Development of a Rooftop Collaborative Experimental Space through Experiential Learning Projects

Urban Farm DB summary

This project describes the development of the Solar, Water, Energy, and Thermal Laboratory (SWEAT Lab), a rooftop experimental space at the University of Texas at Austin built by Cockrell School of Engineering students. The SWEAT Lab is an ongoing experiential learning facility that enables engineering education by deploying energy and water-related projects, and it contains a full weather station, a rainwater harvesting system, and a rooftop garden. The project provided students with opportunities to learn firsthand about unique engineering challenges, such as weight limitations and wind resistance, and gain experience working with building facilities management.