Bangkok--26 Jul--Spark Communications
Chiang Mai University Thailand To Build Next-Generation of Architecture Professionals With Autodesk Memorandum of Understanding
Thai architecture undergraduates to gain access to leading-edge curriculum and professional design tools from Autodesk based on global benchmarks
Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Chiang Mai University Thailand (CMU) to provide CMU architecture undergraduates with industry-leading Autodesk technology and software. The agreement will see a collaboration between CMU and Autodesk in curriculum development — marrying the latest in design software tools with global best-practices and learning methodology.
Founded in 1964 by Royal Charter, CMU or Mor Chor, was the first institute of higher education in the north, and Thailand’s first provincial university. In 2006, CMU was one out of three Thai universities ranked ‘Excellent’ by the Commission of Higher Education (Thailand).
“The CMU Faculty of Architecture has a long history of excellence and commitment towards quality higher education, and this agreement will help propel CMU to the next level,” said Associate Professor Dr. Sombat Thiratrakoolchai, Dean of the CMU Faculty of Architecture. “A first in Thailand, students can look forward to a range of training resources aligned to some the world’s most advanced technologies and practices in the field of architecture today.
Under the agreement, CMU will commit training facilities and academic resources under the guidance of Autodesk, who will be providing training for academic staff, online and e-learning support, as well as access to software at preferential rates. CMU undergraduates will also have access to free student versions of Autodesk Revit versions of Autodesk Revit — the industry’s leading benchmark software for 3D architecture design and for building information management (BIM) — downloadable along with other academic resources from the Autodesk Student Community portal.
Autodesk and CMU will also collaborate to update curriculum and material to reflect new global industry trends such as Building Information Modelling and new practices in 3D visualization in architectural designs.
“This partnership aims to build and inspire the next generation of Thai innovators — professionals that can hold their own in the global architecture marketplace upon graduation,” said Sivadas Ramadas, Regional Director, Autodesk ASEAN. “Autodesk feels passionately about equipping students with the necessary tools to experience great ideas before they become reality, and this has become the basis of our continued support for education in Thailand and globally.”
About Autodesk Education
Autodesk supports academic achievement and lifelong learning by providing educators and students the software they need to prepare for careers in design. Autodesk is committed to helping the next generation of engineers, designers and architects have the power to dream tomorrow’s big ideas today by placing technology used by professionals in classrooms throughout the world. Autodesk helps institutions invest in the future by offering substantial discounts, innovative subscription offerings, grant programs, training, curricula and community resources. For more information about Autodesk’s education programs and solutions, visit www.autodesk.com/education.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.
About the Faculty of Architecture, Chiang Mai University Thailand
Chiang Mai University was the first provincial university established in Thailand and the first to be named after the city it is in. Founded in 1964, the university is today acknowledged as the pre-eminent center for study in the North of Thailand. Chiang Mai University was ranked "Excellent" in both academic performance and research by Commission on Higher Education of Thailand.
Endorsed by the Ministry of University Affairs, the Faculty of Architecture was first founded as a Department of Architecture offering first-degree programmes in 1995, based on a completely revised curriculum modeled after the curricula of five renowned U.S. universities. Officially established in June 2000 as the Faculty of Architecture, while the faculty is today an important part of Chiang Mai University and is a government unit, it is different from most other faculties as it is partially independent financially.
Autodesk, AutoCAD, Autodesk Maya and Autodesk Inventor are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. Autodesk is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.
2007 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
Annex A
Tools for Success: The Student Engineering and Design Community
Autodesk launched its Student Engineering and Design Community in September 2006 to allow students and educators in the fields of architecture, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial design and gaming and animation free* access to the professional tools they need to bring their ideas to life. To date, more than 50,000 students and educators from more than 2,500 institutions in 73 countries have made more than 50,000 downloads of Autodesk’s 3D software.
Any student or educator with a valid education email address is invited to participate in the community. Although the free* software downloads are becoming increasingly popular, the site also allows students to learn, collaborate and communicate with their peers on campuses around the world through forums, chat discussions and other social networking capabilities. The popular job postings section provides students with opportunities for internships as well as full-time and part-time jobs. The Student Engineering and Design Community can be accessed at www.students.autodesk.com
*Free products are subject to the terms and conditions of the end-user license agreement that accompanies download of the software.
Support of the FIRST Robotics Competition
Autodesk is also committed to inspiring creativity in the next generation of innovators at the earliest age possible. Autodesk is a major supporter of the worldwide FIRST Robotics Competition, which inspires young people to appreciate science and technology through the design and construction of imaginative robots. Autodesk has been a sponsor of the FIRST Robotics event since 1992, donating the tools students need to imagine and create their robots. Globally, Autodesk has donated US$17 million worth of software and training resources to the program over the past year.
Inventor Student Design Contest
Since January 2007, students around the world have had the chance to share their designs created using Autodesk Inventor to compete for prizes from HP, ATI and 3Dconnexion. The contest will close May 1, and winners will be announced May 15 (for more information visit www.students.autodesk.com/inventor ).