10 years ago, the Smart Living Lab emerged at bluefactory in Fribourg, driven by École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, EPFL, College of Engineering and Architecture of Fribourg (HEIA-FR), University of Fribourg and with the support of the State de Fribourg. Together, we've aimed to establish a center of excellence bridging fundamental and applied research for the future of built environment.

On March 26, 2024, we celebrated an evening filled with emotion, bringing together about a hundred people who all have played instrumental roles in shaping the Smart Living Lab as it stands today. We were also honored to receive renewed trust from the Fribourg State Council, the Vice-Presidency of Operations and ENAC Faculty of EPFL, as well as the leadership of HEIA-FR and UNIFR, represented respectively by Olivier Curty, Matthias Gäumann, Katrin Beyer, Jean-Nicolas Aebischer and Katharina M Fromm.

Transition of Academic Leadership

This milestone offered an opportunity to celebrate a decade of innovation and collaboration but also a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to Marilyne Andersen, the trailblazing and unwavering force behind this visionary project who now hands over the academic leadership to Corentin Fivet, Head of the Structural Xploration Lab (SXL).

"This 10th anniversary is symbolic,” says Fivet. “We now have around a dozen research groups that have chalked up numerous achievements – including some that have received international recognition. My appointment as the center’s academic director marks the start of the next phase."

Corentin Fivet

He will assume the academic leadership of the Smart Living Lab from April 1, 2024, alongside Martin Gonzenbach, Director of operations. In line with the Smart Living Lab's ambition to advance sustainability and well-being in the built environment, one of Corentin Fivet's initial projects will focus on enhancing continuing education opportunities for architects, engineers, construction project managers, and real estate portfolio managers.

Portrait de Corentin Fivet

Special thanks
Staff : Véronica Cubarle and Claude-Alain Jacot
Traiteur : Oscar Barrio (La Bonne Fourchette)
Photographe : Stemutz Photo