Diseño de un Laboratorio de creación digital (FabLab) para la integración en el desarrollo académico de las facultades de arquitectura e ingeniería civil de la Universidad Santo Tomas, sede Floridablanca

Abstract

The lack of specialized spaces for digital fabrication and prototyping at the Floridablanca campus of the Universidad Santo Tomás limits the practical and technical development of Architecture and Civil Engineering students, affecting the quality of their training and their ability to meet contemporary academic and industry standards. To design a FabLab that integrates digital fabrication tools, active pedagogy, and sustainability criteria, while connecting with the university’s academic and urban dynamics. The project is based on a theoretical and conceptual framework addressing the origin of FabLabs, their impact on higher education, and their relevance to architecture and engineering. This is complemented by urban and regulatory analysis, as well as national and international architectural references. The FabLab aims to foster innovation, encourage interdisciplinarity, and strengthen practical training, establishing the university as a leader in applied technological education and high-quality academic production. The FabLab is envisioned as a space of convergence between knowledge and materiality, promoting active learning and creativity in line with global higher education trends and the recommendations of the National Accreditation Council (CNA).