Department of Built Environment

• Pilestredet 35 (P35) in Oslo.
• Telephone, postal address and invoice address.

Education

Education at the Department of Built Environment (BE) at OsloMet is closely connected to the department’s research and development activities. All study programmes are designed to meet the needs of society and the building, construction, and real estate (BCE) sector.

BE educates civil and energy/environmental engineers, technologists, and professionals in transport and urban planning. Students learn to plan, design, construct, operate, and further develop the built environment and future energy systems.

The programmes cover key subject areas within building, infrastructure, construction, energy, indoor environment, transport, and urban planning. Teaching combines technical knowledge with an understanding of sustainability, regulations, social responsibility, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Students work through a variety of learning methods, including project‑ and problem‑based learning, laboratory work, field exercises, and practice‑oriented assignments in collaboration with external partners.

BE emphasizes the development of both academic depth and professional skills—such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and ethical reflection—preparing candidates for a rapidly changing job market and lifelong learning.

BE offers bachelor’s, master’s, and continuing education programmes within civil engineering, energy and indoor environment, transport and urban planning fields. The department also contributes to interdisciplinary programmes at faculty and university levels.

See overview of study programmes.

Research

The Department of Built Environment has a broad, interdisciplinary, and applied research profile. Research activities cover essential aspects of the built environment and examine interactions between technical solutions, people, and nature.

The department contributes to the development of a sustainable, robust, and efficient building and construction, energy, and transport infrastructure sector. Collaboration with industry partners, public sector organizations, and research institutions is a key part of this work.

BE’s research ranges from fundamental and applied work to innovation and piloting new technologies. Common focus areas include sustainability, digitalization, energy transition, climate and environmental challenges, and the durability and safety of buildings and infrastructure.

The research areas are interconnected and reinforced through interdisciplinary projects and research groups. The department participates in numerous national and international research and innovation projects.

BE also has access to laboratories and research infrastructure that support both research and education, including facilities for structural engineering, materials, energy, indoor climate, water and environmental studies, as well as drones and monitoring systems.

Overview of research groups, research projects with their own website and research publications, research education and laboratories.

Vision and Societal Role

The Department of Built Environment supports Oslo Met's ambition to be an urban university with a strong professional and societal focus. BE aims to contribute to addressing major societal challenges related to climate change, energy transition, urbanization, and sustainable development.

Through research, education, and close cooperation with the BCE sector, BE strives to be a driving force in knowledge-based development of the construction and infrastructure fields and to educate graduates who contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive society.