The Center for Virtual Environments for Education (CAVE, for its Spanish acronym) is a laboratory/studio designed and furnished to support a standard lecture course for up to 16 students, along with a dedicated desk for the instructor or lecturer. Student workstations are arranged using tables and chairs, and the space can be subdivided into two independent work or conference areas. Additionally, the facility includes a secure storage area for materials and equipment.
The laboratory/studio is equipped with two projection screens and two digital projectors, each connected to its own computer, all integrated through a digital network. Each unit is configured with the necessary software licenses and applications required for course instruction and audiovisual communication.
CAVE originated as a collaborative initiative between the UPRM Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying and the School of Architecture at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. The main goal of this partnership is the development of a Minor Concentration aimed at exposing students to interdisciplinary and collaborative work, helping them acquire the skills needed to thrive in professional environments.
A key aspect of this integrated practice approach is the vital and growing role of technological advancements—particularly those enabling real-time information exchange among team members. These innovations not only improve communication efficiency but also enhance its depth and precision through the use of metadata, driven by the ongoing evolution of internet-based software applications.