Architecture and Design Scotland to launch Digital Hub to support innovation across Scotland’s built environment

(July) Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS) is establishing a new Digital Hub that will bring together design, data and digital innovation to help shape better buildings and places across Scotland.

The Digital Hub is a key part of Architecture and Design Scotland's new strategic direction and reflects the growing importance of digital innovation across architecture, design and the built environment.

Located at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, the Digital Hub will act as a collaborative space where public sector organisations, local authorities, architecture practices, industry leaders and researchers can access expertise in digital innovation and resources alongside emerging technologies to address shared challenges.

By connecting people, data and innovation, the Digital Hub will support new approaches to placemaking, infrastructure and decision-making, helping organisations make better use of digital tools and data-driven insights.

The Digital Hub has been created to help strengthen digital capability across the built environment sector and encourage greater collaboration across disciplines.

Ian Gilzean, Head of Digital and Design Innovation at Architecture and Design Scotland, said:

“The Digital Hub will act as a catalyst for data-driven innovation in the built environment, encouraging the adoption of tools and technologies for strategic and informed decision-making, and creating opportunities for SME’s to develop their digital skills. We want to improve outcomes for places and communities and tackle the challenges of climate and housing.

The initiative will also help develop our sector development roles, provide insights and access to tools, as well as expertise and support that can enhance collaboration and strengthen project outcomes.

The Hub will bring together partners from across the public, private and third sectors, creating the conditions to share knowledge, test new ideas and explore innovative solutions to complex place and infrastructure challenges.

Jim MacDonald, Chief Executive of Architecture and Design Scotland, said:

“As part of our role as a Centre for Excellence, the Digital Hub will contribute to building a stronger culture of digital innovation across Scotland’s built environment. We want to use the Digital Hub as a collaborative workspace which can act as a catalyst for partners to work together to solve the challenges faced by the built environment in Scotland.”

After its launch in September, the Digital Hub will aim to develop new partnerships, projects and resources that can demonstrate the potential of data, digital technology and design to deliver positive impact.

Find out more about our work on Digital Innovation on our website here.