Presentation
João Branco Pedro
Head of Department
The Buildings Department (DED) is dedicated to the study of buildings and the built environment, addressing both the construction and rehabilitation. Its organisational structure comprises four units:
- Construction Behaviour and Technology Unit
- Environmental Comfort, Components and Building Services Unit
- Construction Economics, Management and Quality Unit
- Urban and Territorial Studies Unit
DED’s activities are carried out for Public Administration and the State Business Sector, as well as for a wide range of public and private stakeholders in the construction sector, including major projet owners, asset managers, construction product manufacturers, condominium associations and privateowners. DED also cooperates with a broad range of entities within the national and international scientific system. Its team comprises more than 60 members, approximately half of whom hold a PhD.
DED’s programmed research activities focus on:
- Sustainable construction technologies
- Conservation and rehabilitation of the built heritage
- Safety and environmental comfort
- Construction economics and project management
- Integration of social aspects in the urban space
With an approach covering the entire life cycle of buildings, DED carries out specialised studies and provides expert opinions, including:
- Diagnosis and resolution of construction defects and pathologies
- Support for the conservation and repair of ordinary buildings and historic heritage
- Quality assurance audits of construction works
- Advisory services in the contracting and execution of construction projects
- Support for the construction industry in the development of new products and construction systems
- Analyses of hygrothermal, acoustic, lighting and energy performance, integrating in situ monitoring and experimental testing
- Fire safety engineering studies and risk communication methodologies
- Technical support for project management, public procurement processes and the production of supporting technical documentation
DED also participates in regulatory and standardisation processes, issues Approval Documents (DH), Application Documents (DA) and European Technical Assessments (ETA), manages the LNEC Quality Mark for construction projects, collaborates in advanced training programmes, and promotes scientific and technical dissemination within the sector.