Research and Centers

The College of Architecture + Planning is on the cutting edge of research in architecture and urban planning. We currently run two centers for architecture research in information design and building information modeling. We are also developing a new center for research in large-scale metropolitan planning and real estate.

Center for the Representation of Multi-Dimensional Information

The Center for the Representation of Multi-Dimensional Information (CROMDI) at the University of Utah has developed a new 3D audio-visualization technology (IntuInfo) that facilitates the rapid and accurate analysis of large quantities of complex and quickly changing data. This patent pending technology has been applied in medicine, finance, and entertainment, and may also be successfully utilized in other applications where decision making depends on monitoring or analyzing large quantities of information (process control, vehicle operation and traffic control, corporate management, quality assurance, network monitoring). The technology enables significantly faster, more accurate and less cognitive demanding recognition of events than is possible using existing technologies.

Center for Integrated Design and Construction

The Center will enhance building as a socially and culturally significant endeavor by promoting the critical, selective development and implementation of information technology as an enabler of practice. We seek to understand the diverse BIM development efforts in progress and identify promising directions for the construction industry; We will also develop models for BIM implementation that critically examine effective utilization of the technology to enhance the building life cycle.

In addition, the Center will propose new project delivery methods that take advantage of the capabilities of BIM, develop innovative models of architectural and building practice enabled by BIM, addressing the creative, technical and financial aspects of practice. Finally, we will study and make recommendations for curricula to prepare students to become leaders in an industry transformed by BIM.

Metropolitan Research Center

The College is developing a new center that will conduct basic and applied research on national and international urban development patterns. The Center will play a critical role in the life of the College. Not only will its faculty conduct extensive research, but they will teach and mentor students, develop community-based professional projects with existing faculty, and reach out to the community through public programs and initiatives.

Its is our hope that Center faculty will also establish a PhD. program emphasizing real estate development and the growth of major urban centers, or "megapolitan" centers. The presence of the Center at the University also strengthens the College's academic offerings and enables the College to recruit and to attract top students nationally to the new Department of City and Metropolitan Planning. The program is intended bring in high profile research projects and funding from some of the most important agencies and organizations in the country, and will help our urban planning program become one of the flagship academic programs.