The University of Bologna recently brought the ET4Digital project, in which PEDMEDE participates, to an international stage, by presenting it at the “Digital Frontiers in Buildings and Infrastructures Conference (DFBI 2025)” in Delft, Netherlands, marking an important step toward the broader dissemination of the project beyond the boundaries of the consortium.
The Department of Architecture’s research team demonstrated a groundbreaking educational use of a construction Digital Twin (DT), which was based on a pilot construction site built by students from Bologna’s IIPLE vocational school. This application represents the first generation of such digital tools and highlights how digitalisation can be effectively integrated into practice, even in small-scale construction projects.
The most significant aspect of this approach is that it enables small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access advanced technologies at minimal cost. Through an open digital platform, based on accessible tools and standards, users can interact with project models and data using laptops, smartphones, or similar devices—without the need for expensive software or specialised equipment.
The ET4Digital project, therefore, addresses key barriers to digitalisation in the construction sector, such as cost, interoperability, and lack of training—ultimately aiming to empower SMEs and support their digital transition.
Visit the website to learn more about the project’s tools, activities, and impact!