Prof. Dr. Niels Bartels
Dr.-Ing.
Campus Deutz
Betzdorfer Straße 2
50679 Köln
Mailing address
+49 221-8275-4118
niels.bartels@th-koeln.de
Office hours
Winter term 2024/2025
Campus Deutz, Betzdorfer Str. 2, Altbau, Room 218f
By prior appointment
Teaching disciplines
- Digital Design and Construction
- Lifecycle Engineering
Research fields
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Smart Building and Digital Twins
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Data exchange across the life cycle
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BIM and Sustainable Construction
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Metaverse for Architecture, Engineering, Constuction and Operation
Projects / Cooperations
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Optimization of engineering processes for municipal building automation based on standardized system types and information models (OptGA4.0)
Currently, engineering processes in building technology with regard to planning, construction, commissioning and operation are characterized by high manual effort, low performance and many disruptions with a high loss of information between the process phases. This leads to considerable quality deficits in the construction and operation of technical building equipment . During operation, there are deficits in the implementation of automation functions and in facility management (FM), which leads to suboptimal operating processes and unnecessary energy consumption. The fundamental aim of the research project is to develop an information model that describes the information management of technical building equipment (TBE) in building services applications in a standardized, lifecycle-consistent and machine-readable manner. On this basis, TBE types are semantically defined, taking existing descriptions into account. The focus of this information technology standardization is on the use cases of process management, quality assurance of automation functions and FM. The TBE systems, which are usually described semantically inconsistently in practice, are mapped to the developed information standard by AI applications, so that a homogeneous language space (syntax and semantics) is created as the basis for the implementation of rule-based automatisms. This forms the basis for the development of SelfX-FM applications, e.g. asset and energy monitoring, which avoid manual effort for information engineering during initial setup and over the life cycle. SelfX is understood here as the ability of systems to explore their environment independently and to realize automated, i.e. engineering-free, interactions with other systems. Project partners: Gebäudewirtschaft der Stadt Köln, Schulbau Hamburg, Kieback&Peter, VDI, buildingSmart, VDMA - Fachverband Automation+Management für Haus+Gebäude, AMEV, eTASK, Faculty for Architecture and Civil Engineering University of Wuppertal Funding by: Federal Ministry of Education and Research - FH-Kooperativ Duration: 01.01.2024 to 31.12.2027. -
Integration of metaverse into the teaching of civil engineering
The teaching research project investigates the influence of the metaverse on teaching in the field of civil engineering. To this end, elements of the metaverse were integrated and evaluated as teaching support in various modules. The results show that the metaverse can contribute to an optimization of learning outcomes. Funded via TransferING, duration: 2023-2024
Publications
- Becker, Amelie; Grave, Jakob; Bartels, Niels; Marx, Steffen (2025): Semi-Automated Digital Design Assistant for Frame Bridges. In: Advances in Information Technology in Civil and Building Engineering : Proceedings of ICCCBE 2024 - Volume 1: Modeling and Scheduling. 20th International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering (ICCCBE); Montreal, Canada; 25.08.-28.08.2024., S. 742 - 755. (peer-reviewed)https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-84208-5
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-84208-5_56 - Bartels, Niels; Hahne, Kristina; Wills, Nadine (2025): How to Teach AECO in the Metaverses. In: Advances in Information Technology in Civil and Building Engineering : Proceedings of ICCCBE 2024 - Volume 3: Construction Management. 20th International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering (ICCCBE); Montreal, Canada; 25.08.-28.08.2024., S. 321 - 335. (peer-reviewed)https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-84224-5
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-84224-5_26 - Bartels, Niels; Pütz, Carla (2025): Metaverse and Gamification in Civil Engineering Teaching: Case Studies, Synergies and Practical Applications. In: CIB Conferences. 23rd CIB World Building Congress (WBC2025); Purdue University, West Lafayette, USA; 19.05.-23.05.2025. Vol. 1. (peer-reviewed/Open Access)https://doi.org/10.7771/3067-4883.1785
- Bartels, Niels; Wills, Nadine (2025): Erweiterte Realitäten in der Lehre : Der Gamechanger für die Lehre im FM. In: Tagungsband SPOTLIGHT FMplus : Facility Management Fachkonferenz. Facility Management Fachkonferenz - Wissenschaft und Praxis im Dialog; Zürich, Schweiz; 30. – 31.01.2025., S. 223 - 235. (Open Access)https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-2512
- Wimmer, Reinhard; Bartels, Niels; Maile, Tobias (Hrsg.) (2025): Next Generation BIM : Für Praxis und Lehre. Berlin: bSD Verlag (BIM Professional).https://bibliografie.th-koeln.de/servlets/DozBibEntryServlet?mode=show&id=bibthk_mods_00014570
- Lindkvist, Carmel; Kaufhold, Matthias; Bartels, Niels (2025): Leveraging Digital Twins for Facilities Management. In: Proceedings of the International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Built Environment (SASBE 2024). SASBE 2024; Auckland, New Zealand; 7-9 November 2024., S. 1128 - 1136. (peer-reviewed)https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-4051-5
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-4051-5_108 - Jan, Zeppenfeld; Bartels, Niels; Pfeifer, Bernhard (2024): Finanzierungsmodelle für Wärmepumpen im Rentabilitätsvergleich. In: Moderne Gebäudetechnik : das Praxisjournal für TGA-Fachplanung., S. 26 - 29. (Open Access)https://bibliografie.th-koeln.de/servlets/DozBibEntryServlet?mode=show&id=bibthk_mods_00012272
- Bartels, Niels; Wimmer, Reinhard (2024): BIM von A bis Z etablieren, inklusive „Tuning“-Maßnahmen : Teil 2: Prozessabläufe, Erfolgsfaktoren für die Umsetzung und Tipps aus der Praxis. In: TAB : das Fachmedium der TGA-Branche. Vol. 55.https://bibliografie.th-koeln.de/servlets/DozBibEntryServlet?mode=show&id=bibthk_mods_00012273
- Bartels, Niels; Wimmer, Reinhard (2024): BIM von A bis Z etablieren, inklusive „Tuning“-Maßnahmen : Teil 3: Verknüpfung zwischen BIM und Nachhaltigkeit. In: TAB : das Fachmedium der TGA-Branche. Vol. 55, S. 37 - 40.https://bibliografie.th-koeln.de/servlets/DozBibEntryServlet?mode=show&id=bibthk_mods_00012353
- Bartels, Niels; Wimmer, Reinhard (2024): BIM von A bis Z etablieren, inklusive „Tuning“-Maßnahmen - Teil 4 : Schnittstelle zum Facility Management. In: TAB : das Fachmedium der TGA-Branche. Vol. 55, S. 36 - 39.https://bibliografie.th-koeln.de/servlets/DozBibEntryServlet?mode=show&id=bibthk_mods_00012447
- Aouichaoui, Sara; Koller, Farina; Bartels, Niels (2024): Analyse der ökologischen Nachhaltigkeit von Smart Buildings. In: nbau - nachhaltig bauen. Vol. 3, S. 28 - 32. (peer-reviewed)https://bibliografie.th-koeln.de/servlets/DozBibEntryServlet?mode=show&id=bibthk_mods_00012477
- Bartels, Niels; Wimmer, Reinhard (2024): BIM von A bis Z etablieren, inklusive „Tuning“-Maßnahmen : Teil 5: Zukünftige BIM-Entwicklungen. In: TAB : das Fachmedium der TGA-Branche. Vol. 55, S. 42 - 45.https://bibliografie.th-koeln.de/servlets/DozBibEntryServlet?mode=show&id=bibthk_mods_00012509
- Pieterwas, Janis; Schönheit, Tim; Bartels, Niels (2024): Künstliche Intelligenz im Lebenszyklus von Immobilien. In: Haghsheno, Shervin; Satzger, Gerhard; Lauble, Svenja; Vössing, Michael (Hrsg.): Künstliche Intelligenz im Bauwesen : Grundlagen und Anwendungsfälle. Wiesbaden: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden, S. 3 - 23. (peer-reviewed) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-42796-2
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-42796-2_1 - Dornik, Fabian; Bartels, Niels (2024): Use of Robotics to Coordinate Health and Safety on the Construction Site. In: Proceedings of the 41th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction. 41th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction; Lille, France; 03.06.-07.06.2024., S. 537 - 544. (peer-reviewed/Open Access)https://doi.org/10.22260/ISARC2024/0001
https://doi.org/10.22260/ISARC2024/0070 - Wills, Nadine; Bartels, Niels (2024): Aligning Academic Curriculum with the Needs of Facility Management Industry - An Analysis. In: Proceedings of the 23rd EuroFM Research Symposium. 23rd EuroFM Research Symposium; London, United Kingdom; 10 - 11 June 2024., S. 14 - 27. (Open Access)https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11658176
- Bartels, Niels; Nöldgen, Markus; Kasper, Ruth (2024): Digitalisierung und Nachhaltigkeit im Curriculum des Studiengangs Bauingenieurwesen. In: 2. Fachkongress Konstruktiver Ingenieurbau 2024 : Entwurf und Planung nachhaltiger Bestands- und Neubauten Tagungshandbuch 2024. 2. Fachkongress Konstruktiver Ingenieurbau 2024; Esslingen; 18. und 19. Juni 2024., S. 245 - 250.https://bibliografie.th-koeln.de/servlets/DozBibEntryServlet?mode=show&id=bibthk_mods_00012682
- Bartels, Niels; Hahne, Kristina (2024): Integration des Metaverse in die Lehre : Eine studentische Perspektive am Beispiel aus Modulen des Bauingenieurwesens. In: Die Hochschullehre. Vol. 10, S. 146 - 159. (peer-reviewed/Open Access)https://doi.org/10.3278/HSL2413W
- Riedlinger, Urs; Bartels, Niels (2024): Metaverse in AECO Industry: An Online Survey. In: Proceedings of the 31st International Workshop on Intelligent Computing in Engineering. 31st International Workshop on Intelligent Computing in Engineering; Vigo, Spain; 03.07.-05.07.2024., S. 483 - 492. (Open Access)https://bibliografie.th-koeln.de/servlets/DozBibEntryServlet?mode=show&id=bibthk_mods_00012829
- Claßen, Hannah; Bartels, Niels; Riedlinger, Urs; Oppermann, Leif (2024): Transformation of the AECO Industry Through the Metaverse : Potentials and Challenges. In: Discover Applied Sciences. Vol. 6. (peer-reviewed/Open Access)https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-024-06162-z
- Bartels, Niels; Stolz, Katrin (2024): Project-and Research-Based Teaching in Civil Engineering. In: International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy : iJEP. Vol. 14, S. 23 - 36. (peer-reviewed/Open Access)https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v14i6.47519
- Koller, Farina; Aouichaoui, Sara; Bartels, Niels (2024): Analyzing the Environmental Sustainability of Smart Buildings. In: Proceedings of the 2024 European Conference on Computing in Construction. European Conference on Computing in Construction; Chania, Crete, Greece; 14 - 17 July, 2024., S. 658 - 665. (Open Access)https://doi.org/10.35490/EC3.2024
https://doi.org/10.35490/EC3.2024.158 - Bartels, Niels; Eischet, Oliver; Meinhardt, Henric (2024): Automating As-built Modelling by Using Delivery Documents. In: Proceedings of the 2024 European Conference on Computing in Construction. European Conference on Computing in Construction; Chania, Crete, Greece; 14 - 17 July, 2024., S. 760 - 767. (Open Access)https://doi.org/10.35490/EC3.2024
https://doi.org/10.35490/EC3.2024.180 - Wimmer, Reinhard; Bartels, Niels; Meisner, Andreas; Sturm, Oliver (2024): Etablierung des BIM-Standards für die nächste Generation digitaler Fachkräfte. In: Ernst & Sohn Special., S. 36 - 42.https://bibliografie.th-koeln.de/servlets/DozBibEntryServlet?mode=show&id=bibthk_mods_00013548
- Preidel, Cornelius; Bartels, Niels; Maile, Tobias; Wimmer, Reinhard; Weilbach-Eyüboglu, Timur (2024): An Open Platform for Building Information Modeling (BIM) Education : Conceptual Framework and Potential Impact. In: 41st International Conference of CIB W78; Marrakech, Morocco; 02.10.-03.10.2024. (Open Access)https://bibliografie.th-koeln.de/servlets/DozBibEntryServlet?mode=show&id=bibthk_mods_00014815
- Bartels, Niels; Höper, Jannick; Theißen, Sebastian; Wimmer, Reinhard (2023): Application of the BIM Method in Sustainable Construction : Status Quo of Potential Applications in Practice. Cham: Springer International Publishing (Springer essentials).https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-12759-5
- Bartels, Niels; Eilers, Maike; Pütz, Carla; Meins-Becker, Anica (2023): IFC-basierte Verknüpfung von Risikoinformationen mit einem Bauwerksdatenmodell. In: Bauingenieur. Vol. 98, S. 28 - 35. (peer-reviewed)https://doi.org/10.37544/0005–6650–2023–01–02–56
- Wimmer, Reinhard; Bartels, Niels; Maile, Tobias (2023): Hochschulübergreifende Ausbildung in der Big-Open-BIM Welt : Neue Professuren für Digitales Planen und Bauen. In: bsD+ : Das Magazin von buildingSMART Deutschland. (Open Access)https://bibliografie.th-koeln.de/servlets/DozBibEntryServlet?mode=show&id=bibthk_mods_00010660
- Bartels, Niels; Hahne, Kristina (2023): Teaching Building Information Modeling in the Metaverse—An Approach Based on Quantitative and Qualitative Evaluation of the Students Perspective. In: Buildings: open access journal. Vol. 13. (peer-reviewed/Open Access)https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13092198
- Bartels, Niels; Wills, Nadine (2023): Integration of Dynamic Facility Management Data in a Digital Building Model by Using the Building Information Modeling Method. In: ICEDM 2023 : III. International Conference on Real Estate Developmenet and Management. III.International Conference on Real Estate Development and Management; Ankara, Turkey; 01.02-04.02.2023., S. 88. (peer-reviewed)https://bibliografie.th-koeln.de/servlets/DozBibEntryServlet?mode=show&id=bibthk_mods_00011227
- Bartels, Niels; Pleuser, Josephine; Schroeder, Timo (2023): Life Cycle-Oriented Decision Making Based on Data-Driven Building Models. In: Proceedings of the 40th ISARC, Chennai, India. 40th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction ; Chennai, India ; 05.07.-07.07.2023., S. 714 - 721. (peer-reviewed/Open Access)https://doi.org/10.22260/ISARC2023/0002
https://doi.org/10.22260/ISARC2023/0099 - Maile, Tobias; Bartels, Niels; Wimmer, Reinhard (2023): Integrated Life-Cycle Orientated Teaching of the Big-Open-BIM Method. In: Proceedings of the 2023 European Conference on Computing in Construction and the 40th International CIB W78 Conference. 2023 European Conference on Computing in Construction 40th International CIB W78 Conference ; Heraklion ; 10.07-12.07.2023. (peer-reviewed/Open Access)https://doi.org/10.35490/EC3.2023.277
- Wills, Nadine; Bartels, Niels (2023): A Technology-Based Facility Management (FM) Approach: Addressing the Challenges of Future FM. In: Proceedings of the 22nd EuroFM Research Symposium. EuroFM Research Symposium 2023; Istanbul, Türkiye; 09 - 11 November 2023., S. 22 - 34. (Open Access)https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10051130
- Bartels, Niels; Wills, Nadine (2023): In the Context of Digital Transformation: An Analysis of Future Requirements for the FM Labour Market. In: Proceedings of the 22nd EuroFM Research Symposium. EuroFM Research Symposium 2023; Istanbul, Türkiye; 09 - 11 November 2023., S. 35 - 48. (Open Access)https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10051130
- Bartels, Niels; Wimmer, Reinhard (2023): BIM von A bis Z etablieren, inklusive „Tuning“-Maßnahmen : Teil 1: AIA und BAP. In: TAB : das Fachmedium der TGA-Branche. Vol. 54, S. 32 - 37.https://bibliografie.th-koeln.de/servlets/DozBibEntryServlet?mode=show&id=bibthk_mods_00011406
- Bartels, Niels; Nöldgen, Markus (2023): Digitale Lehre im Bauingenieurwesen als Schlüssel für den Berufserfolg. In: Karrierestart Young Professionals Bauingenieurwesen., S. 170 - 173. (Open Access)https://bibliografie.th-koeln.de/servlets/DozBibEntryServlet?mode=show&id=bibthk_mods_00011373
- Bartels, Niels; Müller, Tizian (2022): Auf dem Weg zur flexiblen und flächeneffizienten Immobilie : Erfahrungsbericht zu einem Smart Building-Pilotprojekt im neuen Frankfurter Stadtteil Gateway Gardens. In: BTGA Almanach. Vol. 2022, S. 38 - 40. (Open Access)https://bibliografie.th-koeln.de/servlets/DozBibEntryServlet?mode=show&id=bibthk_mods_00009879
- Wills, Nadine; Bartels, Niels (2022): On the Applicability of Open Standard Exchange Formats for Demand-Oriented Facility Management (FM) Service Delivery in the Context of the Cross-Lifecycle Building Information Modeling (BIM) Method. In: Journal für Facility Management : Wissenschaft trifft Praxis., S. 26 - 40. (peer-reviewed/Open Access)https://doi.org/10.34749/jfm.2022.4614
- Bartels, Niels; Höper, Jannick; Theißen, Sebastian; Wimmer, Reinhard (2022): Anwendung der BIM-Methode im nachhaltigen Bauen : Status quo von Einsatzmöglichkeiten in der Praxis. Wiesbaden: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden (essentials).https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-36502-8
- Bartels, Niels; Eilers, Maike; Pütz, Carla; Meins-Becker, Anica (2022): IFC-Based Linking of the Risk Management Process Using a Building Data Model. In: IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. Vol. 1101. (peer-reviewed/Open Access)https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1101/9/092001
- Wills, Nadine; Bartels, Niels (2021): Bedarfsorientierte FM-Leistungserbringung im Rahmen der lebenszyklusübergreifenden BIM-Methode und IFC. In: 32. Forum Bauinformatik 2021. 32. Forum Bauinformatik 2021; Darmstadt, Germany; 09.09.-10.09.2021., S. 207 - 215. (Open Access)https://doi.org/10.26083/tuprints-00019496
- Bartels, Niels; Weilandt, Gerhard (2021): Umsetzung von New Work Konzepten mit Smart Building : Smarte Unterstützung für neue Konzepte und Flächeneffizienz. In: Bauen+. Vol. 7, S. 40 - 42.https://bibliografie.th-koeln.de/servlets/DozBibEntryServlet?mode=show&id=bibthk_mods_00009119
- Bartels, Niels; Weilandt, Gerhard (2021): Erfolgsfaktor für Smart Buildings : Lebenszyklusorientierter Ansatz und durchgängige Nutzung von Daten. In: Deutsches Ingenieur-Blatt., S. 54 - 57.https://bibliografie.th-koeln.de/servlets/DozBibEntryServlet?mode=show&id=bibthk_mods_00009117
- Bartels, Niels; Lutter, Anna (2021): Mittendrin im Gebäudelebenszyklus : Customer Journey: Mehr als Analyse der Prozesse, Methoden und Werkzeuge des Unternehmens. In: Facility-Management. Vol. 27, S. 12 - 14.https://bibliografie.th-koeln.de/servlets/DozBibEntryServlet?mode=show&id=bibthk_mods_00009120
- Bartels, Niels; Weilandt, Gerhard (2021): Preismodelle im Smart Building : Use Cases, Erfahrungen & Austausch. In: REAL PropTech 2020/21. REAL PropTech 2020; online; 10.09.-11.09.2020., S. 131 - 133.https://bibliografie.th-koeln.de/servlets/DozBibEntryServlet?mode=show&id=bibthk_mods_00009121
- Bartels, Niels (2020): Strukturmodell zum Datenaustausch im Facility Management. Wiesbaden: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden (Baubetriebswesen und Bauverfahrenstechnik).https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-30830-8
- Bartels, Niels; Weilandt, Gerhard (2020): Digitale Vernetzung von Gebäuden : Smart Building als Erfolgsfaktor. In: Build-Ing.: digitales Planen, Bauen und Betreiben., S. 34 - 39.https://bibliografie.th-koeln.de/servlets/DozBibEntryServlet?mode=show&id=bibthk_mods_00009122
- Bartels, Niels (2020): BIM-Objekte für die TGA. In: Gebäudedigital : Elektroinstallation und Gebäudetechnik im 21. Jahrhundert.https://bibliografie.th-koeln.de/servlets/DozBibEntryServlet?mode=show&id=bibthk_mods_00009123
- Bartels, Niels; Otto, Jens; Aengenvoort, Klaus (2019): So verändert BIM das FM : Property Sets für den immobilienbezogenen FM-Datenaustausch. In: Facility-Management. Vol. 25, S. 50 - 54.https://bibliografie.th-koeln.de/servlets/DozBibEntryServlet?mode=show&id=bibthk_mods_00009124
- Otto, Jens; Bartels, Niels (2018): Integration von FM-Prozessdaten in ein digitales Gebäudemodell. In: Bautechnik : Zeitschrift für den gesamten Ingenieurbau. Vol. 95, S. 823 - 831. (peer-reviewed)https://doi.org/10.1002/bate.201800044
Talks
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AI and Metaverse – A New Era in Engineering?
2025 German-American Frontiers of Engineering Symposium, Oak Ridge, TN
28.03.2025 -
Energy-efficient refurbishment - comprehensively explained
17. European Congress for Timber Construction, Cologne
16.10.2024 -
Automating As-built Modelling by Using Delivery Documents
2024 European Conference on Computing in Construction, Chania, Crete, Greece
16.07.2024 -
Metaverse and XR in teaching
XR Expo, Stuttgart
04.04.2024 -
Use of robotics to coordinate health and safety on the construction site
International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC) 2024, Lille France
05.06.2024 -
Smart Buildings in the buildings' lifecycle
Summit4builders, Munich
22.11.2022 -
Status Quo BIM & Sustainability
BIM Next Forum 2023, Cologne
23.11.2023 -
Integration of dynamic facility management data in a digital building model by using the building information modeling method
International Conference on Real Estate Development and Management (ICREDM) 2023, Ankara
02.02.2023 -
BIM and Lifecycle Analysis - Status Quo and future challenges
VDI-Conference BIM and HVAC, Düsseldorf
24.05.2023 -
Life cycle-oriented decision making based on data-driven building models
40th International Symposium for Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC), Chennai
04.07.2023-07.07.2023 -
Integrated life-cycle orientated teaching of the Big-open-BIM method
2023 European Conference on Computing in Construction / 40th International CIB 078Conference, Crete
10.06.2023-12.06.2023 -
Project-based learning in Civil Engineering
TURN Conference 2023, Cologne
13.09.-15.09.2023 -
Digital technologies as the key to circular value creation
Ringvorlesung FH Münster
11.10.2023 -
Bim in practice
16. Europäischer Kongress (EBH) - Effizientes Bauen mit Holz im urbanen Raum
17.10.2023 -
A Technology-Based Facility Management (FM) Approach: Addressing the Challenges of Future FM
28th EuroFM Facility Management Conference & 22nd EuroFM Research Symposium, Istanbul, Turkey
09.11.2023 -
In the context of digital transformation: an analysis of future requirements for the FM labour market
28th EuroFM Facility Management Conference & 22nd EuroFM Research Symposium, Istanbul, Turkey
09.11.2023 -
Implementation of the metaverse in Teaching Digital Construction
Night of the Scholars 2023, Aachen
13.11.2023 -
BIM NEXT FORUM 2023
22.11.2023 -
Carbon-Neutral Construction: Strategies for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
EUTech online webinar
01.10.2024