A new study led by TU Darmstadt shows the limits of AI models such as ChatGPT. Contrary to previous assumptions, these systems do not develop independent or complex thinking skills, but only follow simple instructions. The results shed new light on the actual capabilities and risks of artificial

The largest 3D-printed housing estate in the world is currently being built in Georgetown, Texas. With 100 houses, this innovative project is setting new standards in the construction industry. The use of state-of-the-art 3D printing technology not only promises efficiency and resilience, but also

The latest study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE shows that photovoltaic systems with battery storage now produce electricity more cheaply than conventional coal and gas-fired power plants. The cost forecasts for renewable energies up to 2045 are also very promising.

Bartholet has completed work on the first station of an urban cable car in Varanasis. Once completed, India's first urban cable car will transport up to 3000 people per hour. For this purpose, 150 gondolas will be used over a total length of 3660

The KOF Economic Barometer is approaching its medium-term average value in July and shows a decline of 1.7 points to 101.0 points. This indicates that economic development in Switzerland remains moderate. The decline particularly affects foreign and consumer demand as well as the hospitality,

A Canadian research team has accidentally developed a super-black wood that absorbs almost 100% of light. This groundbreaking discovery could revolutionize the efficiency of solar cells and the design of luxury

Bosch has reached a significant milestone in the company's history by fully acquiring the residential and small commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning business of Johnson Controls and the Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning joint venture. This acquisition will almost double

On July 12, 2024, the winners of the fourth "Aerogel Architecture Award" were announced on the Empa campus. Six projects in the categories "Realized Solutions" and "Student Projects" showcased impressive applications of aerogel materials in construction and convinced the jury with their efficiency

The Staatstheater Kassel will be renovated from the 2025/26 season. A versatile interim venue will be built for the transitional period. The client is the Gemeinnützige Wohnungsbaugesellschaft der Stadt Kassel mbH

Revizto has secured a minority stake from investor Summit Partners. The capital will be invested in expanding the team, product development and international

Cement recycling is a cost-effective and efficient way to reduce emissions by mineralizing CO2 in recycled cement paste. A study shows that this could reduce emissions from cement production by around 15

Implenia has been commissioned by the Swedish infrastructure authority Trafikverket to execute a construction phase of the Haga project in Gothenburg. This includes a railway tunnel and an underground

Holcim is expanding circular building practices and has acquired the Belgian company Mark Desmedt. This acquisition extends Holcim's ECOCycle product range and strengthens its position in

The Zehnder Group is expanding its residential ventilation business in Spain and Portugal. By acquiring the Spanish company Siber, with locations in Les Franqueses del Vallès and Madrid, Zehnder strengthens its market position in Southern

Sika has inaugurated a new plant in Liaoning, China, creating a site for the manufacture of mortar products. With this production facility, the company aims to optimally fulfil market demand and reduce logistics

The Lausanne-based company Insolight, specializing in agri-photovoltaic solutions, has launched an innovative agri-photovoltaic plant in France. The facility on a farm in Sames combines strawberry production with semi-transparent photovoltaic panels and generates clean energy for about 50

Der Gebäudezulieferer Arbonia akquiriert den spanischen Türenanbieter Dimoldura. Ebenso übernimmt das Thurgauer Unternehmen Lignis, ein im Objektbereich angesiedeltes tschechisches

From the end of 2030, a direct suburban railway will connect north-west Switzerland and Alsace. By ordering 33 Flirt Evo France trains from Stadler, SBB is preparing the infrastructure for a modern, cross-border railway

The Urban Land Institute (ULI) and BNP Paribas Real Estate Investment Management (REIM) have presented a groundbreaking discussion paper that sheds light on how cities can strengthen their resilience through innovative approaches to urban planning. "Urban Transformation versus Urban Resilience"

On 17 May 2024, the groundbreaking Convention on Artificial Intelligence (AI) was adopted by the Council of Europe with the participation of Switzerland. This event marks a decisive step towards ensuring that AI technologies are developed and used in accordance with the principles of human rights,

The latest developments in consumer price data from the USA and Switzerland have a significant impact on the interest rate decisions of the Swiss National Bank (SNB). Despite a rise in inflation rates in Switzerland, market movements are signalling an imminent cut in the key interest

Brugg Rohrsystem AG, known as Brugg Pipes, has formed a significant strategic alliance with its US distribution partner Rovanco Piping Systems. The new joint venture will be based in the Chicago metropolitan area and aims to significantly reduce production times for pipe systems. This joint venture

Sika has opened a new hub for synthetic macro plastic fibers in Lima, Peru, to meet the growing demand in Latin America. This strategic expansion strengthens Sika's market position and supports the sustainable construction industry in the

For the fifth time in a row, Zurich was ranked as the smartest city in the world in the global IMD Smart City Index. Geneva and Lausanne also achieved strong

In China, the ongoing construction boom combined with excessive groundwater extraction is leading to a serious problem: many large cities, including Shanghai and Beijing, are increasingly sinking. This development could have dramatic consequences, particularly for the densely populated coastal

A new concept for high-temperature heat storage, developed by researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), promises more efficient and environmentally friendly energy use in high-temperature industrial applications. This approach could significantly reduce the use of fossil

In Lägerdorf, Schleswig-Holstein, the groundbreaking ceremony marked the foundation for one of the world's first CO2-neutral cement plants. Supported by the innovative "pure oxyfuel" technology from thyssenkrupp, this project aims to sustainably revolutionize cement production and capture around

Holcim acquires Tensolite. The leading Argentine manufacturer and distributor of precast and prestressed concrete systems expands the Zug-based building materials producer's portfolio in Latin America. Tensolite's distribution network extends from Argentina to Paraguay and

Schréder, a global provider of outdoor lighting, is acquiring a 49 percent stake in Photinus. This investment in the Austrian solar lighting company aims to promote the global growth of intelligent solar

DHG Properties beginnt mit Bau und Verkauf der Helvetia Residences in Dubai, seinem ersten Projekt in der Region. In den Wohnimmobilienkomplex mit 430 Wohneinheiten unterschiedlicher Grösse investiert der Immobilienentwickler umgerechnet über 144 Millionen