The Norman Foster Foundation develops research projects and prototypes that explore technology and design as they relate to our built environment, with a focus on
the use of new experimental materials and cutting-edge fabrication processes.

In collaboration with universities, research centres, industry partners and practitioners, the Foundations’s research projects apply a scientific approach to the exploration of material qualities in order to identify innovative architectural and design solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

The department of Design and Technology is currently focusing on the following areas of research:

- The materials of the future
- Smart mobility
- Flexible structures
- New applications of composites/carbon fibre - Robotics
- 3D printing - Furniture