THE CONNECTOR LAB: ADVANCING FIELD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE By Julie Sengl
Mixed-reality technology introduces virtual 3D model animations or holograms to a physical space.
There’s a construction project under way
ing physicality (think virtual, augmented,
by visually (virtually) penetrating walls,
at SAIT that aims to go way beyond trans
and mixed reality) can and will change the
floors, and other physical impediments.
forming a physical space on campus. While
way we see things. Seeing things differently
Formerly abstract ins and outs of the sub-
enhancing both teaching and learning ex
can inspire doing things differently: safer,
trades — plumbing, HVAC, and electrical
periences by introducing emerging tech
faster, more accurately, and with greater
— become clear. The complexities of how
nologies and digital skills development,
cost-efficiencies.
everything works and interconnects be
the Connector Lab is also set to service the
SAIT Instructor Fred Bretzke has al
lofty goal of advancing field construction
ready started seeing and doing things
Apprenticeships have long been a staple
practices themselves — here in Calgary
differently. With support from his Dean,
in the construction industry. Hands-on is
and beyond.
Reva Bond Ramsden, and the School of
hands-down the best way to accelerate in
As part of the existing Founding Builders
Advanced Digital Technology (SADT),
dividual uptake when learning the trades.
House Lab, this new learning space pro
Bretzke got his hands on Microsoft’s Ho
Visual, experiential learning provides
vides hands-on opportunity for students,
lolens2, a mixed-reality device with which
context, and that helps make things make
faculty, and industry to connect and ex
he can introduce a virtual 3D model ani
sense. With new digital technology, hands-
periment with a full range of advanced
mation or hologram to a physical space (a
on makes light work of the heavy lifting.
digital technologies. Flexing algorithms
room or “holodeck”). The technology en
“I can make the 3D models sit in the
(think artificial intelligence) and tweak
hances the students’ normal line of sight
palm of my hand, or I can augment it to
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Calgary Construction Association
come evident at a glance.
