NextBuild Living Lab · ABC Department · Politecnico di Milano
In the renovated spaces of the ABC Department at Campus Leonardo, a network of environmental sensors feeds a digital twin that helps make the built environment more comfortable, safe and sustainable — together with the people who live in it.
What it is
The NextBuild Living Lab is a research infrastructure of the ABC Department (Architecture, Built environment and Construction engineering) of Politecnico di Milano. It turns the building itself into a scientific instrument: sensors distributed through the spaces continuously measure air quality, temperature, humidity, occupancy and energy consumption.
The data feeds a digital twin — a living digital replica of the building — where advanced simulations help optimise comfort, safety, well-being and sustainability. Conceived as a modular, itinerant structure, the lab is designed to be replicated in other urban contexts.
How it works
Environmental sensors measure air quality, temperature, humidity, occupancy and energy use — in real time.
Readings flow continuously through a data pipeline into a historical archive that can be queried at any time.
The building's digital twin runs advanced simulations to optimise comfort, safety, well-being and sustainability.
Insights come back to occupants as smart advice — like a nudge to air the room when CO₂ rises.
A user-centred approach
Here occupants are not passive subjects but active protagonists of the research. Everyday interactions with the building generate data that improves the spaces and encourages more sustainable behaviour.
From the inauguration
Spaces that dialogue with the people who use them, adapting to their real needs.
An infrastructure serving urban sustainability, energy efficiency, building safety and social resilience.