Trimble visit highlights versatility of lab tools
Master’s student Nourdjan Chaban had just finished showing an audience how Trimble software aided in her thesis project to design a conceptual off-grid modular micro-home for low-income residents. “I never really worked that way before,” she says.
Chaban’s was one of several presentations given for representatives of Trimble, whom the Architecture and Built Environment faculty hosted on 11 April at the KTH Trimble Technology Lab. The visit was organized to demonstrate how tools and solutions the company had gifted to KTH were being used in learning and research.
Under a five-year agreement, KTH is one of 20 universities in the world which are provided a comprehensive set of Trimble software and hardware solutions for research and training in areas such as building construction, structural engineering and geodesics. The visit to the Trimble lab coincided with dialog between KTH and Trimble about the extension that agreement, which is set to be extended this year.
Afterward, Mike Engh, Trimble’s education program lead, expressed appreciation.
“We saw some amazing summaries of projects,” Engh said. “It’s really inspirational to see how we’re helping to lead technical integration to prepare students for their future work and to give access to technologies for researchers in the moment.”
Associate Professor Kjartan Gudmundsson ( Civil and Architectural Engineering ) Professor Milan Horemuz ( Real Estate and Construction Management ) and Professor Ulrika Knagenhielm-Karlsson ( Architecture ) laid out a variety of examples to show how Trimble Technology Lab resources have enhanced research and learning at KTH, with an eye on sustainable development.
Chaban showed how the Safaira application aided her in analyzing alternative materials in a residential project and potential energy consumption.
“I could model, do a quick simulation, adjust and then model again,” Chaban says. “I really enjoyed having that live tool.”
Chaban was followed by another master’s student, Maryam Javadi, who showed how she paired Trimble Tekla Structures with Grasshopper to perform compliance checks on an industrial structure.
“It’s really good because with Tekla API you can combine Tekla with many different engineering tools,” Javadi says.
Gudmundsson says the solutions provided by Trimble (including SketchupPro, Sefaira, Connect, Business Center and Tekla Structures, and more) have resulted in enhancing digital skills for students in programs at the School of Architecture and the Built Environment.
And the Trimble Technology Lab is available for all who are interested, Gudmundsson says. “Please go in there and investigate. Much of the software is available remotely by download on to your own computer.
“You're so welcome to use it.”
Read more about how to access Trimble solutions.
Text and photo: David Callahan