Research Centres and Labs
Current research centres and labs
DalTRAC
The Dalhousie Transportation Collaboratory (DalTRAC) is a multidisciplinary transportation research unit dedicated to transportation studies, planning and policy analysis. It conducts state-of-the-art transportation modeling, employing remote data capture of transportation activity, and advanced software to interpret and predict demand. Established in 2011, it is sponsored by the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the Province of Nova Scotia, and Halifax Regional Municipality.
Unit leader: Dr. Ahsan Habib, School of Planning
Earlier research centres and labs
Coastal Studio
The Coastal Studio was an innovative program of education, training and community development focused on design-build activities, rural entrepreneurship, and knowledge mobilization and transfer to local communities. It was an invaluable component of the architecture program, integrating social science research with design teaching and providing Dalhousie students with an exceptional opportunity to be involved in design-build research and practice with communities across the Maritime Provinces, working with national and international partners. Established in 2008, the Coastal Studio was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, ACOA, the Province of Nova Scotia, the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture, and industrial and community partners.
Unit leader: Dr. Ted Cavanagh, School of Architecture
@Lab (2007-2011)
The ArchiTextile Laboratory (@Lab) focused on the integration of electronics in textiles for architectural applications. An interuniversity, interdisciplinary collaboration, the @Lab brought together specialists from computer science, mechanical engineering, architecture, and textiles to collaborate in developing responsive environments, using ‘smart textiles’ that respond with light, movement or temperature to electrical and other stimuli. Projects combined old and new technologies, integrating traditional craft practices with digital modeling and fabrication techniques, creating products that could be manufactured locally. It was supported by the Atlantic Innovation Fund and other granting agencies.
Unit leader: Dr. Sarah Bonnemaison, School of Architecture and Prof. Robin Muller, NSCAD University