Corentin Fivet becomes the new head of the Smart Living Labs
The Smart Living Lab at the Fribourg branch of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) has a new head. Corentin Fivet specialises in the reuse of load-bearing structures.
Corentin Fivet will take over as head of the Smart Living Lab at the Fribourg branch of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne(EPFL) in spring. He has been a professor at EPFL since 2016 and, according to a press release, has developed pioneering methods for the reuse of concrete slabs, walls and beams made of wood or steel. The Smart Living Lab celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2024.
When Fivet took up an assistant professorship at the EPFL in Fribourg, his field of research was still in its infancy, according to the press release. “It was easy to review the literature, as hardly anything had been published,” he is quoted as saying. At that time, the reuse of load-bearing structures was not as widespread as it is today. And the Smart Living Lab itself was also in its early stages. The Smart Living Lab is a joint initiative of three Swiss universities – EPFL, the School of Engineering and Architecture Fribourg(HEIA-FR) and the University of Fribourg.
“We now have around a dozen research groups that have achieved numerous successes – including some that have been recognised internationally. My appointment as academic director of the centre marks the beginning of the next phase,” Fivet is quoted as saying.
Fivet will take over as Academic Director of the Smart Living Lab on 1 April 2024 and will work alongside Martin Gonzenbach, who will continue as Operational Director. Fivet will continue to pursue the Smart Living Lab’s goal of serving as a catalyst for sustainability and well-being in the built environment, according to the press release. One of its first goals will be to expand the centre’s training courses for architects, civil engineers, construction managers and property managers.