The lab will expand the university’s leadership in training and research in 3D building design, digital fabrication and the sustainable built environment. 

The Trimble Technology Lab will provide students enrolled in Edinburgh Napier’s School of Engineering & the Built Environment (SEBE), including architectural technology, civil engineering and project management programs, hands-on experience with Trimble solutions.

Applications of these solutions range from scanning buildings or sites, design and 3D printing of architectural building models and digital fabrication to implementing construction cost estimating and scheduling to improve productivity and reduce costs.

Partnering with Trimble allows Edinburgh Napier University to more fully integrate across its curricula the technological tools that are rapidly transforming how buildings and living environments are designed and constructed.

“We’re extremely excited to be establishing a state-of-the-art Trimble Technology Lab in collaboration with Scotland’s Edinburgh Napier University,” said Allyson McDuffie, director of education & outreach at Trimble. “Our mission in transforming the AEC industry requires that we invest in aspiring designers, architects, contractors, engineers and project management professionals by driving awareness of, and access to, industry-leading solutions for training and research.”

Professor Andrea Nolan, principal and vice-chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “We are proud to be joining forces with Trimble to create the first dedicated Trimble Technology Laboratory in Scotland. This generous gift means students and researchers across Edinburgh Napier University will have access to technologies broadening our applications of surveying, 3D building modelling, performance analysis and digitally empowered delivery for the built environment in new and exciting ways.

“Our next generation of architectural technology, engineering, sustainable construction and surveying professionals at Edinburgh Napier will be able to experience and apply cutting-edge solutions to real-world built environment problems thanks to Trimble’s pioneering support.”

Professor Robert Hairstans, head of Edinburgh Napier’s Centre for Offsite Construction and Innovative Structures, added: “The new Trimble Technology Lab at Edinburgh Napier will prepare the next generation of engineering and construction leaders to be bold and better in addressing the industry’s 21st century challenges of harnessing technological innovation, increasing productivity and decarbonizing the built environment.”