Zwicky Daia

Zwicky Daia is an Ordentlicher Professor (Full Professor) at the Haute école d'ingénierie et d'architecture de Fribourg (HEIA-FR), part of the HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland. He leads the iTEC Institute (Institut des technologies de l'environnement construit), focusing on civil engineering and sustainable construction. His research emphasizes ecological construction, multifunctional materials, timber-concrete composites, and structural analysis.

Key projects include exploring the use of hardwood in construction, optimizing recycled concrete mix designs using machine learning, and developing demountable structural systems. He has secured over CHF 2.2 million in funding for projects like the 'Potentiel d'utilisation des bois feuillus' and 'Optimized Recycled Concrete mix design.'

Daia’s research bridges structural innovation and environmental sustainability, with a focus on reducing carbon footprints through material optimization and recycling. His work spans experimental testing, numerical modeling, and practical applications in building design and urban densification.

Publications highlight contributions to textile-reinforced concrete, lightweight aggregates, and structural performance of existing buildings. His interdisciplinary approach involves collaborations across engineering, material science, and environmental studies.