The TUM Georg Nemetschek Institute (GNI) is an interdisciplinary research center applying artificial intelligence to the built environment. It brings together scientists from the fields of computer science, civil engineering and architecture to advance the digitalization of the construction industry through interdisciplinary research, and is supported by the Nemetschek Foundation.
Prof. André Borrmann studied civil engineering at the Bauhaus University Weimar and received his Ph.D. from TUM in 2007. Since 2011, he has held the Chair of Computational Modeling and Simulation at the TUM School of Engineering and Design, which was renamed to the Chair of Computing in Civil and Building Engineering in 2025. In addition, he has been the spokesperson of the Leonhard Obermeyer Center for Digital Methods in the Built Environment since 2013. His research focuses on the use of AI for digital modeling and optimization of construction processes. This includes building information modeling (BIM), geometric analysis of structures, and point cloud processing for accurate as-built documentation. He also explores how sensor data can be efficiently processed to enable real-time control of construction processes. Another focus of his work is the simulation of pedestrian flows to improve building safety and functionality. He has published extensively in these fields and played a significant role in interdisciplinary research projects.
As the new director of GNI, Prof. Borrmann aims to further increase the institute's international visibility: “We want to make GNI globally recognized, primarily through high quality research and publications. In addition, we want to work closely with industry to ensure a strong transfer of knowledge into practical applications. Our research covers a wide range of AI methods, from sensor processing and generative AI based on large language models to intelligent control of robots in construction contexts.”
Thanks to its interdisciplinary approach, the institute brings together expertise from computer science, civil engineering and architecture, creating an outstanding research environment with an international presence. "The Institute is unique in its clear focus on AI and the built environment. Thanks to the generous support of the foundation, we are well positioned financially. And most importantly, the TUM environment allows us to bring together top computer science researchers with experts in civil engineering and architecture to develop innovative solutions," says Borrmann.
A key aspect of his new role is to manage and develop the growth of the Institute. In doing this, he builds on the work done by his predecessor, Prof. Ian Smith. Borrmann emphasizes: “Prof. Ian Smith, as founding director, has done an excellent job in establishing the Institute over the past few years. We are fortunate to be able to build on this strong foundation. There are already a large number of ongoing interdisciplinary projects and a large scientific staff. I intend to continue and expand this organic growth in order to rapidly increase GNI's international visibility.”
Prof. Borrmann sees the rapid development of new AI technologies as a major challenge: “Almost every week, new methods and tools emerge that have the potential to bring groundbreaking advances to our applications in the construction industry. We need to stay on top of these developments!”
With this strategic direction, Prof. Borrmann aims to establish TUM GNI as a world-leading center for AI-driven research in the construction industry and to translate innovations into practical applications.
Further information:
- About the TUM Georg Nemetschek Institute
- About Prof. André Borrmanns academic career, his publications and awards