Research CentersThe John A. Mascaro Learning Center
The Green Construction and Sustainable Development Program For more information, contact: Robert Ries, Ph.D. (412) 624-9548 Email:
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The John A. Mascaro Learning Center in Civil and Environmental Engineering was
dedicated on September 14, 2000. The Leading Center seats sixty undergraduate
and/or graduate students, with every two seats sharing a desktop computer. The
room is equipped with two retractable projection screens, which can be
independently controlled. The same image or different images can be projected on
both screens simultaneously. Video tape and DVD projections are possible, all
controlled through a console on the podium. Also available is a document reader
which can project 3-D objects and transparency films on both screens. 
The computers are networked so that the instructor can access and control all of the
computers in the room from the podium. The speaker on the podium is able to
access any of the thirty computers on the desks, capture a student's program on
his monitor and project the image on the monitor on the retractable screens for
the whole class to see. This capability permits an instructor to share and
analyze each student's work and discuss aspects of his assignment or project
with the rest of the class. All computers can access the Internet
independently.
The Green Construction and Sustainable Development Program was established by a
gift from the Heinz Endowments to develop (1) a cross-the-school engineering
thrust developing issues of sustainability, and (2) and emphasis within the
Department of Civil and Environmental Envineering linking the Construction
Management Program to issues of sustainability with the goal of producing a
cadre of graduates who understand, appreciate and advocate the principles of
sustainable community and infrastructure development and green/smart building
construction. The program promotes environmentally responsible practices in the
building industry through its teaching program. Through symposia and seminars
and the annual Heinz Distinguished Lecture Series, the program makes the general
public aware and be more sensitive to environmental issues and innovations in
approach related to the construction and building industry.Mascaro Learning Center
Built using Green Construction principles, the Center can seat sixty students.
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