Product Development
Product Development
Profile
The scientific field of Product Development encompases the total process of the initiation, the design, the development, the research, the engineering, the construction of prototypes, their performance testing, the initial small-series production and the installation of new or renewed standard and special building products and systems that are to be produced in an industrial way. This also includes the immaterial sphere around these processes involving methodology, informatics, product ergonomics, economics, marketing, legislation and quality assurance.
Besides, the chair is engaged in the valorisation of academia to industry, in the processes of appying for (inter)national research funding, in publishing of research for industry to show our research capacity and capabilty, and in a portal Building Technology comprising all completed, current and future research projects.
Mission
The Product Development chair aims at leading the world in innovative and pioneering design, development and research of construction products, components and systems. The chair has positioned itself on the side of individualisation of building products: the special building components.
Education
Because the field of Product Development is founded on what exists, studies innovation and develops the new, the education is concentrated in the faculty’s Master’s degree programme, largely in the graduation studio of Building Technology. Product Development obviously also has a role to play in postinitial education, particularly given the strong political emphasis on innovation. Tuition is provided in the scientific principles of design methodology for components as well as in the field of materials design, knowledge of materials (Technoteque), the design of new materials, production technology, norms and certification.
Onderzoek
There has been quite extensive research in the fields of design methodology, tube constructions, glass constructions, construction technology and manufacturing technology which has resulted in several books. Within the current research portfolio of the department Building Technology, the chair participates in the Green Building Innovation program and initiated the following sub-research themes: Zappi (indestructible structural glass, glassfiber reinforced polyester sandwich shells and tubular cardboard load-bearing structures), Blobs (liquid design skins and skeletons for buildings), Concept House (customised industrial housing), Domotics (Automation of the living environment) and Ergonomics, Certifying, Standardisation and Materials Design (design on the level of materials). The research has a strong focus on design.
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