Structure

WP1. Requirements of a cross-disciplinary, collaborative environment for VR-aided design in architecture

WP1 aims at eliciting the user and functional requirements of PrismArch by relying on experts’ knowledge to, initially, identify the limitations of existing solutions and workflows in architecture; then move on with the main principles that govern the disciplines of architectural, structural and MEP design as well as their interconnections; and conclude with the conceptualization of a VR-aided design environment blending cross-disciplinary aspects of architecture and allowing to simultaneously embed multiple simulations. The derived requirements will be used to guide the developments in all technical WPs by addressing Research Obj. 1.

Leading partner: ZHVR Description of work

Description of work

T1.1: Limitations of existing workflows in architecture (M1-M4) [lead: ZHVR, 6 PMs; AKT, 2 PMs; SWECO, 2 PMs] D1.1

The partners representing the end-users of PrismArch will study and report on the limits characterizing the existing workflows of communication and collaboration between the different design disciplines in the domain of AEC. Our intention with this task is for all consortium partners to obtain a solid understanding of current developments and limitations in AEC industry and reflect on the approaches that should be followed in PrismArch to address them. Limitations resulting in ineffective cross-discipline collaboration, low photo-realisticness and hindered creativity are some of the aspects that will be discussed in this task. ZHVR will be responsible for this task and its output will feed into the research and technical (WP2-WP5) as well as the demonstration (WP6) work package. AKT and SWECO contribute as engineering partners.

T1.2: Main principles and interconnections between architectural, structural and MEP design (M1-M18) [lead: AKT, 6 PMs; ZHVR, 3 PMs; SWECO, 3 PMs] D1.1, D1.2, D1.3

Following the limitations of T1.1, T1.2 aims at systematically collecting and reporting about the principles, rules and constraints both within and across disciplines. This is particularly important for allowing PrismArch to fulfill its cross-disciplinary and multi-simulation aspects. The IFC [IFC] standard will be employed for storing the rules in an open file format, widely acceptable and understandable by commercial design software (e.g. Autocad products) and standard in most EU countries. The semantics of IFC xml standards will be used to derive a database that can lead to a mathematical approach to the solution design and engineering problems that will speed up authoring process (T2.1). In addition, the BCF format (BIM Collaboration Format [BCF]) will be used for storing the interconnections across disciplines to solve conflicts (collisions and errors of objects) allowing the collaboration across disciplines. Three versions of these semiologies (mostly feeding T2.1) will be delivered, on M4 and M12 for the first phase demonstrators, and a final on M20. AKT will be responsible for this task as it is already experienced with the semantically representation of rules (iModel) in its software Re.AKT (See Section 4.1.6). ZHVR and SWECO will complement with their discipline expertise.

T1.3: Cross-disciplinary perspective and multi-simulations embedded in VR (M1-M18) [lead: ZHVR, 6 PMs; AKT, 2 PMs; SWECO, 2 PMs] D1.1, D1.2, D1.3

In implementing PrismArch’s concept for the prismatic composition/decomposition of information, T1.3 aims at conceptualizing with mockups (sketches) how the VR experience should be layered to facilitate the needs of each design discipline, but also how to emphasize the points of intersections across disciplines. For instance, these mockups should explain the part of the VR world that should be faded or illuminated when in solo-design mode, or in cross-disciplinary view. Particularly important in this task is the conceptualization of how the CAE-generated simulations coming from different design disciplines will co-exist and interact with each other to offer valuable decision hints. In addition, issues related to how certain on-screen techniques can be migrated to VR or how to handle liabilities of multiple authors should be also considered as part of this task. ZHVR will lead this task based on its design and technological background. AKT, and SWECO will be the main collaborators in this task according to their engineering background.

WP2. Computational architecture design for automated content creation and design suggestions

This work package is focusing on AI assistance and content generation in VR-aided authoring tasks. In particular, AI will search across the parameters of the design space in real-time, presenting suggestions that satisfy functional constraints, and both improve efficiency, aesthetic diversity, without causing item collisions and erroneous designs. Moreover, the authoring procedure will be enhanced by user models based on the needs of different disciplines and/or individual preferences. WP2 addresses Research Obj. 2.

Leading partner: UOM Description of work

Description of work

T2.1: Parametric definition of the solution space using the principles, restrictions and rules of each design discipline (M1-M20) [lead: UOM, 6 PMs; ZHVR, 3 PMs; AKT, 3 PMs; SWECO: 3 PMs] D2.1, D2.2, D2.3

Given practitioners’ data from T1.2 in IFC and BIM xml formats, this task will formulate the mathematical framework for AI assistive tools and automatic content generators. Tools from Open Source BIM collective [OSBIM] will be employed for the analysis of the IFC and BIM xml data. Moreover, the desired form and function of architectural, structural and MEP designs will be mathematically formulated as soft constraints (i.e., fitness functions) and hard constraints. For example, the designer should be able to define the amount of free interior space not covered by furniture, e.g. 50% with respect to the total surface. UOM will lead T2.1 and will be responsible for formulating the parameter space and the mathematical metrics for constraints, performance, and aesthetic diversity. ZHR, AKT and SWECO will participate in the definition of the pertinent parameters that will define the solution space where AI will search.

T2.2: AI-assisted content creation and design suggestions based on evolutionary algorithms (M1-M20) [lead: UM, 8 PMs] D2.1, D2.2, D2.3

This task undertakes the application of population-based evolutionary algorithms for adapting the initial human design with changes and explorations of the parameter space of T2.1 in order to improve functional or aesthetic qualities and satisfy IFC and BIM defined principles, rules and constraints (T1.2). To achieve this, the initial seed of the evolutionary algorithm will be the user’s creation and the objectives will be a combination of fitness functions. To produce suggestions, algorithms for constrained optimization, constrained divergent search, and constrained quality-diversity will be implemented and tested, ensuring that the suggestions shown to the designer are feasible, high-performing and/or different to what the designer is currently refining (in order to trigger inspiration). UOM will implement the evolutionary search approaches in order to traverse the parameter space guided by constraints, objectives, or diversity measures. The result will be a set of generated designs that can be visualized as suggestions to the designer along with metrics that explain how these suggestions improve the current design (heating efficiency, structural strength, budget improvement, lighting efficiency).

T2.3: Designer modeling and adaptation based on the design discipline and/or individual preferences (M1-M20) [lead: UOM, 8 PMs] D2.2, D2.3

This task will implement machine learning and statistical models for the purpose of identifying patterns in the needs and goals of different types of designers, and also for learning the preferences of individual designers. These models will be used to adjust, filter, and discern when to show AI-generated suggestions (T2.2) to designers in order to maximize their impact to the task at hand. The models will be formulated based on critical design factors across different disciplines (T2.1) and trained on interaction data with the VR simulation during demonstrations of WP6. Important interaction data pertain to the use of suggestions, i.e. under which circumstances and for which types of suggestions designers are more likely to accept the suggested content. UOM experienced in user analytics and predictive analytics will be responsible for training designer models on pertinent interaction data and adapting the evolutionary algorithms to generate personalized suggestions.

WP3. Cognition aspects of collaborative VR-aided design environments

The objective of this WP is to conduct behavioral experiments in VR on designers and engineers in order to measure the cognitive, spatial, and navigational stress induced, as well as the ability to author, take decisions, and being productive in the VR environment. Addressing Research Obj. 3, our goal is to derive a set of rules that will guide developments within PrismArch, but also contribute in the general field of VR-aided authoring.

Leading partner: ETH Description of work

Description of work

T3.1: Spatial cognition and navigability in VR Environments (M1-M20) [lead: ETH, 6 PMs; ZHVR, 1 PM; AKT, 1 PM; SWECO, 1 PM] D3.1, D3.2, D3.3

This task aims at conducting studies about the spatial cognition and navigability in VR exposing designers to various degrees of visual detail and available architectural information. Testers from the consortium will be asked to traverse the environment, assess design qualities, and will be quizzed on their spatial memory of overall layout and local design features. The Unreal graphics engine with head-mounted displays (HMD) will be used. Remote testing or testing in ETH facilities (when there is a need for specialized equipment) will be performed by the practitioners. In a second step, participants will need to provide comparative assessments of design variants. Analysis of interaction moves and trajectories will be combined with standardized psychometric tests of spatial abilities and navigation strategies. ETH will be responsible for conducting the experiments foreseen in T3.1. ZHVR, AKT and SWECO will participate as end-users in these experiments.

T3.2: Cognitive load when being immersed and interact with complex visual displays (M1-M20) [lead: ETH, 6 PMs; UOM: 3 PMs; ZHVR, 1 PM; AKT, 1 PM; SWECO, 1 PM] D3.1, D3.2, D3.3

This task aims in studying cognitive load during concurrent navigation and design decision-making tasks. In collaboration with the end-users of our consortium, ETH will compile tests containing design analysis tasks that require participants to switch perspective between their own primary design focus and the implications and tradeoffs of their design decisions on other stakeholders. Eye-tracking methodology inside the VR HMD will be employed to detect visual attention patterns and thus determine how much relevant vs. irrelevant information the designer needs to process during task performance. The Unreal graphics engine with HTC Vive Pro with Tobii eye-tracking will be used for this purpose. ETH will be responsible for this task collaborating with UOM in order to fully test the AI tools that allow users to traverse the design options while being immersed in VR. ZHVR, AKT and SWECO will participate as end-users in these experiments.

T3.3: UX and usability guidelines for designing interfaces in collaborative VR-aided design environments (M1-M20) [lead: ETH, 5 PMs; CERTH, 3PMs; MINDESK, 3 PMs;] D3.1, D3.2, D3.3

This task aims at translating the studies in T3.1 and T3.2 into specific directives that will guide interface designers and technical developers. A manual of positive and negative directives will be provided in order to ensure that navigational, spatial and cognitive stress are minimized a priori so as to avoid re-developments of interfaces. ETH will be responsible for this task, whereas technical partners (CERTH and MINDESK) will help towards the feasibility & compliance.

WP4. Blending multi-simulations and BIM notations within a VR-aided design environment

The objectives of this WP are to establish the seamless integration of BIM notations and CAE-Simulations within the VR-aided design environment. More specifically, WP4 will work out the details of establishing a high-speed two-way communication between the high-quality graphic engines (i.e. Unreal or Unity) adopted in PrismArch and existing software packages handling BIM information and CAE-generated simulations. Natural and intuitive interfaces relying on hand gesture recognition for interacting with advanced visualization schemes within PrismArch are also part of this WP. WP4 addresses Research Obj. 4.

Leading partner: CERTH Description of work

Description of work

T4.1: Interconnect VR-aided design environment with BIM and CAE Simulation environments (M1-M20) [lead: MINDESK, 8 PMs; CERTH, 6 PMs; AKT, 2 PMs;] D4.1, D4.2, D4.3

This task aims to interconnect high-quality graphic engines such as Unreal with BIM-compliant software such as BIM 360, and CAE-Simulation software such as Sofistik and Solidworks. In particular, the Unreal’s Live Link API and the API of BIM and CAE-Simulation software will be employed to establish a two-way information exchange between these pieces of software. Our research focus will be on establishing a high bit rate protocol, pushing the limits of the existing Live Link UDP protocol, for embedding 3D models and CAE-generated simulations into the VR-aided design environment. To ensure the smooth interoperability between different APIs and PrismArch integrated environment, we will aim for their semantic integration using AKT developed ontologies and CERTH’s PROPheT ontology populator and ontology alignment tools (see Section 1.3.6 RA4.1). MINDESK will be responsible for this task as it has used the Live Link API to interconnect with CAD software in their plugin for Revit and Solidworks. CERTH and AKT will contribute with their knowledge on the semantic integration and interoperability of heterogeneous services.

T4.2: Embed and interact with BIM information overlaid as digital-tags in the VR environment (M3-M20) [lead: CERTH, 4 PMs; ZHVR, 2 PMs; SWECO, 2PMs] D4.2, D4.3

Following the two-way communication protocol established in T4.1, T4.2 will develop proper visualization schemes for smoothly embedding BIM information as digital tags within the VR-aided design environment. Through these digital tags the user will be able to dynamically retrieve, view and even modify the BIM information associated with a certain building element, while immersed in the virtual environment. These modifications will then reflect back to the origin BIM software so as to benefit from BIM intelligence (i.e. class detection) and update accordingly the VR environment. The visualization schemes of T4.2 will be designed according to the mockups of T1.3 and the guidelines of T3.3. CERTH will lead this task due to its experience in designing VR interfaces, while ZHVR and SWECO will offer their expert’s opinion on how to best visualize and interact with BIM information.

T4.3: Embed and interact with advanced CAE simulations as seamless entities of the VR environment (M3-M20) [lead: CERTH, 6 PMs; ZHVR, 4 PMs; AKT, 4 PMs; SWECO, 4 PMs] D4.2, D4.3

T4.3 aims at developing the means to visualize and interact with advanced design simulations while immersed in the VR environment. It is one of the core novelties introduced in PrismArch, namely how to make, for instance, the 3D model of a building element residing in the Unreal engine to obtain the behaviour of a simulation generated using a CAE software. In other words, we need to mirror the effect of advanced CAE simulations using the primitive elements of the VR environment, such as geometries, textures, animations, lighting, etc. Advanced GPU-accelerated visualization techniques of high-volume data (i.e Raymarched Signed Distance Fields/Volumetric Textures, Isosurfaces, Streamlines, Realtime Raytracing) will be used for this purpose. In addition, based on the two-way communication protocol of T4.1, the designer will be able to dynamically modify the simulation parameters while immersed in the VR environment, propagate these modifications to the origin simulation software and reflect back to the VR-aided design environment the updated simulation effects. Finally, T4.3 will also develop the means to allow multiple simulations of different disciplines to co-exist within the VR environment, as well as compare different versions of the same simulation, e.g. by ghosting the previous session. CERTH will lead this task due to its experience in designing VR interfaces, while ZHVR, AKT and SWECO will offer their expert’s opinion on how to best visualize and interact with CAE-generated simulations.

T4.4: Interfaces for intuitive interaction through visualization and gesture control (M1-M24) [lead: MINDESK, 8 PMs; CERTH 6 PMs] D4.2, D4.3

T4.4 deals with the adaptation of existing hand gesture recognition SDKs and the exploitation of advanced software and hardware technologies for high-quality photo-realistic graphics to build a highly realistic and natural VR environment. The HTC hand gesture recognition SDK, as well as the real-time tracing algorithms and RTX graphics cards will be exploited for the needs of interfacing with the VR-aided design environment (see Methodology 1.3.6 RA4.4). MINDESK will be responsible for the development of high realistic graphics, whereas CERTH will handle the gesture recognition integration via an available SDK.

WP5. System integration and development of the collaborative VR-aided design environment

The aim of WP5 is to integrate the PrismArch components into an overall platform, validate its proper functioning and fine-tune it for running the demonstrators. The platform architecture and the integration protocol will be defined early in the project lifetime to facilitate the smooth integration of components coming from WP2-4. WP6 addresses the Technical Obj.

Leading partner: MINDESK Description of work

Description of work

T5.1: System architecture and integration protocol design (M1-M20) [ lead: MINDESK, 8 PMs; CERTH, 4 PMs] D5.1, D5.3

T5.1 aims to define the overall architecture of the platform. A master diagram for the overall architecture will be assembled in order to foster discussions in the consortium about the integration procedure. Specific technologies to be used per each WP will be defined in order to improve the final integration procedure in the end and avoid discrepancies. OpenXR specifications will be acknowledged in order to support cross-platform (Unreal and Unity3D) and cross-device compatibility (HTC and Oculus). Vice versa, contributions to OpenXR will be considered by a bottom-up PrismArch system architecture definition in order to enhance OpenXR specifications with the ability to support the interconnection with CAD/BIM/CAE software. MINDESK will be responsible for leading this task adopting the architecture of its own product for VR-aided authoring and CERTH will contribute on the integration aspects related to BIM and CAE simulations.

T5.2: Integration of services and implementation of PrismArch’s VR-aided design environment (M5-M22) [lead: MINDESK, 6 PMs, CERTH, 4 PMs; UOM, 4 PMs; ZHVR, 4 PMs; ETH, 4 PMs; AKT, 3 PMs; SWECO, 3 PMs] D5.2, D5.4

T5.2 coordinates the integration activities that will lead to the delivery of PrismArch platform, by identifying a feasible implementation roadmap and delivering the integration testing plan, which will serve to verify the appropriateness of the design foundation and ensure that the interoperability/communication specifications (T5.1) are correctly implemented in the other development WPs, namely the AI assistive and content generation tools from WP2, the two-way interconnection modules of VR to BIM/CAE (T4.1), BIM (T4.2) and CAE-Simulations (T4.3), as well as the gesture-based interfaces (T4.4). Finally, it will set-up the infrastructure for collaborative development and continuous integration, which will be used by all the development WPs releasing software results, for the deployment of the prototype and execution of integration tests. MINDESK will be responsible for the integration as it has been experienced in integrating components to its VR-aided design platform. ALL other partners will contribute by making sure that their modules are properly integrated with PrismArch platform.

T5.3: System fine tuning and support for usability tests and demonstrators (M5-M22) [lead: CERTH, 6 PMs; UOM, 4 PMs; ZHVR, 2 PMs; MINDESK, 4 PMs; AKT, 2 PMs; SWECO, 2 PMs] D5.2, D5.4

This task concerns the deployment of the platform according to the architectural projects and usage scenarios of T6.1 and its fine-tuning and customization to support specific requirements of the different demonstrators. In addition, usability tests will be conducted by all partners for quality assurance and control prior to delivering software for the demonstrators of WP6. Quality checks will lead to bug fixes and patches that aim to solve infancy issues that technical projects with high TRL and interfaces always facing. CERTH will be responsible for the system fine tuning and usability tests to ensure the platform’s robustness for the demonstrators. ALL other partners will contribute with the fine-tuning of the system.

WP6. Demonstrate and evaluate PrismArch in different architectural projects

WP6 aims to design and implement the demonstrations of the PrismArch platform in specified architectural projects. A methodology will be developed to design and execute two demonstrators concerning the design of company and residential buildings. Moreover, WP6 concerns the recruitment of architects and engineers from ZHVR, SWECO and AKT that will evaluate the developed technologies to validate its usability and usefulness, through a carefully conceived evaluation plan.

Leading partner: SWECO Description of work

Description of work

T6.1: Define the architectural projects and usage scenarios for demonstration and evaluation (M1-M7) [lead: ZHVR, 4 PMs; SWECO, 2 PMs; AKT, 2 PMs] D6.1

The two architectural projects defined in Section 1.3.3 will be populated with real data in order to allow the demonstrators to represent real-life situations. T6.1 will be based on WP1 in order to refine the usage scenarios described in Section 1.3.3 for the designers and engineers, so as to evaluate efficiently the PrismArch platform. A schedule for the demonstrations as well as the equipment requirements will be determined. The demonstrators will be scheduled for two execution phases during the lifetime of the project and will enable the refinement of the developed modules. ZHVR will be responsible for this task as it is the main contractor for constructions that collaborates with AKT and SWECO engineers.

T6.2: Usability study and evaluation plan (M5-M22) [lead: SWECO, 4 PMs; ZHVR, 3 PMs; AKT, 3 PMs; ETH 2 PMs] D6.2, D6.4

T6.2 will develop an evaluation plan for the PrismArch platform, based on the demonstrators and usage scenarios as defined in T6.1. This task will consider all the necessary activities regarding user training and usability study sessions with all types of designers-engineers. The testing and evaluation procedures, will be specified, including methodology/protocol, evaluation criteria/parameters, tools/instruments (questionnaires, interviews, online automatic collection mechanisms) for user feedback collection, and training material. SWECO will be leading this task as an engineering organization with experience on usability studies. ZHVR and AKT will offer their discipline expertize. ETH will make sure that UX and usability criteria from T3.3 are incorporated in the usability plan.

T6.3: System usage and evaluation by architects, structure and MEP engineers (M11-M24) [lead: SWECO, 4 PMs; CERTH, 3 PMs; UOM, 3 PMs; ZHVR, 3 PMs; MINDESK, 3 PMs; ETH, 2 PMs; AKT, 3 PMs] D6.3, D6.5

This task regards the deployment, execution, and evaluation of PrismArch platform based on T6.1 and T6.2. T6.3 will execute all the necessary activities regarding user recruitment, user training, designing in VR, and collaborating in VR. Based on the evaluation plan set in T6.2, the effectiveness of the platform will be tested and evaluated by the recruited designers. The evaluation outcome of the first phase demonstrations will be extremely valuable, acting as a feedback for leading the developments of the second phase, leading to an improved version of the platform. SWECO will be responsible for this task with the contributions from ZHVR and AKT partners. All technical partners will facilitate the deployment and the smooth execution of the demonstrators.

WP7. Dissemination, exploitation and innovation management

The objective of WP7 is to ensure that the technologies developed in the context of PrismArch enjoy the necessary level of dissemination, are exploited by the consortium partners and are sustainable beyond the end of the project. It should also ensure the project’s networking and engagement with relevant initiatives so as for its results to be adopted by stakeholders in Europe and beyond.

Leading partner: AKT Description of work

Description of work

T7.1: Dissemination and communication activities (M1-M24) [lead: AKT 4 PMs, Other partners: 1 PM each] D7.1, D7.2, D7.5

This task involves the a) development of a project communication kit consisting of the project website, social media accounts and a set of printed material (poster, leaflet, factsheet) for distribution at key academic, industrial and public events, and b) definition of dissemination plan and dissemination/communication activities to promote the project and raise awareness about its aims, activities, and findings. The project website will be hosted beyond project duration, to promote exploitation of project’s results and serve as a reference point for subsequent projects. Finally, the existing networks of ZHVR, AKT, SWECO and MINDESK will be leveraged to communicate PrismArch’s objectives and achievements through targeted campaigns. AKT will lead this task. All partners will participate in the dissemination and communication activities.

T7.2: Market analysis and exploitation plan (M1-M24) [lead: MINDESK 3 PMs; ZHVR 2 PMs; SWECO 1 PMs; AKT 1 PMs] D7.3, D7.6

T7.2 will establish an efficient business plan to ensure the commercialization and sustainability of PrismArch platform during and beyond the project lifetime. First, a detailed competitive landscape and market analysis will be performed using the content of Section 2.2.3 as starting point, ensuring and maximizing the innovation capacity of our technology. Then, a detailed business plan will be delivered, including the exploitable assets, detailed marketing strategies, pricing estimations, and sales projections for the exploitation of project results within the pilot countries/domains. This plan will also include econometric models based on the refined competitiveness landscape analysis, in order to establish precise market penetration rates and define the pricing plan, sales forecasts and sustainability analysis for PrismArch platform. Finally, in order to ensure fast and successful adoption of PrismArch, T8.2 will include guidelines for platform customization to facilitate the promotion of virtual reality aided design in other industries such as gaming, real-estate, etc. MINDESK will be responsible for the market analysis and exploitation plan with contributions from ZHVR, AKT and SWECO.

T7.3: Networking and engagement with relevant initiatives (M1-M24) [lead: CERTH 3 PMs; UOM 2 PMs; Other partners 1 PM each] D7.4

T7.3 will host a set of ecosystem building activities with training processes at their core, attracting and involving AEC experts in order to accelerate the adoption and broaden the scope of the platform in promoting virtual reality aided design in several AEC processes and stages. This will include: a) creation of a user group including key stakeholders representing the end-users of PrismArch, who will be informed about project progress and achievements and will be invited in project events (see Section 2.2.2), b) online engaging, educational activities (e.g. freely available online material, thematic webinars elaborating on how to use, as well as the benefits of using PrismArch); c) physical events like the demonstration workshop organized by ZHVR (see Section 2.2.2), a workshop hosted in one of the XR4ALL events, and a workshop hosted in one of OpenXR Khronos events. In terms of engaging with relevant initiatives, we already foresee our contribution in the XR4ALL ecosystem by making sure that the developed extension of Unreal’s Live Link plugin to support collaboration with CAD/BIM/CAE software will comply with the suggested high-level architecture. Furthermore, as part of our development activities we will follow the OpenXR [OPENXR] API specifications so as to ensure compatibility with a wider array of VR hardware platforms and increase PrismArch’s impact. CERTH will lead this task and mainly contribute in the engagement with relevant initiatives with the contribution of UOM. ZHVR, AKT, SWECO and MINDESK will carry out the ecosystem building activities.

WP8. Project Management and Coordination

The goal of WP8 is to plan and undertake all necessary activities for the project’s effective coordination, including: a) administrative and financial management, b) technical management and quality assurance, and c) management of knowledge and intellectual property rights. The objective of WP8 is to ensure the achievement of the project objectives on time, within budget and with a high degree of success. Project management will monitor tasks and WPs progress and revise reports and deliverables. Periodic management and financial reporting will demonstrate that the project is proceeding as planned, and that contingencies are mitigated. A quality assurance plan will be set in place to specify and guarantee correct completion of project objectives.

Leading partner: CERTH Description of work

Description of work

T8.1: Administrative and financial management (M1-M24) [lead: CERTH 4 PMs] D8.1

This task will ensure that the foreseen management structure of the project is implemented and operational at any time, holding meetings, monitoring the scientific and technical progress of the project. Furthermore, T8.1 will ensure the timely production of deliverables from the individual WPs and from the project as a whole, establishing an efficient communication and reporting infrastructure, managing the consortium, and mediating in the event of conflicts. This task will also manage financial records, ensuring that comprehensive audit trails exist for all project spending, as well as that all partners maintain their financial records updated.

T8.2: Technical management and quality assurance (M1-M24) [lead: CERTH 4 PMs; All partners 1 PM each] D8.1, D8.2, 8.4

Technical management aims at monitoring and establishing the form and content of project deliverables, resolving what activities are necessary for their creation and delivery. It will ensure that all WPs stay on course and react to unexpected events. This process forms the core of the Technical Manager’s effort since it is the process that handles day-to-day project issues. Throughout a WP, there will be a cycle consisting of authorizing work to be done, gathering information about progress, monitoring changes, reviewing the situation, reporting and taking necessary corrective action. T8.2 will cover these activities, together with ongoing risk analysis and contingency planning. The quality management of the project will be implemented through a Quality Assurance Plan that will specify all quality control procedures, including responsibilities of project participants (Technical Manager, WP/Task Leaders, and other partners), contract management, documentation control, documentation formats, deliverable assessment, etc. Finally, this task also undertakes the activities related to the management of data generated by the project. A preliminary strategy for data management was described in Section 2.2.4.1.

T8.3: Management of knowledge and intellectual properties (M1-M24) [lead: CERTH, 2 PMs] D8.3, D8.4

This task deals with the detection and assessment of the knowledge generated by the consortium. This knowledge will be identified at the beginning of the project and will be constantly monitored throughout its lifetime based on an IPR plan. This plan, as described in Section 2.2.4.2, shows how all WPs will be evaluated for expected patent applications. T8.3 will ensure that the necessary steps are taken for protecting this IP.

As regards roles across tasks, CERTH will lead all tasks in WP8 as project coordinator, perform all the management and coordination tasks, be responsible for the technical management, quality assurance, management of knowledge and intellectual property rights. All other partners will make sure that their interests are consistently reflected in the Financial and IPR plans and will contribute to the quality assurance of the project outcomes.