We are pleased to announce that the Co-DREAM Tech research project, titled "Building Community-Driven Resilience and Empowerment through Adaptive Manufacturing Technologies," led by faculty members from the Huckabee College of Architecture (HCOA), and Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering (CECE) at Texas Tech University, has been awarded a $299,946 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through its Responsible Design, Development, and Deployment of Technologies (ReDDDoT) program.

 

In addition to this significant grant, the project has garnered support from several philanthropic sources, including the Ford Foundation, the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, Pivotal Ventures (a Melinda French Gates Foundation), the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, and the Siegel Family Endowment. These foundations and the NSF support research focused on the responsible and ethical integration of emerging technologies into society.

 

The Co-DREAM Tech project is spearheaded by Principal Investigators:

 

Associate Professor Dr. Sina Mostafavi (PI), Director of the Hybrid Intelligence Design & Architectural Robotic Systems (Hi-DARS Lab) - TTU HCOA

 

Assistant Professor Dr. Asma Mehan (Co-PI), Director of the Architectural Humanities and Urbanism Lab (AHU_Lab) - TTU HCOA

 

Associate Professor Dr. Ali Nejat (Co-PI), Director of the HUD Center of Excellence in Climate Resilient and Equitable Housing (CECREH) - TTU CECE.

 

This project will provide multiple undergraduate and graduate assistantship opportunities as well as foster interdisciplinary collaboration across several departments at Texas Tech University.

 

Co-DREAM Tech addresses the gap in access to advanced building technologies in remote and mid-sized communities across the US. By focusing on community-driven resilience and empowerment through adaptive design-build technologies, the project seeks to enhance housing resilience and community engagement. The broader impact lies in creating scalable, adaptable solutions for diverse communities, particularly in Texas and New Mexico. 

 

The awarded project is set to begin on October 1st, 2024, and will span for two years, serving as a collaborative, interdepartmental effort involving faculty and their respective research labs and centers within the Huckabee College of Architecture, the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, and Texas Tech University at large.

 

For more information, visit the NSF award page for Co-DREAM Tech Research project by clicking here.