Walz 4.0 Aims To Combine Teaching, Craftsmanship and Digitalization

(CONNECT) The Institute of Constructive Design at the Department of Architecture, Design and Civil Engineering at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) in Winterthur is the Swiss lead partner of the European Interreg program Walz 4.0, which was launched in April 2025. According to a press release, the project around Lake Constance aims to synergistically utilize and further develop the potential of traditional trades and university teaching in combination with digitalization.

In addition to the Institute of Constructive Design at the ZHAW, partners in the project are the ArchitekturWerkstatt of the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences and the Thurgau Monument Foundation. The University of Liechtenstein is also involved in the project. The Regensburg University of Applied Sciences and the Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences are also involved in the project. The overall coordination lies with the HTWG Konstanz University of Applied Sciences.

Walz 4.0 aims to combine the expertise of universities with the practical experience of local tradespeople. The aim is to find answers to the demands for sustainability in the construction industry as well as to the increasing shortage of skilled workers in the sector. This program, which is based on the craft migration movement, is also intended to promote international cooperation and the exchange of experience between crafts and universities in the four countries of Switzerland, Germany, Liechtenstein and Austria. In addition to practical work on construction and renovation projects, new learning spaces are also being created in which sustainable construction methods are developed and digital tools are created.

"In view of the climate crisis, circular construction in the sense of building within existing structures and reusing components is more important than ever. This is precisely where craftsmanship knowledge and skills, supplemented by the broad application of digital tools, are in demand," Andri Gerber from the ZHAW is quoted as saying in the press release. "Walz 4.0 brings together skilled trades, universities and new technologies, thus creating the conditions for a sustainable construction industry."

The project as part of the Interreg VI program Alpenrhein-Bodensee-Hochrhein runs from 2025 to 2028. It is being funded with a sum of around 5 million euros. Funding is provided by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. ce/ww