Research prototypes – Models and Simulations for Architecture and Heritage

The laboratory’s activity is marked by recurring investment in the development of IT products: research prototypes, ‘proof of concept’ interfaces, edutainment devices, information systems, etc. This longitudinal development work (from the needs analysis phase through to the implementation of IT solutions) primarily serves a means to question, challenge and refine the models and methods designed by the laboratory. But it can also act as a basis for transfer and dissemination activities, whether to academic, cultural or societal partners.

This production is highly heterogeneous, in terms of the data mobilised, the stakeholders targeted, the technological choices made and the level of reusability expected. This heterogeneity illustrated the fact that the laboratory’s ’IT products’ are not designed as turnkey solutions, but as a means of analysing the added value and potential return of the approaches (scientific and technological choices) chosen by the laboratory.

This page lists and distinguishes between research prototypes (relatively mature developments that are already being used by others, and are designed to evolve) and proofs-of-concept (developments of the same type in technical terms, but used primarily for internal methodological exploration at this stage).