Established in 2016 through a generous gift by Trimble Inc. and located in the John W. Olver Design Building, this lab expands the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s leadership in training and research in 3D building design, digital fabrication and the sustainable built environment. Partnering with Trimble allows UMass Amherst to more fully integrate across its curricula the technological tools that are rapidly transforming how building and living environments are designed and constructed.
Potential applications of these technologies range from the scanning of historic buildings to ensure their preservation, design and 3D printing of architectural building models, digital fabrication of custom-lab equipment, coastal erosion monitoring, and improvements in construction cost estimating and scheduling to reduce costs.
The TTL provides access to state of the art equipment like:
- Laser building scanners
- Imaging rovers
- Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers
- Total stations
- Theodolites
- Auto-levels
In addition, many software applications are available to students, faculty, and researchers at UMass Amherst, including:
- SketchUp Pro
- Sefaira
- Realworks
- Trimble Business Center
- Vico Office Suite
- GCEstimator™ Suite
- Tekla® Structures
More detailed information about this lab (and how it can be used) can be found on the Building and Construction Technology’s program site. You can contact us here.
This blog highlights projects and features news related to this lab.