Digital innovation for the built environment

Digital innovation to support the architecture and design sector.

People listening in to a panel discussion at the AI in the City Public Forum at the Edinburgh Futures Institute.
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<span>Digital innovation</span> for the built environment

The increasing use of digital technology, data analytics and AI provide new and transformational opportunities for the architecture and design sector. To navigate this complex and often challenging landscape, we need to explore new approaches to the design, delivery and management our built environment.

Supporting digital innovation

At Architecture and Design Scotland, we are exploring how Scotland can embed a culture of digital innovation across the sector in a positive way, through a programme of events and networking opportunities co-ordinated from our new Digital Hub.

Data-driven innovation will support work across our key focus areas, including housing, as we seek to demonstrate how technologies can enable growth and increase capacity in the design sector.

A door with the signage stating Architecture and Design Scotland Digital Hub
Credited to Architecture and Design Scotland

Digital Hub

Launching in September 2026, the Digital Hub brings together design, data and digital innovation to help create better places across Scotland. Initially operating as a pop-up workshop at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, it will provide a collaborative space where the public sector, local authorities, design professionals, industry and researchers can access expertise, digital tools and data-driven insights.

What you will gain:

  • Opportunities to collaborate and share knowledge
  • Data-driven insights to inform projects and investment
  • Support to explore new approaches and technologies
  • Access to digital resources and expertise

The Digital Hub will use data, digital technology and design principles to support better placemaking, infrastructure and decision-making across Scotland.

Learn about the Digital Hub

Our previous work on digital innovation

Our work on digital innovation for the built environment began in 2025 with a number of projects and initiatives. These include:

You can find more information about our work on digital innovation in our resources or insights hub.

Header image of AI in the City Public Forum image credited to Aly Wight.

With thanks to our collaborators and partners since 2025

The Scottish Government, Ramboll, AI4CI Hub (University of Bristol), Scottish Borders Council, The Data Lab and The University of Edinburgh