WIT launched its BIMC lab which is the first of its kind in Irish Higher Education that “reflects the growth of the research group at WIT”
President of South East Technological University (WIT), Prof Willie Donnelly was on hand to launch the newly refurbished BIMC (Building Information Modelling Collective) Lab in the School of Engineering.
Immersive environment
The BIMC Lab is first of its kind in Higher Education in Ireland and is leading the way in BIM research. The lab is a dedicated immersive environment due to the bank of screens on one wall as well as a dedicated virtual reality area for demonstrations. The lab is fully equipped with the latest technologies and resources to enable researchers fulfil their potential and provide a resource to engage with industry be it for demonstration or training purposes. These immersive technologies include virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR). Currently the BIMC have connections with over 80 companies mainly in the construction industry.
Expansion
In recent times the Group has grown from an initial core of three researchers to a multi-disciplinary team of nine that includes Architectural Technologists, Engineers, Computer Programmers and a panel of various experts that can be called upon when required.
Robin Stubbs of the BIMC Research Group said “To reflect the growth of the Research Group we have recently completed the upgrade of our new facility, the BIMC Lab. Within the context of BIM, some of our most recent research has explored the possibilities of integrating immersive technologies (VR, AR & MR) within the architectural design process from conception to on-site management through to post occupancy monitoring.”
“We have also begun developing efficient workflows for the recording of historic buildings/places utilising aerial photogrammetry obtained from UAV (drones) and translating this information as a workable design tool”.
Ever evolving industry
According to Robin, to maintain the ever evolving requirements of the industry, this development of the BIMC lab was vital to allow SETU remain at the cutting edge of architectural education. “Traditionally, SETU has produced graduates of the highest order for the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AECO) sector and this has been confirmed from industry feedback and the subsequent success of many of our alumni”.
All queries regarding the newly refurbished BIMC lab can be sent to [email protected]