Jan 2026 — Dec 2028
Research on Knowledge Co-Creation Mechanism and Human-AI Collaboration Model in Generative AI-based Engineering Design
Architecture • Technology • Management
BRIDGING DESIGN
INNOVATION WITH
DIGITAL CONSTRUCTION
Each year, the construction industry generates nearly 37% of global carbon emissions and is responsible for over 60,000 worker fatalities. Yet, around 40-70% of a building lifecycle cost, environmental impact, and safety risks are locked in during the design phase.
The HKU Research Group of Design for Excellence in Digital Construction (DxDC) confronts this crisis head-on. Through Design Engineering Informatics and Design Management Innovation, we pioneer DfMA and DfS to reshape construction from its source.
About Group Lead
PhD · MSc · BArch · MRICS
Dr. Tan Tan is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Real Estate and Construction, Faculty of Architecture, the University of Hong Kong (HKU), and a Principal Investigator at the National Centre of Technology Innovation for Digital Construction in Hong Kong (NCTI-DC-HK). Previously, he held postdoctoral positions at the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands and the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Digital Fabrication in Switzerland. He received his PhD and MSc from University College London (UCL Bartlett) and his BArch from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST).
Dr. Tan has led research projects, including the Hong Kong Early Career Scheme (ECS) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Young Scientists Fund, and participated in the Collaborative Research Fund (CRF) and the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF). His achievements include receiving the ESI Highly Cited Paper Award, Editor's Choice Paper Award, and Best Paper Awards, alongside various prestigious scholarships such as the UCL PhD Scholarship, UK Grand Challenges Doctoral Grant, and China National Award for Outstanding Self-funded Students Abroad.
He currently serves as a managing guest editor for Developments in the Built Environment, a Corresponding Expert for the Chinese Academy of Engineering's journal Frontiers of Engineering Management, and as Co-Chair for CAAD Futures 2025. Since founding his research group in 2024, he has actively supported his team members in securing various academic honors, including Hong Kong government fellowships and merit paper awards.
SELECTED Publications
Published 36 papers in journals, conferences, and books, with works receiving the Editor's Choice Selection, Best Paper Award, Merit Paper Award, Most Downloaded Paper Prize, and ESI Highly Cited Paper.
2025
Human-robot interaction design with augmented reality in construction: A systematic review of frameworks, applications, and future directions
Front. Eng. Manag.2025
Exploring the Implementation of Digital Fabrication in Construction: Combining System Approaches and a Revelatory Case Study from Switzerland
J. Constr. Eng. Manag.2024
Exploring Multidimensional Modularity: Strategies to Reduce Complexity in Design Activities
J. Manag. Eng.2023
Digital-enabled Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) in Offsite Construction
Archit. Eng. Des. Manag. Most Downloaded Paper Prize2022
Integrated Approaches to Design for Manufacture and Assembly: Huoshenshan Hospital Case Study
J. Manag. Eng. Editor's Choice Selection2021
Combining Multi-criteria Decision Making (MCDM) Methods with Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Autom. Constr.Selected Funded Projects
In its inaugural year, the DxDC research group has secured over HK$2.5 million in funding from the RGC, NSFC and URC, including ECS, YSF(C), TDG, VPS, HKPF.
Jan 2026 — Dec 2028
Large Language Model (LLM)-augmented Automated Safety Checking in Alteration and Addition (A&A) Works
June 2025 — June 2026
Evaluating the Impact of Augmented Reality (AR)-based Interaction Designs on Cognitive Load and Learning Satisfaction in Digital Construction Education
Apr 2023 — Mar 2026
Generative DfX in High-Rise Modular Building: An Expert Augmented Cascade Graph Learning and Optimisation Approach
Special Issue
We are guest-editing a special issue, 'Design for X in Digital Construction', which aims to broaden the field's influence and establish our research group's identity.
Call for Papers
Design for X (DfX) in Digital Construction
Developments in the Built Environment
Impact Factor: 8.2
This Special Issue invites original contributions that explore the application of DfX concepts within the context of digital construction, including Design for Manufacture and Assembly, Design for Safety, and Design for Sustainability.
Submission Deadline
July 1st, 2026
Submit
Our Research Team
Our team is composed of researchers from top QS50 universities worldwide. The core team includes four doctoral-level researchers, supported by master's student research assistants.
Advisory Board
Scholars from overseas universities provide strategic guidance and networking opportunities for the development of DxDC and its research students.
External Partners
Collaborating with leading local industry and academic institutions worldwide.
Enterprises
National Centers
International Academic Partners
Job Vacancy
Join our interdisciplinary research team
Open Positions
We are recruiting RA/MPhil/PhD/PostDoc based on the HKU Department of Real Estate and Construction and the National Center of Technology Innovation in Digital Construction (Hong Kong Branch).
Funding & Scholarships for PhD Applicants:
- Fellowship Package (Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme + HKU President's Scholarship): For the most competitive applicants. This premier package includes a high monthly stipend, full tuition waiver, cash awards, and travel allowance. The total award over 4 years is valued at approximately HK$1.7 million. [Details]
- Standard Package (Postgraduate Scholarship): Provided to all admitted full-time MPhil & PhD students. The total stipend over 4 years is approximately HK$904,000. [Details]
Research Directions:
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Direction 1: Human-AI Collaboration in Generative AI
Explore creativity and decision-making mechanisms in designer-AI interactions from cognitive and behavioral science perspectives, and investigate how AIGC reshapes the value chain and professional roles of the design industry from management and business perspectives. Supported by the NSFC Young Scientists Scheme. -
Direction 2: LLM-assisted Design Checking
Develop intelligent assistants powered by large language models to enhance engineering review and compliance efficiency. The aim is to build systems capable of interpreting complex building codes and multi-modal design data (e.g., BIM, drawings). Supported by the RGC Early Career Scheme. -
Direction 3: Generative Design for Modular Construction
Integrate algorithmic design with lifecycle demands of modular construction to generate innovative solutions under constraints such as manufacturing, transportation, lifting, cost, and aesthetics. Supported by HKU Seed Fund, Teaching Development Fund, and Visiting Professors Scheme.
Applicants should hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree with first-class honors in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Management, Psychology, Design, or related fields. Both qualitative and quantitative research interests related to Design for Excellence in Digital Construction (DxDC) are welcome. Interested candidates can send the following materials to tant@hku.hk: 1) CV; 2) Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s); 3) TOEFL / IELTS / GRE scores. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews.
More requirements about academic merit can be found at the HKU Graduate School.
Let's Collaborate
Open to academic partnerships, industry collaborations, and research opportunities.
Office
5/F, Knowles Building
University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong SAR