At the Centre for Digital Built Croatia, they proudly reflect on this year’s edition of the DigiDeck25 conference, held on November 6 at the Mozaik Event Center, which brought together more than 400 experts, innovators, and enthusiasts of digital technologies in construction. Throughout the day, participants had the opportunity to attend inspiring lectures, hands-on workshops, and panel discussions covering topics ranging from BIM processes, digital planning, and project management, to the application of artificial intelligence and modern tools in construction.
DigiDeck25 once again demonstrated how knowledge meets practice. Speakers from Croatia and abroad presented examples of successful projects, showcased concrete digital tools and processes, and encouraged participants to exchange experiences. Through workshops, attendees were able to “dive into” practical applications of technology, ask questions, and learn from real-world examples, while the exhibition area offered insight into the latest industry solutions.
At the opening of the conference, Mirjana Čagalj, Vice President of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK) for Construction and Transport, addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of digital and smarter construction as well as the significance of initiatives implemented by the Centre for Digital Built Croatia. The conference was officially opened by Monika Mlakić, President of the Centre for Digital Built Croatia, who presented, in an interactive lecture, the Guidelines for the Digitalization and Modernization of Construction Processes, developed in collaboration with the Croatian Chamber of Commerce. Mlakić also announced that in 2026, joint workshops with HGK will be organized with the aim of providing digital education for investors, designers, supervisory engineers, and contractors.
Application of Digital Technologies in International and Domestic Construction Projects
Signe Marit Dahl Lakså from COWI presented the Norwegian story of the Fornebu Metro Line, a megaproject being developed almost entirely without traditional drawings, relying instead on BIM models and digital coordination among hundreds of specialists. Other international speakers, including Josip Komadina from Exyte, Moe Mahmoud from FiveNines, and Ana Tirić from DCT Ireland, also shared insights on processes in design, construction, and data management.
Boško Mišlov and Filip Prpić from Strabag demonstrated the application of digital technologies in the construction of the Kranjčevićeva Stadium, showing how BIM models are used during the execution phase—from the construction site to everyday on-site decisions—emphasizing that digitalization only makes sense when it delivers real value. Ante Rašić from Inovapro presented the use of the latest technologies in the design and construction of a biogas plant in Čaporice through a concrete project example, while Ivana Jergović Šindler from Investinženjering shared the perspective of a supervising engineer on a current project in Zagreb.
Damir Žaja provided practical insights into the integration of artificial intelligence in design offices, demonstrating how AI already automates repetitive processes, frees up space for creativity, and shapes a new digital reality for engineers, while emphasizing that companies that fail to adapt risk falling behind.
About People, Technology, Processes & Regulation
During an open 1:1 conversation, Saša Perko, CEO of DOMinvest Group, and Josipa Borić-Novosel, Leadership Coach and co-founder of 3Collective, discussed generational differences in the workplace—from Generation X and Xennials to Millennials and Gen Z—and how to turn them into team strengths. The discussion also covered digital tools and analog boundaries during a panel discussion powered by eGradnja, featuring insights from Andrijana Jurin (egradnja.hr), Vladimir Karmelić, Director of 3LHD Studio, Mario Dodić, HVAC Trainer & Consultant, and Natalija Šarlija, Director of LIA Architecture.
Filip Andabaka presented on BIM requirements in Croatian public procurement procedures, while Matjaž Šajn shared insights from Slovenia in his lecture “BIM in Slovenia: Lessons from Legal Implementation.” The importance of digital twins was highlighted by Josip Rukavina from Vectrino in his talk on “Digital Twins of Subsea Assets” and by Jan Ružić from VERTIV with the topic “Digital Twin as a Game-Changer.” Drago Cmuk concluded the conference with an inspiring lecture entitled “The Human Touch in the Age of AI: Why AI is a Good Servant but a Poor Master.”
Educational Stage Powered by Algebra Bernays University
At this year’s Educational Stage, powered by Algebra Bernays University, practical applications and industry insights complemented the lectures. Marko Bašić (Arhigon Technologies) spoke about digitalizing cost estimation, Marin Curavić (ASEE) discussed bringing order to construction documentation using AI solutions, and Matija Lozić (Elektroprojekt) presented the application of machine learning for creating a spatial underground model for the Senj 2 Hydroelectric Power Plant project.
Luka Zalović (Geo-Centar) introduced 3D Gaussian Splatting in spatial visualization, Edi Smolčak (Geomatika-Smolčak) covered digital twins and structural diagnostics, while Duje Bešlić (3DART) explained how to ensure information quality in BIM models.
The day concluded with lectures by Marko Ćurak (Nava IT) on the digitalization of construction companies- practical experiences and challenges and Sara Ivoš (Architectural Studio Helman & Jukić) on data architecture and the power of Revit Keynotes in smart models.
Participants at the Educational Stage also took part in two practical and interactive workshops, titled ‘My Template is Better Than Your Template’ and ‘I Need BIM One,’ diving deep into the world of BIM—without heavy theory but with plenty of knowledge, fun, and collaboration. The workshops, led by Filip Andabaka, Goran Anić, and Vedran Orešić, used role-playing and sticky notes methodology to help participants understand in just 90 minutes what EIR (Employer’s Information Requirements) and BEP (BIM Execution Plan) are, how to define BIM project goals, what information each party expects, and why quality is key to success. Participants compared different template approaches, identified which elements most affect quality and efficiency, and collaboratively designed an ideal BIM template that works for the team, not the other way around. The expert guidance and active engagement of participants proved that learning about BIM can be fun, collaborative, and highly valuable.
The conference would not have been possible without the support of the Centre’s sponsors and partners. Professional chambers and associations, including the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, the Croatian Chambers of Civil, Architectural, Mechanical, and Authorized Geodetic Engineers, provided strong support, while faculties and universities such as the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the University of Zagreb, the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the University of Rijeka, the Faculty of Civil and Architectural Engineering in Osijek, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, FERIT Osijek, and the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Zagreb- contributed by sending 25 of their top students, who received free entry tickets from the Centre. Institutions and ministries, including the Croatian Standards Institute and the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, provided additional support, while partners such as DCT, Inovapro, Amelicor, Communiter Ad Decus, Prior, Vertiv, Strabag, 3DART, Arhigon, ASEE, e-sustavi, Geocentar, ATP, Geomatika-Smolčak, Geowild, Investinženjering, Kamgrad, Mi Projektiramo Vama, Salterra, Ing-grad, NavaIT, DOMinvest d.o.o., and Algebra Bernays University ensured the quality and diversity of the program, contributing significantly to the success of the conference.
DigiDeck25 once again demonstrated that digitalization in construction is not a trend, but a necessity. Only through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and active application of new technologies can the efficiency, sustainability, and quality of construction projects be improved.
The organizers are already looking ahead to DigiDeck26, whose fifth jubilee edition will take place next year. They promise the most comprehensive edition yet, with the exact date to be announced soon. Follow the Centre’s YouTube channel, where recordings of lectures and workshops will be uploaded, allowing everyone to revisit the conference’s most inspiring moments.
The Centre for Digital Built Croatia expresses its sincere gratitude to all sponsors and partners whose support made the conference possible, to the speakers who shared their knowledge and experience, and to the participants whose engagement and energy demonstrated the continuous growth of Croatia’s digital construction community.
