Search | Menu Student lends 3D model expertise to $300M city project
Madison College student Sergio Perez grew up on the east side and has always dreamed of working with the City of Madison.
This summer, the civil engineering student had that chance, creating a 3D model display for the city's Triangle Redevelopment Project. City officials reached out to Madison College to enlist student assistance with the $300 million "Taking Shape, Our Triangle" redevelopment initiative, which aims to create hundreds of affordable, modern homes in downtown Madison.
"This was an incredible opportunity to work in the field with city engineers and architects," Sergio says of the resume-boosting experience.
Helping the community, gaining experience
Sergio worked on the project for six months while managing his full-time student coursework, gaining new knowledge in working with software used by architects and engineers.
He created the 3D model at Madison College's STEM Center, a valuable workshop for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics students to access 3D printers, a Glow Forge machine, and more materials to create their projects.
The college-center collaboration also provided Sergio with valuable skills in communicating with stakeholders and customers, as well as hands-on product development experience from start to finish.
Dr. Kit Carlson and STEM Center staff member Tom Fleming served as advisors and mentors, guiding Sergio on the project and helping him build expertise on the 3D printers.
"He was committed to making this piece remarkable, giving back to the city he grew up in," says Dr. Kit Carlson.
The big project reveal took place on August 13, when Sergio presented the 3D model at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Triangle redevelopment project. Heather Stouder, from the City of Madison Department of Planning & Community & Economic Development, says it was great to work with Sergio throughout the process, thanks to his creative ideas and diligent follow-through.
"My favorite part was seeing him interact with CDA Triangle residents, elected officials, and others, using the model to help everyone gain a better understanding of this major multi-year project to significantly improve and expand affordable housing in this part of Madison's downtown," Stouder says.
Sergio was proud as several dozen people gathered at the celebration and viewed his impressive model.
"I am grateful for this opportunity and thank the City of Madison, and all the support I received from Madison College faculty and staff, and the valuable resources from the STEM Center," Sergio says.
