Laboratory of Digital Models in Structures and Construction

Camins Makers

The Laboratory of Digital Models in Structures and Construction traces its commitment to open-source principles back to Camins Makers, a project that spanned five years and laid the foundation for a radically open approach to measuring devices, Arduino-based sensing, and their integration with the virtual world.

At its core, Camins Makers embraced a vision where data collection and digital interaction were intertwinned through open-source hardware and software, enabling to prototype custom physical-to-digital solutions for the built environment.The project thrived within Barcelona’s ecosystem of urban innovation, a city that pioneered digital fabrication initiatives and experimental urban experiences within its innovation districts.

Workshops

During its five-year run, Camins Makers was showcased in multiple Maker Faires across the city, demonstrating the potential of affordable, customizable, and interoperable sensor systems for construction, infrastructure monitoring, and education. One of its most remarkable milestones was the  first-ever workshop on digital twins for broad audiences in Barcelona, a pioneering initiative that introduced young minds to the concept of real-world data integration, simulation, and interactive modeling in a hands-on, accessible format.

Core disciplines

Camins Makers was always populated by students with interest in structural analysis. Applications of various kinds were developed and many of them are used as examples in different courses. Presently, the physical-to-digital idea of Camins Makers has evolved to a whole field of study in the lab. Presently, digitization in Civil Engineering requires more formal descriptions of objects in the built environment but this was a very nice beginning!

Open by-design

Many years ago, lab developments were inspired by open source lab movements. Today, the legacy of Camins Makers continues to shape our laboratory’s philosophy. Openness, adaptability, and interdisciplinary collaboration remain at the heart of our research.

The use of electronic prototyping boards, low cost sensors, open interactive programming applications and creativity were the driving forces that thrusted the beginning of Camins Makers.

Students are always welcome to use and develop tools for prototyping civil engineering physical-to-digital applications.