Gilbane is breaking new ground in educating the next generation of construction innovators at the Wentworth Institute of Technology project
“Gilbane’s willingness to share their time and expertise to connect real-world situations from this building’s construction to our classroom curriculum has added a new dimension to student learning,” said Jack Duggan, chair of the Department of Civil Engineering and Technology.
BOSTON (PRWEB) May 17, 2018
Gilbane Building Company is breaking new ground in educating the next generation of construction innovators by leveraging its construction of Wentworth Institute of Technology’s newest academic building as a “living learning laboratory” for students.
The 75,000-square-foot building represents Wentworth’s first new academic facility in 45 years. Gilbane has partnered with university faculty to form a hands-on educational program around its design and construction, including bi-weekly site tours, an evening lecture series focused on various construction and design disciplines, and guest lectures in the classroom. To date, Wentworth students have accrued more than 4,500 learning hours, the equivalent of almost 2.5 years of full-time curriculum for one student.
“Gilbane’s willingness to share their time and expertise to connect real-world situations from this building’s construction to our classroom curriculum has added a new dimension to student learning,” said Jack Duggan, chair of the Department of Civil Engineering and Technology.
Duggan cites geotechnical engineering students speaking directly with environmental engineers about how they addressed soil management at the construction site as one example. “Those personal interactions help our students better understand how to approach complex issues,” said Duggan, “while also visualizing where their own careers will take them in years to come.”
All elements of this hands-on learning program, such as the Evening Lecture Series and classroom presentations, are being documented and recorded to be used by Wentworth for years to come. Gilbane is partnering with project architect Leers Weinzapfel Architects and RSC Structural Engineers on the lectures, which examine topics including LEAN construction, construction risk management, and environmental engineering.
“Gilbane is committed to fostering careers in the construction industry. Using the development of this building as a living laboratory is a great way to bring classroom education to life,” said Neil Benner, Gilbane’s project executive. “These Wentworth students bring tremendous energy and commitment to their studies and it’s gratifying to know that this building will serve as a testament to the foundation of what will no doubt be long and successful careers.”
The new academic building will house classroom, gallery, lecture, and meeting spaces. Academic programs will include Wentworth’s new biological engineering program; biomedical and civil engineering programs; science and manufacturing laboratories; and teaching/learning spaces to promote a collaborative environment. Additionally, the facility will serve as the home for Wentworth’s Innovation Center, which fosters collaboration among students and alumni, community members, and industry leaders.
About Gilbane Building Company
Gilbane provides a full slate of construction and facilities-related services – from pre-construction planning and integrated consulting capabilities to comprehensive construction management, general contracting, design-build and facility management services – for clients across various markets. Founded in 1873 and still a privately held, family-owned company, Gilbane has 46 office locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.gilbaneco.com.
Gilbane has served as a leading construction manager in Massachusetts since 1946 serving private and public clients, including a host of higher education clients throughout the Commonwealth including the University of Massachusetts, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Northeastern University, and Tufts University. For more information, visit Gilbane’s website at http://www.gilbaneco.com/boston.
About Wentworth Institute of Technology
Founded in 1904, Wentworth Institute of Technology is a nationally ranked university offering career-focused education through 17 bachelor’s degree programs in areas such as engineering, architecture, computer science, applied mathematics, business management, computer networking, construction management, and design. The Institute also offers master’s degrees in applied computer science, architecture, civil engineering, construction management, facility management, and technology management. A leader in engineering, design, management and sciences education, Wentworth is known for its emphasis on career preparation for students through leading co-op programs and alignment with 21st-century workforce needs.
