College of Design, Construction and Planning focuses on technology during research showcase

Published: February 14 2011

Category:InsideUF, Top Stories

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Technology is evolving, and the University of Florida College of Design, Construction and Planning is ready. In fact, the college’s fourth annual Research Showcase will have a major focus on technology and how it is used, both in an educational environment and in practice.

The showcase, which will take place Thursday and Friday at the Architecture Building on the UF campus, is an opportunity for students and the community to learn about the research conducted in the college and a chance for design, construction and planning professionals to see new ideas that are driving the field.

One of these new ideas is an even greater emphasis on technology, which will be discussed by a panel at 4 p.m. Friday.

As technology continues evolving, it becomes even more critical to train students in the latest advances to prepare them for professional practice. According to Jason Meneely, assistant professor of interior design, one exciting way DCP is currently incorporating technology into its classrooms is through the use of digital sketching tablets, which enable students to combine freehand drawing with the use of a computer, allowing for quicker generation of ideas and evaluation.

The college also is working with Steelcase Inc. to develop a cutting-edge learning laboratory that will utilize technology-integrated furniture as well as digital sketching technology, digital pin-up boards and even webcams for remote collaboration.

“The lab will allow for the co-creation of knowledge,” Meneely said. “It won’t be a lecture room, but a problem-solving room that balances digital and physical media.”

Christopher Silver, dean of the college, believes the DCP Research Showcase provides the opportunity to demonstrate the depth and breadth of the college’s research, as well as its relevance to a larger audience.

“A lot of what we do is interdisciplinary and connects with other disciplines outside the field, such as sustainability and incorporating technology into our work,” Silver said. “We think we’re relevant to a much larger community of folks than just those in design, construction and planning. The research showcase is our chance to show them that.”

The following events are scheduled for the Research Showcase:

  • Things will kick off at 5 p.m. Thursday in the gallery of the Architecture Building with a reception and juried poster session for master’s and doctoral students. This gives students the opportunity to practice professional skills and showcase their work.
  • Keynote speaker John Randolph, professor of urban affairs and planning at Virginia Tech, will present “The Sustainable Community: Dimension and Pathways” at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday.
  • Both faculty members and doctoral students will discuss their research individually on Friday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  • In addition to the technology panel, other panel discussions Friday afternoon will cover topics such as what it means to have professional programs in the built environment in a research institution and the benefits and costs of “going green.”

A full schedule of the presentations is available at http://www.dcp.ufl.edu/research/research-showcase/schedule.

The research showcase is free for DCP students and faculty who pre-registered; student and faculty tickets are $25 the day of the event. General admission is $45.

Credits

Writer
Allie Layos, news@dcp.ufl.edu
Contact
Christopher Silver, silver2@dcp.ufl.edu, 352-392-4836

Category:InsideUF, Top Stories