• Architectural building system design
  Detailed job post: https://lnkd.in/dFGeuE-Z

All positions offer the opportunity to conduct doctoral research within interdisciplinary research projects and access to the outstanding research environment and infrastructure of the Cluster of Excellence IntCDC | University of Stuttgart.

For more detailed information on the positions and how to apply, please visit the respective job posts linked above.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
The initial application deadline is July 20, 2026.

Augmented Industrial Human-robot Collaboration: A Human-centred Approach for Robotic Timber Construction with Augmented Reality

Abstract

Industrial building prefabrication is often characterised by high levels of automation, with technical processes that involve minimal interaction with the skills of craft workers on production sites. Human-robot collaboration (HRC) offers a means to integrate the complementary capabilities of humans and robots, enabling the design of collaborative processes that are both more flexible and socially sustainable. However, adopting HRC in building prefabrication presents a number of challenges, including the use of high-payload robots that are not designed for close interaction, and the need to interface with construction workers who bring extensive tacit knowledge but are typically untrained in robot control.

This dissertation presents a conceptual and technical framework for HRC in timber prefabrication, leveraging head-mounted augmented reality displays (AR HMDs) for information delivery and interaction. It proposes methods to design, implement, and evaluate these AR-based HRC workflows, grounded in a human-centred design approach that involved trained carpenters throughout the research process. These developments are accompanied by empirical studies that shed light on craftspeople-technology interactions in timber construction, providing insights for future design and deployment of these technologies in the field.

Situated in the context of human-centric production systems and fabrication co-design, this thesis contributes an integrative and human-centred perspective on AR-based human-robot collaboration in timber construction. By integrating human-, system-, and design-oriented considerations, it formulates a holistic design approach to advancing the integration of humans and robots in future construction practices.

We are delighted to announce that the IntCDC Spring Conference 2026 will take place on 23 April 2026 at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Stuttgart.

The Cluster of Excellence IntCDC – Integrative Computational Design and Construction for Transformative Architecture aims to lay the methodological foundations for the urgently needed, future-proof and climate-positive transformation of the way buildings are designed and constructed. Based on highly interdisciplinary and integrative research, IntCDC seeks to harness the full potential of digital technologies to concurrently advance computational design and engineering methods, cyber-physical fabrication, construction and renovation processes, and next generation material and building systems.

The IntCDC Spring Conference 2026 will provide an overview of Cluster of Excellence’s research highlights, marking the close of the first funding period (2019–2025), and introduce its vision for research in the second funding period (2026–2032).

Conference schedule

We are delighted to announce the inaugural lecture by IntCDC Researcher, Jun.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Kepa Iturralde at the Institute of Construction Management (IBL) on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

topic

Historische Holzkonstruktionen als Wissensspeicher

speaker

Jun.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Kepa Iturralde
Institute of Construction Management (IBL) 

date

Wednesday, 25 February 2026 | 16:30 – 19:00 pm

abstract

After an introduction of himself, Kepa Iturralde will explain past and current research projects related to Digitalization, Automation and Robotics in Construction and the learnings, possibilities and obstacles found on them. Particularly, the field of building renovation and façade installation with digital, automated and robotic tools will be explained.

This lecture is part of the AdvanceAEC partner seminar series. Please register or log-in to your account to access the event credentials.

Dear all,
We are very excited to welcome Prof. Jasmin Schäfer, from the ETH Zürich to our upcoming Constructive Conversations event on Monday, 2 February 2026, 5 p.m.

The lecture will take place hybrid.

topic

Historische Holzkonstruktionen als Wissensspeicher

speaker

Prof. Jasmin Schäfer,
ETH Zürich

date

Monday, 2 February 2026 | 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

abstract

Die in historischer Zeit erzielten Errungenschaften im konstruktiven Holzbau sind auch aus heutiger Perspektive bemerkenswert. Die breite Verfügbarkeit des Materials als lokale Ressource sowie die ausgeprägten handwerklichen Fertigkeiten ermöglichten es, den Holzbau bis ins 19. Jahrhundert auf breiter Front zu etablieren. Neben tradierten Techniken setzten sich insbesondere bei anspruchsvollen Brücken- und Dachkonstruktionen innovative Lösungen durch. Zu Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts gewann der Holzbau erneut an Bedeutung. Die rationelle Herstellung zumeist patentrechtlich geschützter Systeme und Verbindungstechniken eröffnete dem Ingenieurholzbau vielfältige Einsatzmöglichkeiten und machte ihn zu einer konkurrenzfähigen Alternative zum vorherrschenden Eisen- und Stahlbetonbau.

Der Vortrag gibt Einblicke in dieses vielschichtige und bislang wenig erforschte Konstruktionserbe anhand ausgewählter Fallbeispiele, die von traditionell gezimmerten Meisterwerken bis hin zu industriell gefertigten, überregional verbreiteten Bauweisen reichen. Im Mittelpunkt steht der erhaltene Bestand, der als konstruktions-, wissens- und kulturgeschichtliches Zeugnis eine Fülle an Informationen bewahrt. Diese lassen sich durch differenzierte Betrachtungsweisen erschließen und bilden zugleich eine relevante Grundlage für den gegenwärtigen Umgang mit dem Bestand.

This lecture is part of the AdvanceAEC partner seminar series. Please register or log-in to your account to access the event credentials.

Information Systems in the Built Environment

date

Monday, 8 December 2025 | 16:00 – 17:00 p.m. (Constructive Conversation)

speaker

Bige Tunçer
Chair of Information Systems in the Built Environment

location

University Campus City Center,
Lecture hall M11.11 (room 1.008),
Keplerstraße 11 (K1),
70174 Stuttgart

This lecture is part of the IntCDC Constructive Conversations. Please register or log-in to your account to access the event credentials.

abstract

Built environments are increasingly shaped by data, algorithms, networks, and connected systems, and this shift demands a new way of understanding design and planning. Information systems, traditionally concerned with how data is collected, processed, and used to support decisions, now extend deep into the spatial, social, and ecological fabric of cities. They mediate how people move, perceive, and experience space; how resources flow; and how designers and policymakers make choices under uncertainty.

This lecture explores how AI-driven design, digital twins, and computational methods can empower architects, planners, and communities to shape resilient urban and peri-urban environments. Drawing on insights from international collaborations and design research, Prof. Tunçer will discuss how computational models can embed resilience thinking into planning and design, while also enabling participatory approaches that give voice to citizens, stakeholders, and decision-makers.

Beyond technology, the lecture will emphasize governance and inclusivity as essential dimensions of responsive design, where digital intelligence, human creativity, and collective participation combine to address climate risks, demographic transitions, and societal transformation.

Computation for a New Age of Ressource Aware Architecture

date

On 26 – 27 November 2025, the RAW project invites to join the exhibition opening and public symposium at @Universität Stuttgart.

On Day 1, the event will showcase preliminary results of the RAW project through physical prototypes created by interdisciplinary teams spanning architecture, engineering, material science, and industrial ecology.

On Day 2, a public symposium will place these results in the broader context of ongoing research on the transition of the AEC industry toward circular and net-zero construction.

The RAW project addresses a key challenge in this transition: the natural variability of renewable, bio-based, and waste-derived materials. RAW explores how digital resource models can support this shift, developing new non-destructive characterization methods for these material classes. It investigates how such data can be modeled and integrated into computational design tools and adaptive fabrication processes—enabling more resource-aware construction practices.

Program

• Exhibition Opening: 26 November, 17:00 – 20:00 | K1 Foyer
• Public Symposium: 27 November, 17:00 – 20:00 | Room K1 1.08

The event will bring together researchers, architects, engineers, and industry stakeholders to discuss how computational approaches can support circular, net-zero building practices, particularly through the use of renewable and recycled materials.

More information can be found on our website:
For more information, please visit: www.rawproject.eu

Partners

he Royal Danish Academy (Centre for Information Technology and Architecture), University Of Stuttgart (@Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE), Institute of Computational Design and Construction (ICD/CA), Danish Technological University (Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering), Lulea Technological University (Wood Science and Engineering) , University Innsbruck (Department of Structural Engineering and Material Sciences and Research Institute of Textile Chemistry and Textile Physics), OMTRE A/S, Norway, University of Leiden (Institute of Environmental Sciences), Taltech (Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture), WoodK+

Funding

Horizon Europe project “RAW” GA no. 101161441.
www.cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101161441

Adoption of digital fabrication to AEC praxis – what can we learn from the users?

date

Tuesday, 21 October 2025 | 17:30 – 19:00 p.m.

speaker

Dr. Konrad Graser
Lecturer in digital construction processes and management
Zurich University of Applied Sciences

location

Institute for Leightweight Structures and Conceptual Design (ILEK),
Paffenwaldring 14,
70569 Stuttgart Vaihingen Campus

This lecture is part of the IntCDC Constructive Conversations. Please register or log-in to your account to access the event credentials.

abstract

Even as the AEC industry continues to struggle with a low rate of digitalization and lagging productivity gains, the divide continues to grow between the rapid technology advances recently made in digital fabrication (dfab) research and the slow pace of adoption of dfab technologies in AEC praxis. The AEC industry is struggling to adopt dfab because its organizational and socio-technical implications for projects and stakeholders are not yet well understood.

Therefore, a significant gap has opened between the research-stage technologies available for adoption and those actually used broadly in the construction of today’s built environment. Despite this apparent gap, little research has looked at how dfab technologies can be effectively integrated in the complex process of planning and constructing fully functional buildings. Addressing this central problem requires an inquiry from a two-fold perspective: first, on the changes dfab requires in the organizational principles and practices of AEC; second, on how emerging dfab technologies and processes might need to adapt to better serve the needs of AEC praxis.

date

28 november 2025

location

TU Wien, Vienna, Austria