Technology transfer in digital prototyping by means of research laboratories: Two case studies in architecture schools

Based on the authors' experiences implementing research laboratories in undergraduate architecture schools in Brazil and in Portugal, this paper proposes some guidelines for creating digital prototyping labs. The set of issues it addresses include selecting techniques and machines, defining the laboratory layout, training and monitoring students and professors, developing work protocols, establishing partnerships with other laboratories and institutions, organizing events, defining operational and security rules, proposing relevant research topics, and developing meaningful extension projects. The objective of the paper is to provide useful information for other architecture schools that plan to establish similar laboratories.