The research focus Digital Design and Planning Processes, Modelling and Manufacturing combines research approaches in architecture and civil engineering by linking engineering and design-oriented methods with digital technologies for the design, optimization, calculation, control and manufacturing of buildings and structures. A central research approach focuses on data-based Building Information Modelling (BIM), in order to map constructions of structural, civil and traffic engineering from design and erection, through their use to refurbishment or demolition in a digital 5D model with information on geometry, material, quantity, time and finances online. Such a model linkage substantially simplifies the holistic economic and ecological evaluation of structures and structural facilities as well as their sustainable and user-friendly maintenance and rehabilitation. Engineering research approaches are concentrated on the areas of digital methods, supporting structures, materials and building physics in the context of socially relevant problems, such as the scientific promotion and monitoring of structural change in Lusatia.

In the area of digital methods, the more advanced Infrastructure Information Modelling (IIM) is being developed on the basis of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in order to digitally organize spatial and object planning as well as management and interaction of cities and rural regions in a 5D model. In the field of structural engineering, the development, implementation and optimization of methods and theories for sustainable, efficient and reliable structural analysis take the central role. Research into active and hybrid structures enables novel and energy-efficient lightweight buildings with a reduced CO2 footprint. The research focus in structural engineering is particularly important due to the close links with industry. In addition to DFG projects, numerous joint projects (AiF, ZIM, BMI, BBSR) with other universities and large industrial participation have been and are being promoted in order to establish the knowledge gained in practice as quickly as possible and to accelerate technology transfer. In the area of materials, the focus is on the development of energy-efficient manufacturing methods and the use of industrial residual materials. Research in the field of building physics addresses current issues relating to sector coupling and structural change. For this purpose, simulative topics such as the modelling of hygrothermia of indoor air and enclosure constructions as well as the settlement of water surfaces are linked with experimental research.