Cannistraro, Wentworth Tech offer first-ever student-run BIM project

July 6, 2011
After six months of collaborating with students and higher education professionals, mechanical contractor J.P. Cannistraro LLC has announced the completion of its first-ever, student-run building information modeling project.

WATERTOWN, MASS. — After six months of collaborating with students and higher education professionals, mechanical contractor J.C. Cannistraro LLC has announced the completion of its first-ever, student-run building information modeling project.

Designed as a multidisciplinary co-op experience, the project brought together students from Wentworth Institute of Technology with backgrounds in architecture, mechanical engineering, and facilities management with the common goal of creating an accurate BIM of an industrial plant.

To execute the project, Cannistraro partnered with Wentworth Institute of Technology, with which the company maintains a longstanding co-op recruiting program.

“Wentworth is an industry leader in providing design and construction education,” said Vice President of Engineering Michael P. Cannistraro, P.E., LEED AP. “We continue to be impressed by the caliber of students that graduate from the Institute’s various A/E/C programs, and become talented young professionals right before our eyes.”

Michael Cannistraro served as a senior project manager and mentor on the student BIM project.

Students worked together to interpret existing conditions using point-cloud data from a laser scan as well as field surveying and measurement. Each student involved in the project gained hands-on field experience, participated on a project team, and learned various software platforms that enable accurate building information modeling. The project also involved generous contributions from technology partners Imaginit Technologies and Feldman Professional Land Surveyors, which provided the students with the laser scanning and point cloud tools needed for modeling an existing facility.

“This project represents a valuable learning opportunity for our students and further reinforces the importance of interdisciplinary education,” said Greg Denon, director of Career Services at Wentworth Institute of Technology. “Cannistraro is an incredible organization with a long track record of employing and mentoring Wentworth students on co-op, as well as our graduates.”

The collaborative, cross-disciplined nature of the project reflects the latest trends in the construction market. Cannistraro said it is proud of the students’ accomplishments, and is excited to work with its project partners to create similar educational experiences in the future.

J.C. Cannistraro LLC is a Boston-based mechanical construction firm specializing in HVAC, plumbing, fire protection and facility services such as HVAC service and building performance assessments. Cannistraro is nationally recognized for its prefabrication and building information modeling capabilities, and was named 2011’s Top Mechanical Contractor by the Boston Business Journal. By leveraging core family values and innovative construction technology, Cannistraro is “Building with Intelligence.” Additional information is available at www.cannistraro.com.

Founded in 1904, Wentworth Institute of Technology is an independent, co-educational, nationally ranked institution offering career-focused education through 17 bachelor’s degree programs in areas such as architecture, computer science and networking, construction management, design, engineering, engineering technology, and management. The Institute also offers master’s degrees in construction management and architecture. Wentworth is a leader in technical education and is known for its academic excellence and cooperative education program, community service, and support for the economic growth of the region. Additional information is available at www.wit.edu.

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