The Launching of the Digital Fabrication Lab At Beirut Arab University

The Faculty of Architecture- Design & Built Environment at Beirut Arab University inaugurated the Digital Fabrication Lab at Debbieh Campus. The inauguration event was attended by the ex- Minister Mr. Sejaan Kazzi, President of BAU Prof. Amr Galal El- Adawi, Secretary General Dr. Omar Houri, Deans of Faculties, Directors Staff and a crowed of interested Architectural Audience. The event was opened by a speech delivered by the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture- Design & Built Environment Prof. Ibtihal Bastawisi in which she stated that the Lab is a decisive turning point in the future of education at the Faculty, as it opens new horizons in design. She also pointed out that the Lab is a complete technological unit that aims at facilitating and speeding up the establishment, design and innovation of models as well as real-size maquettes. These processes are supervised by staff-members and technicians, to help the students in translating and producing their ideas effectively and with high quality. Students will also be introduced to new ways for enhancing their modeling skills in design.
This was followed by a speech by the President of Beirut Arab University Prof. Amr Galal El- Adawi, who stressed on the fact that the Digital Lab will be a platform to inspire researchers, students and entrepreneurs, as well as all those concerned with architecture and design. He stated that it is unique and encompasses the latest technology offered by BAU to its students. 
The exhibition included the projects of students from the architectural, interior design, graphics and fashion departments.
The opening was preceded by a nine-day workshop organized by the Faculty on Constructing the Future. The workshop hosted experts from both the academic and the professional domains in Spain and Portugal, who tutored around 80 students, aiming at developing their skills in the field of digital fabrication techniques.
The Lab is equipped with the latest technology and devices needed in engineering and design, to allow students to design and modify projects using the most up-to-date techniques. These include 3D printers, computerized cutters, and a robotic arm of 2.7 m length, which is the first of its kind in local universities.