Smart Living Lab: New Branch of EPFL in Fribourg

Beat Vonlanthen, President of the Fribourg cantonal government, and Patrick Aebischer, EPFL President, signed an agreement for the establishment of an EPFL branch in Fribourg, an important step for Fribourg, EPFL and the blueFACTORY technology park.

The text defines the outlines of the research structure that EPFL will set up under the name EPFL Fribourg. In particular this involves establishing the Smart Living Lab (SLL) in partnership with EIA-FR and UNI-FR. It also involves initiating public-private partnerships within the SLL, notably concerning the construction of a dedicated building that will house the joint teams from the various institutions starting in 2018.

EPFL Fribourg will include five research chairs. Their research areas will be related to building technologies: materials science and fluid mechanics, renewable energy production systems, taking into account aspects related to comfort, health and air quality associated with the occupation of buildings.

The construction of the Smart Living Lab building is an integral part of the project. The result will serve as a model for illustrating a “Vision 2050” of future buildings, showcasing both the technological capacities of the 21st century and the flexibility and adaptability, two essential elements of sustainable buildings. Three working group made up of partner institutions will work in the Lab: BUILD (design and construction of the building), ACAD (academic development), DEMO (demonstration and outreach to the general public).

EPFL also includes its Fribourg branch in its innovation and technology transfer strategy, notably as regards its integration into the National Innovation Park (PNI) project.