ReseARCH Day 2026

RETHINKING ARCHITECTURE - SAVE THE DATE

When: 05. Nov. 2026, 9:30 - 16:00

Where: Hochschule Wismar/ Fakultät Gestaltung/ Eingang Haus A
Philipp-Müller-Straße 14, Wismar, 23966

On November 5, 2026, the second edition of ReseARCH Day, launched last year, will take place at Wismar University of Applied Sciences. Under the theme “circular | digital | Future-ready,” we will present our research activities in the field of sustainable, circular, and digital architecture and look forward to exchanging ideas with partners from academia, industry, and professional practice, as well as with our guests and participants.

As was the case last year, there will be presentations on current internal (as well as external) research findings, followed by workshops.

More Information: ReseARCH Day 2026

Digital Tools for Planners in the Construction Industry

Digital technologies are fundamentally transforming architectural and construction practice by enabling planners to work with more efficient design processes, realistic simulations, and well-informed decision-making. Applications such as BIM, simulation software, and AI extend traditional methods into computer-based tools and, with the help of web-based platforms such as Ubakus, EnerCalc, or the Energy Efficiency Demonstrator, support the planning of energy-efficient and sustainable buildings.

Hochschule Wismar, as a partner in the Mittelstand-Digital Center Rostock, has published a practice-oriented overview of digital tools. The publication is aimed at professionals and companies seeking to use digital technologies in a targeted manner to increase the efficiency, quality, and sustainability of construction projects. It describes the functions, application areas, and advantages of selected software, online tools, calculators, configurators, and databases, and complements them with practical examples from everyday planning practice.

The publication follows the entire planning process, beginning with an introduction to digital transformation and the selection of relevant categories. A systematic overview provides initial orientation on available tools and scales. In the subsequent chapters, digital applications are explained along specific thematic fields—ranging from site analysis and mobility to BIM-supported management, refurbishment, energy and building physics, as well as timber planning, cost estimation, and legal frameworks. A concluding outlook places the findings in context and highlights future development potential.

However, challenges remain: data security, unequal digital competencies, or excessive reliance on standardized results can hinder innovation. Standards and regulations such as DIN standards, building codes (BauO), QNG, or DGNB standards ensure transparency, interoperability, and collaborative workflows, enabling companies to fully exploit the potential of digitalization and actively contribute to sustainable, climate-neutral architecture.

Research Day 2025 – Planning & Building the Future

On Tuesday, 21 October 2025, this year's Research Day took place at Wismar University of Applied Sciences under the motto ‘PLANNING AND BUILDING THE FUTURE’. Numerous guests from all over Germany as well as from Slovakia, Denmark, Sweden and Latvia came together to exchange ideas on current research projects. The focus was on the initiatives Mittelstand-Digital, FutureBalticBauhaus and Allianz für nachhaltiges Bauen MV (Alliance for Sustainable Building MV), which were presented in exciting lectures and interactive workshops.

DIGITAL

In the field of digitalisation, participants discussed the involvement of all stakeholders in digital transformation processes in a simulation game organised by the Mittelstand-Digital Centre in Kaiserslautern. A keynote speech focused on digital participation in real space with the help of modern AR tools, while an accompanying workshop highlighted the new AI Act and its significance for the construction industry.

CIRCULAR

The topic of circularity focused on circular construction. The presentation ‘Re_sourcing architecture aesthetics’ and the workshop ‘No time to WASTE – How to plan circular’ impressively demonstrated how resource-saving planning and sustainable material cycles can be implemented in architecture.

SUSTAINABLE

Building with renewable raw materials and the combination of sustainability, digitalisation and circularity were also the focus of the day.

Exhibition

An accompanying exhibition offered insights into innovative research and practical projects. The mobile demonstration workshop of the MDZ Rostock illustrated the possibilities of digital prefabrication, while the research project ‘The load-bearing hemp panel’ presented an ecological building product. The company KEDI also showcased its building demonstrator DEEP, which tests various strategies for increasing energy efficiency and analyses their effects on energy consumption, costs and CO₂ emissions in real time.

Another highlight was the exhibition ‘25 Years – 25 Projects’, which offered an insight into teaching and research in the field of design, building construction/building materials technology – environmentally friendly, energy- and resource-saving planning and construction at the Faculty of Design. The occasion was the appointment of Prof. Martin Wollensak as senior professor, which was celebrated in the evening with a convivial gathering featuring snacks made from regional products and stimulating conversation.

Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum at DIA 25 – Showcasing Digital Innovation at Hochschule Wismar

From July 4 to 6, 2025, the Faculty of Design at Hochschule Wismar hosts DIA 25, the university’s celebrated annual exhibition. This three-day event highlights the creative achievements of students in Architectural Lighting Design, Architecture, Product and Jewellery Design, Interior Design, Communication Design and Media, and Material Culture Design.

Taking place both on campus and throughout the city of Wismar, DIA 25 blends exhibitions, performances, presentations, and social gatherings, making it a vibrant highlight of the academic year.

This year, Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Rostock is proud to be a featured partner at the event. Together with Hochschule Wismar, we present a selection of cutting-edge digital projects co-developed by students, faculty, and industry experts. Our presence at DIA promotes dialogue and exchange on the role of digitalisation in the construction industry, offering insights into how digital tools are shaping the future of design and building.

DIA 25 is more than an exhibition – it is a platform for collaboration, bringing together innovation, creativity, and community engagement.

AG Mitteldeutschland and Ostsee Meeting at Hochschule Wismar – Collaboration and Innovation in the Era of Digital Transformation

On 4 and 5 June, the AG Mitteldeutschland und Ostsee Working Group met at Wismar University of Applied Sciences – a gathering of partners from the Rostock SME Digital Centre, Wismar University of Applied Sciences and other centres.

After the official welcome by Prof. Martin Wollensak, the participants discussed ways to deepen cooperation between the centres. They were then given a tour of Wismar University, including the roof terrace of the Faculty of Design, the laboratories of the MV Construction Competence Centre, the Digital House and the model-making workshop in Building 7c. In addition to technical insights, participants discovered interesting and entertaining facts about the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wismar's old town. In the evening, there was an opportunity to continue networking over dinner at the Brauhaus am Lohberg.

The second day began at InnovationPort at Wismar Harbour – a hotspot for forward-looking research and innovation. The event began with a short introduction by Prof. Martin Wollensak, followed by intensive discussions on the future of digital projects, the strategic integration of artificial intelligence and the identification of priority topics for upcoming initiatives. Opportunities for further developing the seminar programme in order to respond to the current challenges facing companies were also discussed.

The meeting not only strengthened regional cooperation, but also sent a clear signal for digital transformation in the construction and building industry. Strengthened by the intensive exchange and a shared vision, all partners are motivated to continue working together on effective, future-oriented projects that will have a lasting impact on the industry.

20. Norddeutsche Holzbautagung Wismar „Holzbau Gebäudetyp E“ einfach_experimentell_erneuerbar 

29. April 2025

Wie Digitalisierung Bauen schneller und einfacher macht

Am 25. April 2025 fand in Wismar die 20. Norddeutsche Holzbautagung statt. Thema war der Gebäudetyp E und wie dessen Impulse für die Bauwirtschaft geleitet und genutzt werden können.

Vorträge von namhaften Referentinnen und Referenten aus dem Bereich Architektur und Gebäudeplanung, insbesondere Holzbau und zirkuläres Bauen zeigten anhand von Beispielen aus der eigenen Praxis, wie das nachhaltige und zukunftssichere Bauen mit Holz funktionieren kann.

Da digitale Tools im Bereich der Vorfertigung und des seriellen Bauens von grundlegender Bedeutung sind, ist die Hochschule Wismar mit dem Projekt DIGIBAU_MV am Puls der Zeit und erforscht, wie Digitalisierung dabei helfen kann, Bauen einfacher zu machen.
Aus dem Projekt DIGIBAU_MV wurde die Mobile Demonstrationswerkstatt vorgestellt – Sie zeigt den mit digitalen Hilfsmitteln vorgefertigten Messestand und den Roboterarm, welcher die Montage im seriellen Bauen veranschaulicht.