The College of Architecture at Texas A&M University recently joined Fully Integrated Automated Technology (FIATECH), a consortium that envisions a future state where capital projects are executed in a highly automated and seamlessly integrated environment across all phases and processes of their life cycle. Though set-up by the College of Architecture, the FIATECH membership is for the entire university.

“In other words, all information is available to who needs it, when it is needed, and where it is needed at an affordable price,” explained Jorge Vanegas, director of the college’s Center for Housing and Urban Development and a member of the FIATECH board of directors.

FIATECH provides global leadership in identifying and accelerating the development, demonstration and deployment of fully integrated and automated technologies to deliver the highest business value throughout the life cycle of all types of capital projects. The consortium’s “Roadmap for Capital Projects” ensures that right technologies are developed in the appropriate order.

Consortium members include Intel, Dow, DuPont the Smithsonian Institution, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Oracle, and many more highly recognized companies and universities. A complete member list is available at http://www.fiatech.org/about/memlist.html

“FIATECH,” Vanegas said, “is able to pool resources and talent and focus them on critical technology issues and innovations in the capital construction process. The faculty from the College of Architecture will have an opportunity to be involved in FIATECH projects, both personally and through their students. Membership in FIATECH” he continued, “provides great visibility of leadership for the College and for Texas A&M University with FIATECH members and in the industry in general.”

Vanegas, the only academic on the FIATECH Board of Directors, is currently leading an effort to involve more faculty and students across the nation in the consortium’s activities. This, he said “will also further the College of Architecture's and Texas A&M's leadership role among peer institutions.”

http://www.fiatech.org/