PRR

Context and Introduction

The Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) supports strategic investments aimed at strengthening Portugal's scientific, technological, and innovation capacity. Within this framework, the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), I.P. provides multi-annual funding to Research and Development Units that demonstrate scientific excellence, high-quality research, and social relevance.

The funding allocated to CIAUD contributes to the consolidation of its research infrastructure, scientific capacity, and international competitiveness, enabling the development of interdisciplinary research, advanced training, Open Science practices, and knowledge transfer in the fields of architecture, urbanism, design, and ergonomics. Through this investment, CIAUD reinforces its contribution to addressing societal challenges and strengthening Portugal's participation in the European Research Area. The RRP support is also fundamental to consolidating its territorial cohesion network, boosting the R&D activities developed at the Lusófona Hub, with its Design.ID and TerrA.ID laboratories.

Project Fact Sheet

• Project Title: Terr.A.ID
• Project Reference: UID/PRR2/04008/2025
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.54499/UID/PRR2/04008/2025
• Beneficiary Institution: COFAC/Universidade Lusófona
• Research Unit: Terr.A.ID, Hub of CIAUD
• Funding Programme: Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência (PRR) – NextGenerationEU
• Eligible Investment: 33 866,57 €
• Project Duration: 01/01/2025 – 30/06/2026

Project Description

CIAUD – Centre for Research in Architecture, Urbanism and Design is a scientific research infrastructure dedicated to the study of architecture, urban planning, design, and ergonomics, promoting interdisciplinary and collaborative research with scientific, social, cultural, and economic impact.

The centre comprises specialised research laboratories, project development and analysis platforms, digital resources, and equipment to support research in built environments, visual culture, and the creative industries, facilitating research, advanced training, experimentation, innovation, and knowledge transfer.

CIAUD supports projects developed in collaboration with universities, research centres, companies, public bodies, and international networks, contributing to the strengthening of national scientific capacity and Portuguese participation in European research and innovation programmes.

The Unit comprises specialised research laboratories, research support platforms, and advanced scientific resources for the collection, production, and analysis of spatial, material, qualitative, and quantitative data, supporting fundamental and applied research carried out by researchers, PhD students, and national and international partner institutions. The Universidade Lusófona / ISMAT hub (CIAUD/COFAC Hub) and its integrated laboratories — Design.ID and TerrA.ID — actively promote collaborative research, open science, advanced training, and knowledge transfer, helping to address the challenges of digital transformation, sustainability, social innovation, and territorial cohesion.

Scientific and Technical Objectives

• Modernize technological and scientific infrastructures in the fields of architecture, urbanism, design, and ergonomics.
• Promote digital transition, open science, and knowledge transfer within the research network and its integrated laboratories (Design.ID and TerrA.ID).
• Stimulate competitiveness, innovation, and economic, social, and environmental sustainability through territorial development and creative industries.

Expected Impact and Results

• R&D Infrastructure Capacity Building: Laboratory consolidation through advanced technology for spatial, material, and digital data processing and project development.
• Strengthening Scientific Employment and Advanced Training: Active integration of PhD students and researchers into multidisciplinary teams, driving the retention of highly qualified young talent.
• Innovation in Territory and Creative Industries: Development of sustainable and inclusive solutions for urban spaces, housing, and everyday products through the Design.ID and TerrA.ID laboratories.
• Dissemination and Open Science: Expanding scientific impact across international networks with open-access publication of results and effective knowledge transfer to the socioeconomic fabric.

Nominate List of Acquired Scientific Software & Platforms

Note: In compliance with PRR transparency guidelines, this nominate list systematically tracks the scientific software acquired under the Equipar +2 project, ensuring full traceability and audit readiness. This inventory is updated progressively as additional acquisitions are completed.

Research Infrastructure & Equipment Overview

The scientific infrastructure of the Terr.A.ID research laboratory integrates advanced three-dimensional scanning systems, non-destructive diagnostics, and high-resolution digital archiving, designed for high-end research in architecture, urbanism, and territories. The laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge technology structured across three core areas:

• 3D Scanning & Visual Archiving Systems: Includes a high-precision standalone 3D scanner with photogrammetric capabilities (MIRACO Plus) for detailed architectural and heritage surveying, complemented by professional high-resolution image capture systems (Fujifilm X-T5 camera body and XF 16-55mm F/2.8 lens) for territorial documentation, environmental mapping, and the development of critical archives.
• Sub-Surface Diagnostics & Material Analysis: Supported by a Ground Penetrating Radar (Proceq GP8800) powered by mobile AI technology for non-destructive structural imaging and sub-surface concrete inspection, alongside a PCE Instruments digital microscope (PCE-DHM 10) for detailed surface evaluation and microscopic analysis of historical building materials.
• Digital Fieldwork & Physical Modeling: Powered by high-capacity mobile Apple iPad Air devices (1TB) for real-time geospatial data collection, on-site radar visualization, and digital sketching, backed by ultra-fast SanDisk 2TB portable SSDs for secure storage of massive datasets (3D point clouds and cartography). This setup is further supported by dedicated printing hardware and a professional IDEAL lever guillotine for physical architectural models, exhibition setups, and graphic documentation preparation.

Official Project Documentation & Transparency Links

For full consultation and to ensure regulatory compliance regarding the publicity of this funded project, please refer to the links below:

• View the Official PRR Project Fact Sheet (PDF)
• Proof of Publicity and Project Sheet Disclosure

Funding Acknowledgement and Institutional Links

This infrastructure is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU, through the Portuguese Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), under the Equipar +2 programme (Ref. xxxxxxxxxxxxx). Terra ID activities are additionally supported by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), I.P.

To learn more about the progress and impact of European funds in Portugal, visit the official portal:

Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência (PRR) - www.recuperarportugal.gov.pt

Laboratory Contact:  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx