Re:Create Q&A with Camilla Berggren-Tarrodi and Jonas Runberger

Congratulations on your research funding – what is it about?

Thank you! The project, Design Technology: Digital Ability for Sustainable Architectural Practice, addresses the urgent need for digital transformation in the architecture and construction sector. New technology, climate change, resource scarcity, and increasing demands for sustainability are reshaping the industry. We have identified small and medium-sized architectural practices as key actors here, and our focus is on empowering them through a strengthening of their digital capabilities.

What do you hope to achieve with it?

Our main goal is to increase the digital development ability of architectural practices, making the creation and adaption of digital tools and innovative design technologies an integral part of their daily work. The project result will include:

• Reusable digital workflows and a strategic framework for digital development.

• Documented methods and educational materials for broad implementation.

• New business models that foster innovation and sustainability.

• Stronger collaboration and knowledge exchange within the sector.

What are the next steps in the project?

Right now, we are finalizing the plan for the pilot projects that will launch after the turn of the year. In each pilot, 4–6 architectural firms will collaborate closely to identify challenges and opportunities, prototype and test new solutions, and further develop digital workflows together. The pilots are designed to be hands-on and iterative, allowing the participating firms to co-create, experiment, and share knowledge in real project contexts. In parallel, we have initiated a series of project-internal ShopTalks – a short seminar venue to share experiences between our partners also open to external guests.

And we are currently recruiting a PhD candidate at the KTH – for a position that will work within the project for two years. Doctoral student in Architectural Technology and Design Technologies.

How are the discussions developing regarding the use of AI in both education and industry?

AI is rapidly becoming a central topic in both architectural education and practice. The conversation has shifted from whether AI will impact the sector to how it will be integrated, and how it will affect the architectural practice overall. Within the education at our partner KTH our project is aligned with a course-development initiative on Design Technologies and AI aimed at practitioners, the architectural education, and the faculty at the KTH School of Architecture.  

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