GMIT master student helps Claregalway school off to hi-tech start

Children enrolled in Claregalway’s new second-level school and their parents got their first glimpse of the new building and its interior when 3D models and walkthroughs, created by a GMIT masters student, were shown at an Open Night held in the village this week (Tuesday 15 January).

The Principal of Coláiste Bhaile Chláir Mr Alan Mongey showed the 126 newly enrolled children and their parents computer-generated 3D models and walkthroughs of the new school building which opens in September.

The 3D walkthroughs were created by GMIT MSc student Gerard Nicholson using Building Information Modelling (BIM) software which is used in engineering programmes in GMIT and in the Institute’s National Centre for Excellence in Furniture Design & Technology at Letterfrack.

“The models and walkthroughs are invaluable in communicating the size, scale and quality of the new temporary school building and facilities being located in the Claregalway Corporate Park.” says Mr Mongey.

“The project also represents the start of the school collaboration with GMIT, and later with NUIG, when we will work together on the new educational STEM initiative (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). Claregalway is one of a small group of schools selected to pilot the STEM initiative nationally.” explains Mr Mongey.

Dr Patrick Tobin, lecturer and research supervisor at GMIT Letterfrack, says the cutting-edge technology used to create the models is revolutionising the international construction industry: “The Claregalway School is one of several Galway construction projects associated with this GMIT research project, including the recently completed Tuam Ambulance Centre and proposed community facilities in Claregalway."

“The research work has also involved local companies including Galway construction firm Carey Construction, and construction products manufacturer SIP-Energy in Athenry. It demonstrates again the potential for research projects at GMIT to link with and bring benefits to local and regional schools, community, and industry,” says Dr Tobin.

GMIT’s Jim O’Connor, lecturer and research supervisor in Construction and Architectural Technology, GMIT School of Engineering, says: “Building Information Modelling (BIM) delivers cost savings to the order of 20% on construction projects and transforms the way projects are planned and managed.”

“Virtual modelling only represents the tip of the iceberg in terms of the way BIM is used in construction, and it is quickly becoming mandatory for use in quantity surveying, environmental performance simulation, structural engineering, project management, and facilities maintenance after the building is complete. Our research examines these benefits in projects circa €1-2 million in value” explains Mr O’Connor.

See the models and walkthroughs of the new Claregalway school, which opens in September, at: www.colaistebhailechlair.com